Headaches from taking painkillers?
Headaches can actually get worse if you take painkillers too often, this is also called medication-dependent headache. This often occurs in people who already suffer from migraines or tension headaches. The body gets used to the painkillers, so you get headaches when you don't take them. This can lead to a vicious cycle of more and more headaches and more medication use.
What do you notice?
- The painkillers don't help the headache as much.
- You need a painkiller more and more often.
- You wake up with a headache in the morning or at night.
- The headache gets worse when you work hard or are active.
- The headache you had before gets worse. For example:
- You suffer from migraines more often or more often.
- You suffer from tension headaches more often or more often.
In addition to headaches, you may also suffer from one or more of these things:
- You are tired, nauseous, restless, anxious or gloomy.
- You get annoyed easily.
- You find it hard to keep your attention on anything.
What painkillers are involved?
- paracetamol (painkiller)
- NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen (painkiller)
- opioids (very strong painkillers, such as morphine)
What can you do if you have headaches from painkillers?
If you notice that you have headaches from using too many painkillers, it is important to stop using them. At the pharmacy, we can support you in phasing out medication. Although stopping can be difficult and the headache may get worse in the beginning, it is the best way to break this cycle.
How do you know if the headache is caused by the painkillers?
On thuisarts.nl you will find a headache diary to fill in. In it you write down when you have a headache and when you have taken painkillers. You can discuss the completed diary with your doctor. That way you can find out if these headaches are due to painkillers.