Can Acetaminophen Cause Medication Overuse Headaches?
The simple answer to this is Yes. The popular over the counter medication may be a culprit when abused
People often wonder if the popular over the counter (OTC) pain relief medication, Paracetamol can actually cause Medication Overuse Headache. Can a commonly prescribed medication for headaches actually trigger them? The simple answer to this is “Yes”. When overused or abused, Paracetamol can cause headaches.
Acetaminophen, also known as Paracetamol or Tylenol, is one of the most popular over the counter medications used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Acetaminophen, however, has no anti-inflammatory properties. Over the years, Acetaminophen has been used to relieve mild to severe headaches.
However, the Journal of Headache and Pain establishes the fact that the use of Acetaminophen in combination with caffeine is one of the first-line treatments for migraines and tension headaches. The recommended daily dose of Acetaminophen in adults for mild to moderate pain is 1 gram every 4-6 hours with a maximum of 4 grams per day. This simply means 2 tablets every 4-6 hours with a maximum of 8 tablets per day.
Exceeding 4 grams per day this is overuse. It is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any underlying liver impairment as the recommended doses may change.
What is a Medication-Overuse Headache?
The Migraine Trust reported that acute pain relief medicine use of more than 2 or 3 times a week or more than 15 days out of the month for 3 months and more can establish a cycle called Medication-Overuse Headaches (MOH). MOH is a dull steady headache that is present on most days, at least 15 days per month or part of the day, and especially intense in the morning upon awakening.
However, only persons that are prone to headaches or have a family history of migraines usually develop this. MOH has a prevalence ranging from 1-2% with a 3:1 female to male ratio and usually occurs in middle-aged people.
In simple words, taking more than 8 tablets of Acetaminophen more than 2-3 times a week and more than 15 days during a month can cause medication overuse headache in adults that are prone to headaches or have a family history of migraines.
What is the treatment for medication overuse headache?
The treatment of choice for medication overuse headache (MOH) is the discontinuation of the overused medication. In this case, Acetaminophen. Preventive treatment targeted at the background primary headache disorder should be started during or just after the withdrawal of the offending agent.
The American Migraine Foundation says that the patient should know that when the overused medication is stopped, they are likely to undergo a period where the headaches will get worse. Restlessness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or insomnia may be the other withdrawal symptoms.
The good news is the headaches will eventually improve. The overused medication may be discontinued abruptly or tapered down slowly. The headache cycle will eventually be broken in about 6 months.
Wouldn’t it be great if you stop abusing the popular OTC pain relief medication, Acetaminophen?
If you think you need help, you can always visit your doctor or pharmacist.
