long term use of opiates

[stupidgirl1960]

Can being on opiates for a long time induce headaches? I have  had this headache for about a month now on a daily basis, have tried tylenol3 and tylenol 1 recomended from doc but still persists. Any one else have these problems please let me know what you have tried.

[stupidgirl1960]

Thank you for your reply, will try the ibuprofen instead because tylenol  is not working. Sorry about the name thing, not sure how to change it...Charlie

[Tuckamore]

Hi 1960,

It's good to hear from you again. I just can't bring myself to call you "stupidgirl" so I hope you don't mind being called 1960.

In my personal opinion the answer is yes. I have suffered with headaches that I can directly relate to opiates. One was after surgery when they kept going me with potent IV and IM narcotics. I begged for a tylenol or IB. Of course I didn't have an order for either so they just kept offering more narcotics. I had a full blown migraine. Post-op you are not suppose to take anything that may thin your blood but against medical advice I took IB as soon as I was in the van and my headache subsided.

Even today if I have to take an extra dose of my daily narcotic it will often be followed by a headache. I take one IB and it helps immensely. I have done some reading on the subject in past years. Narcotics can even produce an elevation in your body temperature.

If Ibuprofen is not contraindicated you may want to try one of them to see if it relieves your headache but ask your PCP first or your pharmacist. Yes you can take it now and again two hours following tylenol. But again ask your pharmacist as I am not comfortable giving medications suggestions.

I'll be interested to hear if it helps or if other members have noticed these opiate headaches as well.

Take Care,
Tuck