Prevention

To help prevent medication overuse headaches:

• Take your headache medication as prescribed.
• If you need headache medication more than twice a week, contact your doctor.
• Avoid medications that contain butalbital or opioids.
• Use OTC painkillers less than 15 days a month.
• Limit use of triptans or combination analgesics to no more than nine days a month.

Taking care of yourself can help prevent most headaches.

• Avoid headache triggers. If you're not sure what triggers your headaches, keep a headache diary with details about every headache. Eventually, you may see a pattern.
• Get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day — even on weekends.
• Don't skip meals. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Eat lunch and dinner at about the same time every day.
• Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water or other uncaffeinated fluids.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity causes your body to release chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. With your doctor's OK, choose activities you enjoy — such as walking, swimming or cycling.
• Reduce stress. Get organized. Simplify your schedule, and plan ahead. Try to stay positive.
• Lose weight. Obesity can contribute to headache development, so if you need to lose weight, find a program that works for you.
• Quit smoking. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Smoking is linked to a higher risk of medication overuse headaches.