Health Tip: Prevent Rebound Headaches

(HealthDay News) — Rebound headaches are sometimes called medication overuse headaches. They tend to occur almost every day, and are commonly caused by taking too much pain medication.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help prevent rebound headaches:

  • Don’t take any medication more often than is recommended on the product label or prescription.
  • If you’ve been taking pain medication for a while, don’t stop taking it completely without first talking to your doctor about the appropriate way to discontinue use.
  • Avoid caffeine if it seems to worsen your headaches.
  • Make lifestyle changes including eating regular and healthy meals, taking steps to manage stress, getting frequent exercise, and going to bed and waking up at the same times each day.