This guide is general information, not medical advice. Medicines and treatments must be prescribed or recommended for you by a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give doses here.
Related guides: Chronic migraine, Tension-type headache.
What it is
Medication overuse headache develops in people who already have a headache condition, usually migraine, when acute medicines are taken on too many days. You get a dull headache on most days, with migraine attacks on top, and your medicines seem to work less and less.
It's sometimes called rebound headache. It is nobody's fault: it often happens because people are trying their best to cope.
How much is too much
It's the number of days that matters, not the number of tablets. Medication overuse headache can develop if, for 3 months or more, you take:
| Medicine | On this many days a month |
|---|---|
| Triptans | 10 or more |
| Codeine and other opioids, including co-codamol | 10 or more |
| Combination painkillers | 10 or more |
| Paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen on their own | 15 or more |
The National Migraine Centre suggests keeping painkillers and triptans to no more than 10 days a month, and avoiding opioids completely. The simplest rule is no more than 2 days a week.
Treatment
The treatment is to stop the overused medicine, with your GP's support. Most people can stop straight away, but some medicines, such as opioids, need to be reduced gradually, and a few people need help in hospital.
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The first 2 weeks
Usually the hardest part
Headaches often get worse before they get better. You may also feel sick, sleep badly or feel restless. Your doctor may suggest something to help you through this.
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Weeks 2 to 12
Staying off the medicine
Headaches usually start to settle. Your GP should review you after 4 to 8 weeks. A preventive treatment is often started at the same time.
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Afterwards
Preventing it coming back
Keep a diary and stick to the limits. It can come back, so many people find a regular review helps.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 if you have
- a sudden, extremely bad headache that peaks within minutes
- weakness, numbness or a drooping face on one side, or slurred speech
- sudden loss of sight
- confusion, drowsiness or a seizure (fit)
- a high temperature with a stiff neck or a rash
- a headache after a head injury
Call NHS 111 if
- you feel very unwell while stopping your medicines
- a headache is different from usual or very severe
See your GP if
- you take painkillers or triptans on more than 2 days a week
- you want to stop codeine or other opioids
- your medicines seem to be working less well
Work and your workspace
Migraine can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your everyday life. Conditions that come and go still count, and the law looks at how you would be without treatment. If it applies, your employer must make reasonable adjustments.
Adjustments that often help
- Lighter duties or flexible hours while you come off medicines
- Working from home in the first few weeks
- Time off for appointments
- Flexibility over absence during withdrawal
A migraine-friendly workspace
- A chair with good lumbar and neck support
- A desk big enough to put your screen at arm's length
- Screen raised so the top is at eye level
- A flicker-free monitor with an anti-glare or blue-light filter
- Lighting without flicker or glare, and blinds to control daylight
Access to Work can pay towards equipment and support. Acas and Citizens Advice give free advice on your rights.
How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help
If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need is not available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:
- A private specialist appointment to plan withdrawal and start preventive treatment
- A nerve stimulation device or nerve blocks to help you through withdrawal, if your doctor recommends them
- Home-working equipment so you can keep working while you recover
Every award depends on your situation and the funds we have that month. A letter from your doctor, a headache diary and a written quote all help your application.
Support and sources
The Migraine Trust
Information and support service
Information on every type of migraine, a free information and support service, and advice on treatment and work.
migrainetrust.orgNational Migraine Centre
Charity headache clinic
Specialist appointments in person and online, including routine appointments for a voluntary donation, plus free factsheets.
nationalmigrainecentre.org.ukNHS
Health information
Symptoms, treatment and when to get help with migraine and headache.
nhs.uk/conditions/migraineSources for this guide
Written in our own words from the sources above. Last reviewed: October 2026. Figures can differ between sources; where they do, we give the range.