User:Mr. Ibrahem/Medication overuse headache

Medication overuse headache (MOH), also known as a rebound headache, are headaches that occur as the result of frequently taking pain medication. The pain may involve the whole head. Onset is over months to years. Other health problems may include anxiety or depression. Complications may include side effects from medication.

Generally it occurs in people with migraines or tension-type headaches following the use of excessive acute headache relief medications. The most commonly associated medications are triptans, opioids, and barbiturates; though, it may also occur with NSAIDs or paracetamol (acetaminophen). Other risk factors include smoking. Those affected have at least 15 headache days per month. Diagnosis is based on symptoms after excluding other potential causes.

Treatment involves reducing or stopping the excessively used medication together with starting preventative medications. Preventative medications may include topiramate, valproic acid, or CGRP receptor antagonists. Counseling may also be useful. With treatment, the majority of people get better.

Medication overuse headache affects about 1-2% of adults (50 to 100 million people). Females are more commonly affected than males. The condition may represent up to 70% of cases of chronic daily headaches (CDH). It was first described in 1951.