Co-codamol causing headaches?

Hi folks, I need some advice please. I have been getting headaches, almost daily, starting at different times each day and lasting until I go to bed. I have been taking co-codamol 30/500 one capsule four times daily for the last two years and was wondering if this could be causing my headaches. I take this for a long term back problem. I have read about medication overuse headaches, you see. Has anyone else had this problem? I would like to come off the medication but am wondering how to do it. I could miss one dose and increase the gap from six hours to eight hours but I usually get a headache even if I'm late with a dose. Or do I go cold turkey and probably have a terrible headache for a week or so? Has anyone ever stopped it abruptly and been OK? Or is it even the co-codamol? I'm fine otherwise (apart from my back, of course, but I have injections every six months which are really helping). Doctors don't seem to be able to help - I find it's always best to ask my friends who have been in the same situation so here I am! Please help! 😬 Many thanks, Debbie.

[Cb1963]

Yep, I had a very similar problem with headaches, now headaches and co-codamol can perhaps enhance your headaches, I would be wary if you are having continuous headache perhaps talk to your doctor to seek alternative, I was advised to take paracetamol, however I'm having further medication as my headaches are always at night time and wake me up, so I'm also getting a prescription triptin medication, I would also be careful as tablets can cause stomach problems, and whilst this site is good for general advice, there is nothing better than checking with your doctor first, occasionally folk come on here to discuss what tablets each of us take, as for weaning from the co-codamol I'm not sure, so I wouldn't like to pass comment, I hope you get your headache issues sorted out, as I know how debilitating they can be, best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to Cb1963]

Many thanks for your reply. I actually cut down yesterday from four co-codamol daily to three. My head feels a bit better but I feel a bit sick now - can't win! I'll see how I get on. Thanks again!

[JRHT in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I take effervescent cocodamol 30 /500 as it’s the only medication which takes the edge of my chronic pain. I have found if I have to take the full daily dose I get a headache so I try to keep dose as low as I can. I’d definitely ask your GP for advice before reducing dose as you have been taking them for a long time. I hope your headaches resolve soon.

[Hidden in reply to JRHT]

Many thanks for your reply. I'm sorry to hear it gives you a headache too but I'm glad it's not just me! I mentioned it to my GP today who said that after some time on a painkiller it stops working anyway so they're happy for me to gradually reduce it. Thanks again and hope you're not suffering too much.

[bear4ble]

Looks like experiments. You might try magnesium somehow to see if it helps. Magnesium is used for migraines.

[Hidden in reply to bear4ble]

Thanks for your reply. I'm actually seeing the doc this morning about a change in medication so we'll see what that brings.