Medication Overuse Headache
Overview
When used too frequently, some medications can actually contribute to more headache days. Patients leaning on over-the-counter medication, narcotics and other painkillers could be unknowingly worsening their symptoms. These resources will help providers identify medication overuse headache, wean patients off ineffective treatments and find more successful treatment options.
Podcasts
Videos
Over-the-Counter Medications
When treating migraine, there are two main forms of medication to manage symptoms: over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, and prescription medications, such as triptans. Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, spoke with us about everything you should know about these therapies.
Preventive Treatment for Migraine
Preventive treatments for migraine should be considered for patients with four or more headache days a month. Here’s how and when preventive measures such as medication or lifestyle changes should be used to treat migraine.
Clinical Pearls on Migraine Prevention
Preventative measures are especially beneficial for patients with frequent, disabling or long-lasting attacks. While 40% of those patients could see improved outcomes, only 15% of patients receive preventive options. Stephanie Nahas, MD, MSEd, FAHS, shares clinical pearls on migraine prevention.
Recent News & Research
Treating Medication Overuse Headache
Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) occurs when a person is regularly overusing acute headache medications, resulting in increased headache. It is important to present the possibility of MOH to the patient in a sensitive, non-accusatory way.
Research Summary: Treatment Strategies for Medication Overuse Headache
Medication overuse headache (MOH) is characterized by escalating headache frequency and the progressive use of short-term medication. This can result in episodic headache syndromes such as migraine transforming to chronic, refractory headaches.
OTC Migraine Treatment: Q&A
Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, discusses working with patients and getting honest answers about their OTC migraine treatment strategies
Medication Overuse Headache: Q&A With Todd Schwedt, MD, FAHS
Medication overuse is highly prevalent among patients with migraine. Dr. Todd Schwedt defines medication overuse headache and explains how the MOTS Trial will influence treatment recommendations
Medication Overuse Headache: Q&A with Deborah Friedman, MD, MPH, FAHS
Medication overuse headache is a well-known association with chronic headache disorders including chronic migraine. Dr. Friedman offers guidance on how it can be treated
Additional Resources
Medication Overuse Headache
Overview: MOH Risk Factors, Associated Conditions
What to Know about Prescription Preventives for Migraine
Patient Resources
Medication Overuse Headache
Overusing certain headache medications can lead to increased headaches. Learn more about the causes and how to manage medication overuse headache.
Over-the-Counter Medications vs. Prescription Medications
Find out whether over-the-counter medications or prescription medications are better for treating your migraine symptoms.
Spotlight On: Medication Overuse Headache
Understanding and avoiding medication overuse headache. Learn more about how to prevent and treat medication overuse headache.
Medication Overuse Headache: Q&A with Deborah Friedman, MD, MPH, FAHS
Medication overuse headache is a well-known association with chronic headache disorders including chronic migraine. Dr. Deborah Friedman discusses with AHS.
