Medication Overuse
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.
Test Your Knowledge
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.
News & Articles
Treating Medication Overuse Headache
Learn more about what treatment options there are and how to decide on which treatmentRead More
Research Summary: Treatment Strategies for Medication Overuse Headache
Medication overuse headache (MOH) is characterized by escalating headache frequency and the progressive use ofRead More
OTC Migraine Treatment: Q&A
Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, discusses working with patients and getting honest answers about their OTCRead More
Medication Overuse Headache: Q&A With Todd Schwedt, MD, FAHS
Medication overuse is highly prevalent among patients with migraine. Dr. Todd Schwedt defines medication overuseRead More
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.Read More
Podcasts
Treating and Preventing Migraine
What acute and preventive medication options are there for people living with migraine? Dr. Olivia Begasse De Dhaem provides an overview of the different types of medications, from NSAIDS to triptans.
Patient Resources
Are You at Risk for Chronic Migraine? | The American Migraine Foundation
Enter your name and email for a free download of our guide on the progression of migraine from episodic to chronic.Read More
Medication Overuse Headache
Overusing certain headache medications can lead to increased headaches. Learn more about the causes and how to manage medication overuse headache.Read More
Over-the-Counter Medications vs. Prescription Medications
Find out whether over-the-counter medications or prescription medications are better for treating your migraine symptoms.Read More
Spotlight On: Medication Overuse Headache
Understanding and avoiding medication overuse headache. Learn more about how to prevent and treat medication overuse headache.Read More
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.Read More
Is Medication Overuse Headache Overdiagnosed and Treated Appropriately?
Patients suffering from headaches are often advised about a type of secondary headache called medication overuse headache or MOH.Read More
How Should We Define Chronic Migraine?
A recent study, winner of the Harold G. Wolff Lecture Award from the American Headache Society, opens new questions on how we define chronic migraine.Read More
What Is Medication Overuse Headache? | American Migraine Foundation
Download the American Migraine Foundation guide on Medication Overuse Headache to learn about what constitutes overuse for common medications.Read More
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The First Contact – Headache in Primary Care program is always being updated as new information and resources become available. Please let us know what other resources you would find helpful.
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