Headache with medication overuse: treatment strategies and proposals of relapse prevention

Neurol Sci. 2008 Apr;29(2):93-8. doi: 10.1007/s10072-008-0867-8. Epub 2008 May 16.

Abstract

The diagnosis of medication overuse headache (MOH) is clinically important, because patients rarely respond to preventive medications whilst overusing acute medications. Properly treating medication overuse and preventing relapse require recognition of the different factors that contribute to its development and perpetuation, including some behaviours and psychological elements that are important in sustaining the overuse of medication. This article reviews current clinical experiences of MOH patients treated with different approaches. Moreover, initial outcomes and long-term durability of treatments are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / adverse effects*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods
  • Behavior Therapy / standards
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / physiopathology
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / psychology
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic / standards
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Self Medication / adverse effects*
  • Self Medication / psychology
  • Social Support
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / therapy

Substances

  • Analgesics