Consumer Reports Urges Chronic Headache Sufferers to Examine Their Use of Pain Relief...

Consumer Reports Urges Chronic Headache Sufferers to Examine Their Use of Pain
Relief Drugs

Regular Use of Pain Pills Can Make Headaches Worse

YONKERS, N.Y., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reports advises
people who suffer from frequent headaches to talk to their doctors before
reaching again into their medicine cabinets. Overuse of prescription and
over-the-counter pain medications can make headaches worse, according to
Consumer Reports' medical adviser Orly Avitzur, M.D., who reports in CR's
October issue on how some consumers inadvertently create their own headaches.

"People tend not to think of headache pills, especially those they can buy
without a prescription, as 'serious' drugs," says Dr. Avitzur. "But, used
improperly, even drugs like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can increase
headache pain. Instead of reaching for a pill when a headache comes on,
people should consider alternatives. Relaxation techniques, exercise, and
acupuncture can all help ease headache pain. People who suffer from frequent
or severe headaches should see their doctors."

Consumer Reports notes that regular use of pain relievers can bring on a
condition known as medication-overuse headache, which affects up to two-thirds
of patients who seek help at headache treatment centers. The International
Headache Society defines medication-overuse headaches as those that are
present for at least 15 days a month or have developed or markedly worsened
because the sufferer used too much medication.

The problem can be caused by prescription pain medicines, over-the-counter
pain relievers, or combinations of medications. Almost all such drugs have
the potential to cause medication-overuse headaches. Dr. Avitzur reports that
some experts believe the main culprits to be preparations containing
barbiturates (such as Fioricet and Fiorinal), opioids, acetaminophen,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen (Advil and generic) or
naxproxen (Aleve and generic), and migraine-specific drugs called triptans
(such as Imitrex and Maxalt).

Dr. Avitzur notes that the ready availability of nonprescription pain
relievers on drugstore shelves and in many homes may be contributing to the
problem. A recent ConsumerReports survey of more than 6,000 subscribers
confirmed that most of their medicine cabinets did contain over-the-counter
pain relief drugs including acetaminophen (73 percent), ibuprofen (73
percent), and aspirin (69 percent). In a separate survey of 47,283 Consumer
Reports subscribers conducted last year, 31 percent admitted that they did not
always carefully follow directions on labels. Those who routinely overused
drugs justified it because their pain was severe, they felt no side effects,
or they believed that their above-average weight or height warranted
additional medication.

Consumer Reports offers the following four tips for treating headache pain:
TIPS FOR TREATING HEADACHE PAIN
1. Use Pain Medications Properly
Always follow label directions for how to take the medication, and don't take
the medication more than twice a week. People whose headaches persist should
see a doctor.
2. Talk to Your Doctor
Chronic headache sufferers should inform their doctors of all prescription and
nonprescription drugs they're taking, including any supplements.
3. Explore Alternatives
Pills aren't the only way to treat headache pain. Nondrug treatments such as
acupuncture, biofeedback, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques can also
be effective.
4. Cut Down on Pain Drugs
People who have medication-overuse headaches should work with their doctors to
taper off the drugs. They should also ask their doctors whether a drug
designed to prevent headaches (a prophylactic agent) might help them.

OCTOBER 2008(C) Consumers Union 2008. The material above is intended for
legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or
promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an
expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a
fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to
protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect.
To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no
outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the
interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of
our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few
noncommercial grants.

SOURCE Consumer Reports

Mary Darby, +1-718-499-0806, mdarby@burnesscommunications.com, for Consumer
Reports or Lauren Hackett of Consumer Reports, +1-914-378-2561,
lhackett@consumer.org