10 Common Types of Headaches
Type #6: Medication Overuse Headache
Medication overuse headache, also called rebound headache, is a common secondary type of headache. It occurs frequently, usually daily, and presents with symptoms that are similar to those of migraine or tension headaches. Rebound headaches occur as a result of overuse of some medications. NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen, acetaminophen, opioids, and triptans like sumatriptan are some of the culprit medications.
It is distressing that rebound headaches are caused by the very medication that is prescribed to treat headaches. Therefore, if you have taken any of the above pain medications for more than 15 days in a month and you still have headaches, it is advisable to stop and talk to a doctor about it. Take note that you may still get medication overuse headaches for up to 10 days after you stop taking the offending medication.
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