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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 28 No. 6 2005
Medication overuse headache
Most people get headaches. These headaches are often treated with painkillers.
Painkillers are usually not a problem if they are used occasionally. If they are used too often the patient may be unable to cope without them. The medicines may also seem less effective if the body gets used to them.
Medication overuse headache can affect people who use painkillers too often. They get their headache whenever the painkiller starts to wear off so they take another dose. The medicine which once cured the headache is now causing the headache. These headaches may occur every day.
The only treatment for medication overuse headache, is to stop taking the painkiller that is causing it. As some medicines should not be stopped abruptly, a doctor should be consulted before stopping. A slow reduction in the dose may be needed.
Recovery from medication overuse headache may take several months.
