The aim is to remove the headache caused by excessive use of medication, to reduce dependence on medication and to restore the patient's quality of life.
Headaches arising from repeated use of medication or from the use of other substances occur mainly in connection with long-term or irregular use of painkillers and triptans, and may be seen as a “rebound” type of headache.
In this condition, treatment begins mainly with the gradual, supervised withdrawal of the medications involved. Guidance of the patient and gradual “detoxification” programmes direct the course of treatment. After the medications have been stopped completely, alternatives with a symptomatic effect (for example NSAIDs for a limited period) may be used.
At the same time, non-drug approaches — stress management, biofeedback, relaxation techniques — help to prevent the headaches from returning. If preventive medication is needed (for example amitriptyline or topiramate), it is started under a doctor's supervision.
The aim is to remove the headache caused by excessive use of medication, to reduce dependence on medication and to restore the patient's quality of life.