Headache medication overuse in children
9/14/2026 by Melanie Klemond, M.D.
Headaches and migraines are common in kids and teens. When a headache hits, it makes sense to reach for a pain reliever to feel better. But there is a surprising problem that can happen: Taking headache medicine too often can actually cause more headaches. This is called a "medication overuse headache," sometimes referred to as a "rebound headache."
What is a medication overuse headache?
A medication overuse headache happens when a person who already gets headaches or migraines uses pain medicine frequently for a long time — at least three consecutive months. Instead of helping, the body starts to get headaches more days of the month. The headaches can slowly go from happening once in a while to happening almost every day.
Which medications can cause it?
Almost any headache medicine can do this if it is used too much. This includes:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Prescription migraine medicines called triptans.
- Combination medicines, especially ones that contain caffeine (Excedrin).
How much is too much?
Healthcare professionals suggest keeping track of how many days each month your child uses headache medicine. The American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society recommend general limits of no more than:
- Fourteen days a month of ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Nine days a month of triptans.
- Nine days a month of combination medications.
Using these medications more often than this for several months in a row can lead to medication overuse headaches.
What are the warning signs?
The main warning sign is headaches happening more frequently, up to 15 or more days a month. Your child may feel like they need pain medicine almost every day just to get through school or activities.
How is it treated?
Medication overuse headaches can be frustrating and often make it difficult for people to participate in their normal activities. The good news is that this problem can be fixed. Treatment often includes:
- Cutting back on or stopping the medicine that is being overused.
- Starting a different preventive medicine to stop headaches before they begin.
- Learning healthy habits like regular sleep, nutritious meals, drinking water and exercising.
- Sometimes talking with a counselor, because stress, worry and low mood can play a part.
When headache medicine is used less often, many children have far fewer headaches. Most kids feel much better with the right plan.
What can families do?
Keep a headache diary that notes headache days and every dose of medicine. Bring it to your child's appointments. Do not stop or change medicines on your own without talking to your healthcare team first, since some medicines need to be lowered slowly. A good plan makes a big difference. Working together with your child's care team is the best way to break the cycle.
Melanie Klemond, M.D., is a pediatric resident in Community Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She plans to pursue additional training in treating children with blood disorders and cancer after completing her residency.