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.

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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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