I prefer combo pain killers, for my headaches as they are quite severe. I switch between using Mybulen, Myprodol or GenPayne... general composition is a tiny dose of paracetamol, some codeine, and some ibuprofen. The quantity is a bit different in each, but the ingredients are very similar (I'm pretty sure there's no codeine in the Myprodol).

For my migraines (which thank God is very rare these days) I use Tramadol, although it only manages to ease the pain somewhat.

Prior to joining PC I didn't know about the paracetamol either, a good friend sent me a link when we were discussing headaches, and since then I avoid paracetamol as far as possible, but as u can see they are present in my current med choice, albeit in tiny amounts.