Treatment for Rebound Headaches
Without the proper treatment, rebound headaches will progressively get worse. Discontinuing the medication – either cold turkey or gradually decreasing the dosage is recommended according to Mayo Clinic. Other options include:
- Speak with your doctor about medications that can prevent migraines or headaches to avoid medication overuse.
- Decrease the use of over-the-counter pain medication to 15 days or less per month.
- Prescription headache medication with opioids, barbiturates, triptans and ergots should only be taken 10 days or less per month.
Preventing Rebound Headaches
Preventing your rebound headaches altogether is the best bet. Adhering to medication guidelines is key.
- Follow medication instructions on the label or from your doctor.
- Take pain-relieving medication only when necessary, and in the smallest dose possible.
- Ask your doctor if your OTC pain reliever negatively interacts with other prescriptions you’re taking.
- Avoid caffeine and caffeine-containing products while taking pain-relieving medicine.