Painkiller Overuse & Medication Overuse Headache

Caffeine is a double-edged sword. Small amounts are sometimes used to reduce headaches, but frequent, heavy use lowers the headache threshold, actually making headaches more common, and abruptly stopping it can even cause withdrawal headaches. In particular, frequently taking combination painkillers containing caffeine is a representative cause of medication overuse headache. Therefore, rather than suddenly stopping caffeine and caffeine-containing painkillers, gradually reducing them under medical guidance is the way to reduce rebound effects.

Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective

Dongjedang focuses on returning the body—one that had been suppressing headaches with caffeine and painkillers—to a state where it can regulate its own circulation. During tapering, we relieve blocked circulation and clear rising heat, supporting the body so that headaches occur less without relying on caffeine. This too is supportive of the medical staff's tapering plan.