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Conditions We Treat
Q: I have heard that over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can actually cause more frequent headaches if you take them too much. Can taking OTC pain medicines too often actually make my headaches worse?Ask Our Expert About Headaches and Over-the-Counter Medications About Our ExpertJeffrey Brown, D.O., is a family medicine physician at Lehigh Valley Health Network's Hellertown Family Health. Practicing Medicine Since 2001 Education Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, 1992, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy Residency in Family Practice Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network Board Certification American Academy of Family Physicians, 2001
Q: I have heard that over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can actually cause more frequent headaches if you take them too much. Can taking OTC pain medicines too often actually make my headaches worse?A: Yes, you could get a “rebound” headache. In other words, if you take medication multiple times a day more than a couple of times a week, you can get a headache from withdrawal when you stop taking the medication. You can suffer a “rebound” from any painkiller, whether it’s over-the-counter or prescription. If you’re having headaches that don’t respond to painkillers, please see your physician. You should investigate what’s causing this headache. Migraine, tension, cluster, and rebound are common causes. Q: What are the warning signs of a rebound headache?A: It is a time phenomenon. You may feel good for awhile. But it’s a red flag if you get a raging headache when the medication wears off or if you stop taking it for a few days. Q: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) hit the news recently when the Journal of the American Medical Association reported (based on a small study) that taking the maximum dose for multiple days be damaging to your liver. Should I be concerned and how can I safely treat my bad headaches?A: Tylenol is a safe medication. Tylenol or Advil is what I usually first prescribe for my patients. If you follow the recommended doses on the packaging or directions from your physician, you’ll be fine. But if you’re taking a pain medication at prescription doses for long periods of time, that’s not safe. Q: Could taking medication at the first sign of a headache stop its progression and help prevent the need for more pills later?A: Getting medicine in your system early is like stopping the train before it leaves the station. Because once the headache begins, it’s more difficult to treat and could create nausea. It’s a very common reason to miss days of work. The best strategy for migraine headache, for example, is to take the pain reliever when you know the pain is starting. Sometimes warning signs such as flashes of light alerts patients that a migraine is coming. Q: Are there any lifestyle changes that I should consider to reduce headache triggers?A: The number one trigger for migraine is stress. Too much sleep or too little sleep can also be triggers. Even dietary items may be a factor. Studies have linked some mood disorders to headaches, and antidepressants become a safe alternative for people who have been plagued with headaches for years. Q: I read that acupuncture helps relieve chronic pain. Is this a treatment option for bad headaches?A: Absolutely. Acupuncture lowered headache frequency in research studies. This page last updated 10/15/08 02:19 PM
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