Step Away From the Tablets: Are Painkillers Actually Making Your Headaches Worse?

Is there anything worse than a headache? For most of us when we start to feel that familiar pounding in our skull, we quickly reach for the nearest packet of painkillers. But did you know that taking tablets can actually make your headache worse?

Apparently taking common over-the-counter painkillers whenever we have a headache can make the pain intensify because over time, our brains become immune to the effect of the drugs. And, according to doctors, women are more likely to suffer from this than men.

Doctors have said that instead of relying on over-the-counter drugs to combat headaches when they flare up, people should try treatments that prevent headaches in the first place, such as acupuncture and deep relaxation techniques.

All of us suffer from headaches at some point in time, but a fifth of people suffer from much more serious and debilitating types, such as intense tension headache, on most days of the week.

Although doctors have said that some people are prone to “medication overuse headaches” because they have become so over-reliant on headache and migraine painkillers.

Are you over-dependent on painkillers when it comes to getting rid of a headache?

“Patients with frequent tension-type headaches or migraines can get themselves into a vicious cycle, where their headaches are getting increasingly worse,” said Dr Manjit Matharu, a consultant neurologist.

Unfortunately if you think that your headaches are caused by medication dependence, the only want to break free of the cycle is to go cold turkey.

“This is one of the most difficult conversations I have with patients, because the headache will get worse over the next few days,” said Dr Martin Underwood, a GP.

How do you cope when you have a headache? Do you lie in a dark room and try to sleep it off or are you guilty of grabbing a box of painkillers?