FED:Headache pills can cause headaches

08-26-2010
FED:Headache pills can cause headaches

A consumer group says regular use of over-the-counter painkillers can actually lead
to withdrawal headaches.

CHOICE has investigated the usage and marketing of popular analgesics such as paracetamol
.. aspirin and ibuprofen .. and spokesman CHRISTOPHER ZINN says while the drugs are generally
safe in providing temporary relief .. doctors are increasingly reporting seeing the effects
of analgesic overuse.

This includes users suffering withdrawal headaches caused by overuse of the same medications
used to treat them.

CHOICE says people take more painkillers in response and the cycle continues .. with
the body becoming used to the presence of a certain level of the drug.

AAP RTV dr/wz/af

KEYWORD: PAINKILLER (SYDNEY)

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