Hey there! If you’re reading this, you probably know just how life-disrupting chronic migraines can be. They can turn a good day into a struggle and keep you from enjoying the things you love. Today, we’re diving into a specific type of headache that affects many women—medication-overuse headache (MOH). Let’s uncover what MOH is, why it happens, and how you can find relief.

What is Medication-Overuse Headache?

Picture this: You have a headache, you take some medicine, and the pain fades away. Relief! But what happens when you rely on that medicine a little too often? Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is what happens. It’s a frequent headache caused by the very medications we use to treat migraines or tension-type headaches when taken too often for too long. Imagine your body rebelling against your well-intentioned efforts to find relief.

Common Culprits

Almost any medication can cause MOH, including everyday painkillers like aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine. Even those over-the-counter pills can sneak up on you. And it’s not just the regular painkillers; medications specifically for migraines, like triptans and ergotamine, can also lead to MOH. Aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine, and opioids—even those bought over the counter—can give this problem. The numbers are surprising—around 5% of the general population may suffer from this issue.

Who Gets Medication-Overuse Headaches?

You might be wondering if you’re at risk. MOH is more common in women than men. In fact, for all types of headaches combined, women are 1.67 times more likely to experience headaches than men. It doesn’t discriminate by age, either; even children can develop MOH. If you find yourself reaching for that pain relief a bit too often, it’s time to take a closer look at your habits.

Recognizing the Symptoms

MOH can feel like a relentless, dull pain that just won’t quit. It often comes with overlapping migraine-like attacks. You might feel exhausted, nauseous, irritable, and find it hard to sleep. Some days, it feels like you’re carrying a heavy cloud on your head from morning to night. Interestingly, MOH tends to be at its worst early in the morning, right when you’re trying to start your day on the right foot.

Finding Relief: Will My Headache Get Better?

Here’s the good news: Yes, your headache can get better! If your headache is caused by overusing medication, improvement is on the horizon once you stop the overuse. Proper treatment depends on the original headache and the overused medication. Painkillers or antimigraine treatments might seem like a quick fix, but they often make the condition worse over time. According to Harvard Health, if your headache is caused by overusing medication, then it is very likely to improve once you stop doing this, but not otherwise.

Diagnosing MOH

No special tests are required to diagnose MOH. Your doctor will base the diagnosis on your headache history and medication use. It’s essential to be honest and thorough about your symptoms and how often you take painkillers. If there’s any doubt, your doctor might order a brain scan to rule out other conditions, but this is usually not necessary.

Taking Action: What Can I Do to Help Myself?

The only way to treat MOH is to stop overusing the medication causing it. Easier said than done, right? But here’s the kicker—clinical studies show that at least two out of every three people who stop overusing their medication see significant improvement. You can either stop all at once or gradually reduce your intake over two to three weeks. Expect some withdrawal symptoms like worsening headaches, nausea, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. But hang in there; these symptoms are temporary and will get better with time.

Alternative Treatments

During withdrawal, your doctor might prescribe medications to help ease the process. These are only effective if you stop all other headache medications. Eventually, you’ll need to stop these medications as well, but for most, it’s better to go without them if possible.

The Risks of Continuing Medication Overuse

If you continue overusing medication, your headaches will become more frequent and severe, and you risk harming your liver and kidneys. It’s a vicious cycle that only leads to more pain and potential health issues.

Preventing MOH Recurrence

After withdrawing from overused medications, your original headache pattern is likely to return unless you address the root cause of your migraines. It’s crucial to manage your migraines without falling back into the overuse trap. Avoid treating headaches more than three consecutive days or more than two days a week. Keeping this balance can help you avoid slipping back into the cycle of MOH.

Managing chronic migraines and MOH might seem daunting, but with the right approach and support, you can find relief and reclaim your life. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Seeking medical advice and using medications wisely is key to living a happier, healthier life.

Ready to take the next step towards a headache-free life? Contact our clinic today and let our experts guide you on your path to relief. Visit our website for more information and to book your consultation. Don’t let migraines hold you back any longer—take action now and start your journey to a brighter, pain-free future!

Disclaimer: Supplements alone may not eliminate migraines. Use specific migraine testing to identify your migraine causes with the guidance of a professional. If you notice your headaches becoming more frequent or more severe, be sure to see your doctor. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment. Also, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements to be sure they don’t interact with any other medications you may be taking.

How we reviewed this article: Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version: July 2nd, 2024

Written By: the Soothed Migraine Specialists

Edited By: Will Simpson, BAppSc, MBA.

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Mary Oppenheim, M.D. Dr. Mary Oppenheim graduated from the University College of Cork, Ireland in 2009 with a medical degree in Internal Medicine and has worked in the fields of Neurology, Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Dr Oppenheim is currently a medical lecturer at the Global Medical Education Collaborative. She has been a migraine sufferer herself and understands how disabling the condition can be.

Dr. Chloe Berland, Ph.D. Dr. Berland graduated from the University of Sorbonne Paris & Columbia University New York. She has a PhD in Neuroscience and is passionate about the pathophysiology of migraine. See Dr Berland’s published research at ResearchGate.

Sources: Soothed has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Medication Overuse Headache: an Updated Review and Clinical Recommendations on Management. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11910-023-01278-y?fromPaywallRec=false

Medication-overuse headache: causes, consequences and management. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s10194-024-01755-w

The prevalence and clinical burden of medication-overuse headache in a population-based sample. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pain-research/articles/10.3389/fpain.2023.1194134/full

Stopping the vicious cycle of rebound headaches. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/stopping-the-vicious-cycle-of-rebound-headaches-2019110718180#:~=Medication%20overuse%20headaches%20usually%20stop,worse%20before%20it%20gets%20better

Prevention of medication overuse in patients with migraine. https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/head.13785

Epidemiology of chronic daily headache in the general population. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1468-2982.2003.00468.x