The following symptoms and complaints may indicate drug-induced headache (drug-induced headache):
- Diffuse dull aching headache that affects the entire head – often occurs in headache patients with analgesic overuse
- Frequency increase of migraine and later pulsating headache, possibly nausea (nausea) – common in migraine patients with triptan overuse
Drug-induced headache occurs most commonly with triptans and ergot alkaloids. Analgesics must have a longer duration/frequency of use.
Chronic headache is most common with overuse of barbiturates and opioids.
Warning signs (red flags)
- Refer to cephalgia (headache).
