Full Question:
I have been suffering from severe allergies for about 6 years. I have a headache every day of my life. This has been going on for such a long time. It has gotten to where just a regular Allergy Sinus Headache Relief medication is not working anymore. Excedrin Migraine is the only medication that takes my headaches away. So I have to take at least 2 of these a day. And I am hoping to get pregnant and I am worried that that is going to affect me trying to get pregnant. What do you think I should do?
Answer:
Dear Sufferer;
To begin with, it's time to quit taking Excedrin Migraine and see a doctor. There's a very strong chance that the Excedrin Migraine is making matters worse by causing rebound headaches:
Medication Overuse Headache: When the Remedy Backfires
Every person who has headaches or Migraine disease should be told about MOH by our doctors because knowing about it in advance could save us a great deal of pain. Unfortunately, we're not.
There's also an issue with "sinus headaches" vs. Migraine. In 90% of cases where people think they're having sinus headaches, they're actually having Migraines. Take a look at:
Sinuses Giving You a Headache? It’s Probably a Migraine
The majority of people who think they're suffering from sinus headaches are actually experiencing Migraine attacks.
Please see a doctor to be sure of the source of your headaches. It's highly unusual for allergies to cause daily headaches. Are you under the care of a good allergist? You're taking Excedrin Migraine -- have you been diagnosed with Migraine disease? If so, you really need to be under a doctor's care, not trying to help yourself with over-the-counter medications that can cause you more pain.
Good luck,
John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert
If you need to find a headache and Migraine specialist, please see our listing of patient recommended specialists.
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About Ask the Clinician:
Dr. Krusz is a recognized expert in the fields of headache and Migraine treatment and pain treatment. Each week, he and Lead Expert Teri Robert, team up to answer your questions about headaches and Migraines. You can read more about Dr. Krusz or more about Teri Robert.
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