Rebound Headache: When Migraine Medication Starts Feeding the Cycle

When the medication you rely on for relief starts being followed by more and more headaches, it can feel confusing and frustrating.

In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores rebound headache, also known as medication-overuse headache, and why frequent treatment can sometimes begin feeding the migraine cycle instead of calming it.

You’ll discover:

💡 How to recognize when frequent migraine medication may be contributing to increasingly frequent headaches

💡 Why rebound headache happens in the brain, and why it does not mean you are weak, dependent, or treating migraine “wrong”

💡 How to begin breaking the cycle safely, including one practical step you can take without suddenly stopping medication on your own

This episode will help you better understand your medication patterns, recognize when something may be shifting, and approach the next steps with more clarity and support.

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References:

• Medication-Overuse Headache (International Headache Society): These criteria define medication-overuse headache and its diagnostic thresholds. Read more here.
• Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Medication Overuse Headache (Diener et al., 2019): This review explains the mechanisms, prevention, withdrawal, and treatment of medication-overuse headache. Read more here.
• European Academy of Neurology Guideline on the Management of Medication-Overuse Headache (Diener et al., 2020): This guideline outlines education, withdrawal, and preventive treatment strategies. Read more here.
• Comparison of 3 Treatment Strategies for Medication Overuse Headache (Carlsen et al., 2020): This trial compares withdrawal, preventive treatment, and their combination. Read more here.
• Efficacy and Safety of Erenumab for Nonopioid Medication Overuse Headache in Chronic Migraine (Tepper et al., 2024): This trial found erenumab 140 mg increased medication-overuse headache remission. Read more here.
• Brief Intervention for Medication-Overuse Headache in Primary Care: The BIMOH Study (Kristoffersen et al., 2015): This trial found a brief primary-care intervention reduced medication use and headache days. Read more here.
• Activation of the Microglial P2X7R/NLRP3 Inflammasome Mediates Central Sensitization in a Mouse Model of Medication Overuse Headache (Wang et al., 2023): This animal study links microglial inflammation with central sensitization in medication overuse. Read more here.
• Acupuncture for Migraine Without Aura and Connection-Based Efficacy Prediction (Zhang et al., 2026): This trial found acupuncture improved migraine outcomes and explored brain connectivity as a predictor of response. Read more here.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.

We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.