Excessive Use of Painkillers Can Worsen Headaches
Dr. Fariborz Rezaei Taleb, Associate Professor of Neurology at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, stated:
Excessive use of painkillers and the lack of improvement in headaches can lead to drug dependency and a vicious cycle of medication-induced headaches. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor to receive a specific treatment for each headache.
Headaches are a common symptom among people, and it is rare for someone to have gone through life without experiencing various types of headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.
Excessive use of painkillers can exacerbate headaches in individuals. If a person takes painkillers at least every other day or daily for a minimum of three months without relief, they should stop taking the medication. Dependency on the drug may develop, leading to increased use and lack of headache relief, which can also cause mood problems and anxiety, further worsening the headaches. Consequently, the person becomes trapped in a vicious cycle, where headaches compel them to use painkillers, which, in turn, lead to more anxiety and headaches.
Additionally, excessive use of painkillers can cause side effects such as kidney and gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals seek specific treatment for each headache by consulting a doctor.
Headaches that suddenly appear within the past two to three weeks and cause discomfort and blurred vision are particularly concerning and may indicate more serious brain problems.
If a person experiences symptoms such as decreased consciousness, severe hypertension, or unilateral tingling and numbness during a headache, they should promptly consult a neurologist.