Excess Use of Painkillers Causes Headaches

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) estimates that one in 50 people who experience headaches may do so due to excessive use of painkillers.

Medical News Today reports that NICE warns that the main cause of headaches for almost a million people in the UK could be medication overuse. The institute says the problem stems from using painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) on more than 15 days a month.

It also flags as a problem the use of opioids, ergots, triptans (a group of specific anti-migraine medicines), or combination analgesic medications on at least 10 days per month.

NICE researchers say people using painkillers on a daily basis for a long period may get caught in a vicious circle as they seek to relieve headache pain by increasing their use of painkillers, writes Medical News Today. The new NICE guidelines suggest to immediately stop taking all painkillers and switch to other alternatives.

However, if the medication contains codeine, consulting the doctor is advisable, reports Medical News Today.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by painkillers or a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.

Tags: