Neurologist Warns: Frequent Painkiller Use Can Cause Headaches

Painkillers can quickly relieve a headache, but when taken too often, they can themselves make headaches more frequent. Neurologist and cephalalgia specialist Anna Stamo explained this on her social media, describing why you shouldn't treat headaches with pills every day and what to do if the pain doesn't go away, according to infohub.kz.

According to the doctor, one common scenario looks like this: a person feels pain, takes a pill, and gets relief for a while, but then the attack returns — and they have to take the medication again. This creates a vicious cycle.

If painkillers are used too often, headaches can become more regular, and the usual medications can become less effective. Meanwhile, the true cause of frequent attacks remains untreated, and the burden on the stomach, liver, and kidneys grows.

Medication-overuse headache can develop from using the drugs too frequently — especially if painkillers are taken more than 10–15 days a month. The exact threshold depends on the type of medication, so it's best to assess the frequency of use together with a doctor.

According to the neurologist, painkillers should be seen as an emergency remedy for an attack, not as a daily solution to the problem. She advises taking painkillers no more than 2–3 times a week, not increasing the dose on your own, and keeping a headache diary to track the frequency of attacks and medication use.

If headaches occur frequently and painkillers are needed regularly, you should see a doctor. With medication-overuse headache, withdrawal of the drugs under supervision may be necessary.

"You can't overcome medication-overuse headache through willpower. You need withdrawal under a doctor's supervision and tailored preventive therapy," the doctor emphasized.

After properly selected treatment, attacks may become less frequent, and painkillers may start working effectively again.

There is also the opposite mistake — enduring the pain. Kursiv Health discussed the problem of chronic pain with neurologist Yevgeniya Bakhtybayeva, how it arises, and why pain should not be ignored.