What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Acetaminophen-Overuse Headache
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)-Overuse Headache
• Paracetamol-Overuse Headache

What is Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)-Overuse Headache? (Definition/Background Information)

• Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)-Overuse Headache is described as a form of medication-overuse headache that occurs secondary to acetaminophen/paracetamol use. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic that is available over-the-counter as one of the most commonly used medication for pain relief and fever. It is also known as paracetamol
• Medication-overuse headache develops when there is a long-term abuse of medications primarily administered for migraines/headaches. This medication abuse is either in the form of overuse, or non-compliance with dosage prescriptions or drug usage instructions. It may be even caused by an indiscriminate usage of the drug (self-medication)
• By definition, Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)-Overuse Headache has to occur for at least 15 days a month for a minimum period of 3 months, in an individual who already had a primary headache and was treated with acetaminophen/paracetamol for a period exceeding 3 months (with at least 10 dose days each month). The condition is known to resolve following stoppage of the medication
• Medication-overuse headaches can often be avoided by following the prescribed dose and frequency of medications as recommended by the healthcare professional. Also, the use of any over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication should be communicated to the healthcare provider, to avoid recurrence of this condition. It is important to take the containers/strips of all current medications being taken to the healthcare provider during follow-up visits. This will help the provider establish an optimal combination of medications needed to control the headache

The criteria for diagnosis of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)-Overuse Headache as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Regular intake of acetaminophen/paracetamol for 10 days or more/month for over 3 months that is taken for acute and/or symptomatic treatment of headache
• Headache occurring on 15 or more days/month in a patient with a pre-existing headache disorder
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)