Analgesic Overuse Headache (also known as medication overuse headache or rebound headache) refers to a recurring headache disorder that arises as a result of excessive use or dependence on pain-relieving medications over an extended period. Analgesics are drugs that alleviate pain, and when used correctly, they can provide relief for various types of headaches. However, overusing these medications can actually worsen the condition and result in chronic headaches.
Analgesic overuse headache typically occurs when an individual relies on analgesics, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, or combination analgesics, for more than 10 to 15 days per month. The headache can stem from primary headaches, such as tension-type headaches or migraines, but becomes chronic due to excessive medication intake.
Symptoms of analgesic overuse headache include a daily or near-daily, persistent headache that may resemble tension-type or migraine headaches. The pain intensity may vary, but it commonly worsens after analgesic intake. Additionally, individuals may experience medication-related side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances or rebound headache upon discontinuing the analgesic.
Treatment for analgesic overuse headache typically involves the gradual withdrawal of the overused pain medications. In some cases, a substitute medication may be prescribed to help manage withdrawal symptoms. Concurrently, implementing preventive strategies, such as identifying and addressing trigger factors, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques, can be beneficial.
Overall, analgesic overuse headache is a condition that arises from the excessive use of pain-relieving medications, leading to chronic headaches that require a multifaceted approach for effective management and prevention.
