Når medisinen blir problemet: Dette må du vite om MOH

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A recent Norwegian study, recently featured by NRK, sheds new light on a challenge many patients face: Medication Overuse Headache (MOH). The research confirms what clinicians have long observed—that frequent use of acute medications over time can alter the pain system and lead to a vicious cycle of increased pain frequency.

What exactly is MOH?

Medication Overuse Headache is a secondary headache disorder. This means it is triggered by something external—in this case, the excessive use of acute medications such as triptans, paracetamol, or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen).

According to Hodepine Norge (Headache Norway), the diagnosis is typically suspected when a patient:

• Experiences headache on 15 or more days per month.
• Uses painkillers or triptans on 10–15 days (depending on the type of medication) or more per month for at least three months.

The paradox of MOH is that the medication stops acting as a remedy and instead makes the brain more sensitive to pain. As reported by NRK, the new research shows that patients trapped in this cycle often experience significant improvement if they undergo a controlled "medication withdrawal"—a period entirely without acute medication.

A stealthy condition without blame

It is important to emphasize that MOH is not about addiction in the traditional sense, and there is no reason to feel shame. As Hodepine Norge points out, most people find themselves in this situation inadvertently while trying to manage work, family, and social obligations.

The challenge is that MOH often mimics the original headache (e.g., migraine). This makes it extremely difficult for the patient to distinguish between a natural attack and a headache triggered by medication use.

How to break the cycle?

The path out of MOH requires patience and often close follow-up by a physician. However, the first step is always awareness. To diagnose the condition and create a treatment plan, one is entirely dependent on accurate data over time.

Clinical experience shows that patients who have a clear overview of their usage patterns have a much higher chance of successfully reducing the number of headache days.

The importance of documentation: Keep a headache diary

To avoid falling into the trap of overuse, or to help your doctor identify a pattern, a headache diary is your most important tool. Without objective data, it is almost impossible to remember exactly how many days medication was taken over the last three months.

At Brain Twin, we recommend that everyone experiencing frequent headaches logs both attacks and medication use systematically.

Why use Brain Twin?

Our solution is designed to provide you and your doctor with the insights needed to differentiate between migraine attacks and potential medication overuse headache. By visualizing your data, you can regain control and ensure that the treatment you receive is actually helping you—rather than making matters worse.

Are you unsure if your medication consumption is too high? Start logging today. It is the first step toward a daily life with fewer headache days.

Sources:

• NRK: Overuse of medication can give more headaches
• Hodepine Norge: Medication Overuse Headache (MOH)