Dilemma : Potential rebound headaches, but need medication for muscle pain??

[ericksoj2]

Hi
I have an overlap of two connective tissue diseases (polymyositis and scleroderma) and have developed daily headaches of unknown origin (potentially medication caused)..With the polymyosistis etc, I had been using hydrocodone daily for muscle pain and soreness but was initially told to discontinue this as it might be a cause of the daily headaches. I turned to Tylenol (which also helps with the daily muscle pain if I take 4-6 during the day), but was told this could contribute to rebound headaches. I was told now that I can occasionally (2 days per week) use hydrocodone for pain, but when I do the headache INTENSITY seems to increase(I still have low intensity headaches daily even when not taking the hydrocodone over 2 months). I have also tried fentanyl patch and have had “screaming” headaches (seems to be a result to the patch). Is there any pain medication that might not cause rebound headaches? Could someone be allergic to narcotics (to explain the increase in headache intensity after taking hydrocodone or fentenyl)? Im desperate for something to help with pain, but that wont cause/intensify these headaches…. And I would love not to have to take a narcotic-type drug. Thanks you for any assistance you can provide!

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

I am not aware of a single analgesic medication that does not have the potential to cause rebound headaches. However, I can not explain your symptoms of increased pain with a single dose of narcotics. This would be unusual, and not an allergic reaction. I would recommend obtaining a headache consult with a neurologist who specializes in headaches. You may have to go to an academic center for this, and if you are in the area we have a excellent headache center at the Cleveland Clinic.

They will evaluate you and then make the appropriate recommendations. You may require a MRI of the brain as a first diagnostic test. Also, when someone is having daily headaches a medication administered daily can help prevent the headaches. The typical medications used would include some anti-seizure medications (Neurontin, Depakote, or Topamax), anti-depressant medication (Elavil, and Doxepin), and blood pressure medication (propranolol, verapamil). Good luck.

[mkinder]

Hi, I used to have headaches everyday for a long time. I do not have them like I used to. I take darvocet 2-3 tablets per day because of pain in legs from blood clots. I have not noticed any headaches from them. I was having headaches everyday and found out that I had high blood pressure.Every time I would go in to my regular doctor with a headache my blood pressure would be high. My doctor put me on 120mg. Verapamil a day and I have not had headaches everyday in a while. I still do have them sometime and I dont know why. Major ones. I get so sick at my stomach and usually end up vomiting. The pain is in my whole part of my head(forhead,back of head, top of head and just anywhere. For no reason at all. I am 23 years old, and have had alot of other problems. I do need to see a nurologist or someone about the headaches because I ofter wonder if it could be a blood clot. I have a Factor V Leiden, Protein C deficiency. It's kinda scary having those clotting problems and getting a major headache. I have been taking darvocet for about 6 months straight now, and before that I was taking Ultram for about 3 years straight. You may want to try darvocet, it might work for you.I do hope you find some answer that will help you. Take care.