What is Rebound Headaches?
Rebound headaches are caused by frequent use of headache medication. While pain relievers offer relief for headaches, taking several of them a week may trigger rebound headaches. To avoid rebound headaches, reduce or stop taking the pain medication.
• Rebound headaches tend to occur every day, often waking you up early morning.
• Rebound headaches improve with medication but return when the medication wears off and persist throughout the day.
While occasional headaches are common, some types of headaches can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical care if the headache is: sudden and severe; Is accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, or weakness, and gets worse despite rest and medication and wakes you up from sleep.
Tips to avoid rebound headaches
• Consult a doctor on how much medication you can take.
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day – even on weekends.
• Don’t skip meals; start the day with a healthy breakfast and have lunch and dinner at the same time every day.
• Reduce stress; get your schedule organized and stay positive.
• Relax. Try yoga, meditation, or relaxation exercises. Set aside time to listen to music, read books, or take a hot bath.
• Avoid smoking.
