Buzz
Headaches can range from merely irritating to intensely disabling. When dealing with them, it's important to explore all available remedies, including both medicinal and non-medicinal approaches. While over-the-counter headache medication is often a go-to solution, excessive use can lead to its own set of complications.
Taking excessive amounts of over-the-counter headache medicine can lead to serious complications, such as liver damage, which may occur if you exceed the maximum dosage guidelines stated on the label, whether by taking too much at once or using it frequently over a long period. Though uncommon, an overdose of acetaminophen is a leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States, causing approximately 500 deaths annually. Damage can begin after exceeding 4,000 mg per day, or around 8 pills of Extra Strength Tylenol.
“A good rule of thumb is to be vigilant about the dosage and frequency instructions for over-the-counter headache medications,” advised Mike Sevilla, a family physician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Stick to the recommended dosage and frequency. Some medications are prescribed for use twice a day, others every six hours as needed. It's important to follow these guidelines for your safety.”
A common problem is rebound headaches, where the prolonged use of over-the-counter headache medications can lead to medication overuse headaches, which essentially defeats the purpose of treatment.
There are various causes of headaches
Headaches may stem from several factors, such as stress, heat, insufficient sleep, missed meals, allergies, or other triggers, many of which may be unique to the individual. The most effective approach is to identify and avoid these triggers to minimize the likelihood of a headache occurring.
“Staying hydrated is key to preventing headaches,” explained Jesus Lizarzaburu, a family physician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Dehydration is one of the primary causes behind hangover headaches.”
Keeping a headache journal can be helpful, where you note the times you experience headaches and what activities or circumstances preceded them, so you can pinpoint your personal triggers. Lizarzaburu also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing regular sleep.
Non-Medication Approaches to Try
When dealing with a headache, your aim is always to alleviate the pain swiftly and effectively. You may consider using non-medication techniques either on their own or alongside medications. This approach can help decrease your overall reliance on medication, or even eliminate it completely.
Some non-medication methods include:
Resting in a peaceful, dimly lit room
Placing an ice pack on your forehead
Hydrating with some water
Consuming a caffeinated drink, like coffee
Performing light stretching to ease any tension that might be triggering the headache
Sevilla recommends seeking medical attention if your usual remedies stop being effective, or if your headaches become frequent enough to disrupt your daily life. "If your headaches are accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, numbness, tingling, or difficulty speaking, these could indicate signs of a stroke," Sevilla explained. In such cases, "call 911 or visit the hospital immediately."
