Are Your Painkillers Making Migraines Worse? Understanding Medication Overuse Headache
9 min
Relying on painkillers for relief? This episode shows how overuse can backfire—trapping you in rebound migraine cycles.
9 min
Relying on painkillers for relief? This episode shows how overuse can backfire—trapping you in rebound migraine cycles.
Are the very painkillers you rely on actually making your migraines worse? If you’re stuck in an endless cycle of headaches, your meds might be the hidden culprit — and you’re not alone. Up to 50% of chronic migraine sufferers fall into the trap of Medication Overuse Headaches (MOH) — also known as rebound migraines — without even realizing it.
By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: ✨ 3 clear signs your painkillers are fueling your migraines — not fixing them ✨ The science behind MOH — how common meds like NSAIDs, triptans, and opioids can rewire your brain for more pain ✨ An Eastern medicine approach to break the cycle — without unbearable withdrawals
You’ll also discover how gut health, the vagus nerve, and liver detox play a surprising role in stopping rebound migraines for good.
Originally published April 2025
Subscribe to the Migraine Heroes Podcast on your favorite platform and get evidence-based insights twice a week.
Discover your unique Migraine Profile—a clear picture of why recovery has been difficult. This report will shed light on the complexity of your migraines and reveal your healing potential.

Why can migraine aura cause kaleidoscope vision, zigzag lines or blind spots without head pain? Explore what may be happening in the brain.
Why migraine can return after childbirth, what can make postpartum recovery harder, and which changes deserve medical attention.
How hormones, birth control, estrogen withdrawal, and migraine interact, including why aura matters when choosing contraception.