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Migraine medication overuse — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCNS TherapeuticsMigraine medication overuseGPhC CRA

A 35-year-old woman buys co-codamol every week for headaches and reports headache on most days. She also uses sumatriptan several times a week. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: E — Refer for assessment of possible medication-overuse headache

Frequent use of opioids, triptans or simple analgesics can contribute to medication-overuse headache. Regular co-codamol also carries dependence and constipation risks. The patient needs assessment and a structured withdrawal and prevention plan. Supplying more opioid-containing analgesia would worsen the problem.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF