Paracetamol & Ibuprofen Use linked to Medication-Overuse Headaches: New Warning
A growing body of evidence highlights a potential, and often overlooked, side effect of common pain medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen: medication-overuse headaches. Even when taken within recommended dosages, frequent use can paradoxically cause chronic headaches, experts warn.
While paracetamol is generally considered safe and effective with a simpler side-effect profile than drugs like codeine – and is frequently enough combined with opiates in medications like co-codamol - regular use can be problematic. Taking more than the recommended dose, or using it too frequently enough, can lead to serious complications, including liver failure. Studies also indicate that even consistent use within guidelines can trigger chronic headaches in some individuals.
The issue isn’t always about exceeding daily limits. According to Dan, a specialist discussing the issue, the term “overuse” can be misleading. For paracetamol and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, medication-overuse headaches can develop with use on 15 or more days per month.Opiates carry an even higher risk, with headaches potentially appearing after just ten days of monthly use.
“It’s crucial to talk to a doctor if you need to use any painkiller, even over-the-counter ones, for a long time,” Dan stated. “Not everyone will develop medication-overuse headaches, and the risk seems to differ from person to person, meaning individual susceptibility plays a big role.”
Treatment for these headaches involves a gradual cessation of the offending medication, under medical supervision, with the ultimate goal of complete discontinuation. If headaches occur on more than 15 days a month, consulting a General Practitioner (GP) is crucial. Keeping a headache diary, detailing symptoms and daily activities, can aid in diagnosis and identifying underlying causes.
The exact mechanisms behind why painkillers can worsen headaches remain unclear, but the link is “now well-established.” In certain specific cases, patients onyl discover the root of their pain when they stop taking the medication they’ve come to rely on – realizing the drugs were actually fueling their headaches.
