Is it necessary to stop pain medications for a certain period of time in order to see if a rebound headache exists? If so, how long? I realize that pain meds should not be taken more than twice a week but I wonder if you need to go cold turkey for a period before assessing rebound headache. How long does rebound last?
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3/15/09 6:36pm
Hi kathyjsr,
Rebound, or Medication overuse headache (MOH) lasts as long as the offending medication is taken. As long as you have MOH, no preventive medication will work to reduce your Migraine pain.
Certain pain medications, like fioricet, if taken every day and in large amounts should not be stopped "cold turkey." Doing so increases the risk of seizure if the medication is stopped suddenly. Doctor supervision may be needed. Medication Overuse Headache - When the Remedy Backfires. Another important article shows more evidence that NSAIDS may increase our risk of Transformed Migraine: Transformed Migraine - Risk Increased by Some Medications .
I hope this information is helpful.
Nancy
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By kathyjsr— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 03/12/09
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but how long does the headache last after use is stopped?