What Pain-Relievers Are Responsible for Causing Rebound Headaches?
Many commonly used immediate relief medications, when taken in large enough amounts, can cause rebound headaches. Medications once thought of as “safe” are turning up as the likeliest culprits. These include: Aspirin Sinus relief medications Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Aleve) Sedatives for sleep Codeine and prescription narcotics Over-the-counter combination headache remedies containing caffeine (such as Anacin, Excedrin, Bayer Select) Ergotamine preparations (such as Cafergot, Migergot, Ergomar, Bellergal-S, Bel-Phen-Ergot S, Phenerbel-S, Ercaf, Wigraine and Cafatine PB) Butalbital combination pain-relievers (Goody’s Headache Powder, Supac, Excedrin) While small amounts of these medications per week may be safe (and effective) — at some point, the continued medication use can lead to the development of low grade headaches that just will not go away.
