Rebound headaches occur after the frequent use of certain headache medications. While the medication may temporarily relieve your headache, the headache comes back even stronger once the medication wears away, hence the "rebound" effect. If you're continually experiencing rebound headaches, it's important that you talk to your doctor about the severity of the headaches, when they occur and safer medications that will help you relieve your headaches without causing the rebound effect.
Step 1
Keep a headache journal to show to your doctor, suggests FamilyDoctor.org, a division of the American Academy of Family Physicians. By keeping track of when and where your rebound headaches occur, your doctor can identify possible triggers and develop a more effective plan in treating your rebound headaches safely.
Step 2
Switch to a safer medication to help manage your headache pain. With the help of your doctor, you can choose and take a new medication with less risk of dependency and rebound headaches. Certain antidepressants, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and even Botox can be used to help relieve your rebound headaches and manage your withdrawal symptoms without the risk of dependency.
Step 3
Talk to your pharmacist before trying a new medication to ensure that your new drug won't negatively interact with any of your current medications, warns the Cleveland Clinic. Rebound headaches can sometimes be the cause of drug interactions, and if your doctor isn't vigilant, he may miss some of the side effects. Your pharmacist should be able to go over your list of medications and identify any potential problems.
Tips and Warnings
- Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you find yourself continually abusing your headache medication in order to manage your rebound headaches. You may require a hospital stay to help wean you off of the medication with the help of certain medications that can help reduce your withdrawal symptoms. When you can't stop using your medication on your own, or have other risk factor problems like depression, rebound headaches are no longer manageable without medical care. Your doctor can help you find a path to being medication and headache-free.
- Prepare yourself for the symptoms of withdrawal, suggests MayoClinic.com. If you use medications like barbiturates and analgesics to help manage your headaches and you suddenly stop using them, your rebound headaches may be worse than ever. By preparing yourself to wean off of the medication, you won't be taken by the side effects unawares. You may also experience nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness and nausea when you stop taking your medication.
Things You'll Need
- Journal
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