Risk of Rebound Headaches

Headache sufferers often rely on drugs and medications that relieve pain. These medications are to help in a variety of situations such as inadequate relief of head pain, the recurrence of headaches, anticipation of a headache attack, to make pain more bearable, to function more effectively, to decrease tension and anxiety or to help sleep better.

Such overuse of headache pain medications can lead to problems. They include irritation to the stomach’s lining, ulcers, bleeding in the digestive tract and severe allergic reactions.

Rebound headache occurs in individuals who are susceptible to headache who take pain relievers more than two days per week.

It is important not to exceed the package instructions for the medication. Rebound is based on a cumulative effect, developing over time, and is rarely recognized by the headache sufferer or by their healthcare provider, who is likely unaware that the patient is taking OTC medications.