Overusing common pain relievers can make migraines more frequent

Full analysis

Using certain pain medications two or more days per week on a regular basis can cause 'medication overuse headache,' a secondary headache disorder in which the treatment itself increases headache frequency. Brian Grosberg identifies the highest-risk agents as opioids and barbiturate-containing combination analgesics (such as Fioricet or Fiorinal, which are banned in some countries), but notes that even over-the-counter NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen), acetaminophen, and migraine-specific triptans carry this risk if used too frequently. He recommends opioids only as a last resort after all other options have been tried. Patients who find themselves reaching for acute pain relief more than twice a week should discuss a preventive treatment strategy with their doctor rather than continuing to rely on rescue medications.