Painkillers are meant to stop headaches, but using them too often can actually cause more pain. This is called medication-overuse headache. It happens when frequent use of pain medicine creates a cycle — the more you take, the worse the headaches get. Doctors say it affects about 1% to 2% of people, and it’s more common in women.
Both prescription and over-the-counter painkillers can cause this problem. Strong drugs like codeine are known triggers, but even everyday medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can cause rebound headaches if used too often.
Taking opiates for more than 10 days a month or ibuprofen and similar drugs for more than 15 days can lead to trouble. Migraine drugs called triptans can also cause overuse headaches. The biggest warning sign is when headaches happen more often or get stronger even though you’re taking medicine.
The best way to treat it is to cut back or stop the medication — usually with help from a doctor. It might be uncomfortable at first, but most people find their headaches improve once they stop the overused drugs. Keeping a headache diary and talking with a doctor can help you find safer, lasting relief. Knowing that painkillers can backfire is the first step toward finally feeling better.
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