Headline: Excessive Use of Painkillers Can Worsen Headaches, Causing Medication Overuse Headaches
Date: July 2, 2023
Many people who frequently suffer from headaches have a habit of buying and taking over-the-counter painkillers from pharmacies or convenience stores. However, taking painkillers too often can actually worsen headaches. This condition is known as “medication overuse headaches.”
Medication overuse headaches refer to the worsening of existing headaches or the emergence of new headaches due to excessive use of medication. Not only painkillers classified as over-the-counter drugs, but also prescription triptans (specific acute medications for migraines) and combination painkillers prescribed by hospitals can be the cause. Using these acute painkillers for more than 6 days a month increases the risk of medication overuse headaches by about 6 times. If used for more than 11 days a month, the risk can increase up to 20 times.
When medication overuse headaches occur, the effectiveness of acute painkillers gradually diminishes over time, and the frequency of headaches increases. Moreover, dependence on excessive medication becomes more severe, making it difficult to achieve fundamental treatment.
Therefore, it is important not to take painkillers indiscriminately when experiencing headaches. If medication overuse headaches have already occurred, discontinuing the use of painkillers can lead to improvement. Some patients who are heavily dependent on painkillers may fear discontinuation and even resort to hospitalization. During the first two weeks of discontinuation, it can be the most challenging period. In such cases, steroids or nerve block procedures may be used. However, even discontinuing the use of painkillers for just one month can lead to an improvement in headaches.
Furthermore, for patients with medication overuse headaches, it is crucial to identify and treat the underlying causes of the hidden headaches that led to excessive painkiller use.
How can individuals suffering from medication overuse headaches find long-lasting relief and effectively manage their headaches
New Study Reveals: Overusing Painkillers Leads to Worsened Headaches and Medication Overuse Headaches
Date: July 2, 2023
Are you a frequent headache sufferer who relies on over-the-counter painkillers for relief? Well, you may want to reconsider your medication habits. A recent study has found that excessive use of painkillers can actually make headaches worse, leading to a condition called “medication overuse headaches.”
Medication overuse headaches occur when the excessive use of painkillers causes existing headaches to worsen or even triggers new headaches. It’s not just over-the-counter painkillers that can be the culprit; prescription triptans (specific acute medications for migraines) and combination painkillers prescribed by hospitals can also contribute to this condition. In fact, using these acute painkillers for more than 6 days a month increases the risk of medication overuse headaches by about 6 times. If used for more than 11 days a month, the risk can skyrocket up to 20 times.
One of the concerning effects of medication overuse headaches is the gradual diminishing effectiveness of acute painkillers over time, paired with an increase in the frequency of headaches. Furthermore, dependence on excessive medication becomes more severe, making it increasingly challenging to achieve proper treatment.
Given these findings, it’s important to be cautious when reaching for painkillers to alleviate your headaches. If you’re already experiencing medication overuse headaches, discontinuing the use of painkillers can bring about improvement. Understandably, some individuals heavily dependent on painkillers may be apprehensive about discontinuation and may even consider hospitalization. This initial period of discontinuation, lasting approximately two weeks, can be the most difficult. In extreme cases, steroids or nerve block procedures may be used to ease the transition. However, even discontinuing the use of painkillers for just one month can result in a notable improvement in headaches.
In addition, for those with medication overuse headaches, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying causes of the hidden headaches that led to excessive painkiller use. By getting to the root of the problem, patients can undergo appropriate treatment and experience long-lasting relief.
Remember, moderation is key when it comes to painkiller usage for headaches. By being mindful of your medication habits, you can avoid the detrimental cycle of medication overuse headaches and find more effective, lasting solutions for headache management.
