Consumer Reports Urges Chronic Headache Sufferers to Examine Their ...

Tag : Drugs & Medications
Regular Use of Pain Pills Can Make Headaches Worse



YONKERS, N.Y., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reportsadvises people who suffer from frequent headaches to talk to theirdoctors before reaching again into their medicine cabinets. Overuseof prescription and over-the-counter pain medications can makeheadaches worse, according to Consumer Reports' medical adviserOrly Avitzur, M.D., who reports in CR's October issue on how someconsumers inadvertently create their own headaches.



"People tend not to think of headache pills, especially those theycan buy without a prescription, as 'serious' drugs," says Dr.Avitzur. "But, used improperly, even drugs like acetaminophen,ibuprofen, and aspirin can increase headache pain. Instead ofreaching for a pill when a headache comes on, people shouldconsider alternatives. Relaxation techniques, exercise, andacupuncture can all help ease headache pain. People who suffer fromfrequent or severe headaches should see their doctors."



Consumer Reports notes that regular use of pain relievers can bringon a condition known as medication-overuse headache, which affectsup to two-thirds of patients who seek help at headache treatmentcenters. The International Headache Society definesmedication-overuse headaches as those that are present for at least15 days a month or have developed or markedly worsened because thesufferer used too much medication.



The problem can be caused by prescription pain medicines,over-the-counter pain relievers, or combinations of medications.Almost all such drugs have the potential to causemedication-overuse headaches. Dr. Avitzur reports that some expertsbelieve the main culprits to be preparations containingbarbiturates (such as Fioricet and Fiorinal), opioids,acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such asibuprofen (Advil and generic) or naxproxen (Aleve and generic), andmigraine-specific drugs called triptans (such as Imitrex andMaxalt).



Dr. Avitzur notes that the ready availability of nonprescriptionpain relievers on drugstore shelves and in many homes may becontributing to the problem. A recent ConsumerReports survey ofmore than 6,000 subscribers confirmed that most of their medicinecabinets did contain over-the-counter pain relief drugs includingacetaminophen (73 percent), ibuprofen (73 percent), and aspirin (69percent). In a separate survey of 47,283 Consumer Reportssubscribers conducted last year, 31 percent admitted that they didnot always carefully follow directions on labels. Those whoroutinely overused drugs justified it because their pain wassevere, they felt no side effects, or they believed that theirabove-average weight or height warranted additional medication.



Consumer Reports offers the following four tips for treatingheadache pain:

TIPS FOR TREATING HEADACHE PAIN

1. Use Pain Medications Properly

Always follow label directions for how to take the medication, anddon't take the medication more than twice a week. People whoseheadaches persist should see a doctor.

2. Talk to Your Doctor

Chronic headache sufferers should inform their doctors of allprescription and nonprescription drugs they're taking, includingany supplements.

3. Explore Alternatives

Pills aren't the only way to treat headache pain. Nondrugtreatments such as acupuncture, biofeedback, physical therapy, andrelaxation techniques can also be effective.

4. Cut Down on Pain Drugs

People who have medication-overuse headaches should work with theirdoctors to taper off the drugs. They should also ask their doctorswhether a drug designed to prevent headaches (a prophylactic agent)might help them.



OCTOBER 2008 (C) Consumers Union 2008. The material above isintended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used forcommercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) ispublished by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofitorganization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safemarketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protectthemselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect.To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Unionaccepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has noagenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Unionsupports itself through the sale of our information products andservices, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.





SOURCE Consumer Reports




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