Is Your Medication Causing Headaches?

MEDICATIONS AS A CAUSE OF HEADACHES

Over-the-Counter Medicines that can cause headaches

The overuse of some medications can cause headaches. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Some over-the-counter migraine and pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin,

• Pseudoephedrine

• Caffeine-containing medications (often used in headache preparations) and also withdrawal from caffeine.

• Occasionally, antihistamines cause this problem as well.

Some prescription medications known to cause headaches

• Overuse of codeine and hydrocodone

• Corticosteroids

• Hormones

• Nitrates

• ADHD medications (stimulants)

• Sleeping pills Statins (cholesterol medications)

• Protein pump inhibitors (for heartburn and reflux)

• Niacin

Certain Medicines Can Cause Headaches

General Recommendations for Treatment

Again, this is a case of treating the underlying cause of your headaches. If you think one of your medications may be causing these, if it is an over-the-counter medicine, try to find an alternative (discuss this with a pharmacist if you need to). In many cases, there are plenty of other options for treatment. For prescription medications, ask the original prescriber to help you find an alternative. Try not to discontinue prescription medications without discussing it with a healthcare provider.

More Information on Causes, Treatment and Support of Headaches Can Be Found HERE.