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How Effective Is Oxycodone for Headaches?

S. Berger
S. Berger

Headaches have a variety of causes, but most can be alleviated with over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. In some extreme cases, when this condition is quite severe or if it has not responded to other treatments, a medical professional may prescribe oxycodone. Oxycodone is an opiate painkiller that is potent, but carries its own risks of dependence and tolerance, which is why it is not often prescribed for this particular medical condition.

One study measured the effectiveness of oxycodone for headaches versus other opiate painkillers. The study found that 36% of the individuals with refractive chronic headaches that didn't respond to other medication had complete relief of headaches after six months of taking oxycodone. Individuals in the study with the same condition who took morphine or methadone for their pain experienced complete relief in 50% of the cases. This study suggests that, while oxycodone can help alleviate headache pain, it is not always as effective as similar opiate medications.

Oxycodone may not be as effective in treating headache pain than other opiate medications.
Oxycodone may not be as effective in treating headache pain than other opiate medications.

Healthcare professionals may sometimes prescribe this medication for headaches that arise from migraines. These headaches are usually first treated with medications such as triptans, as well as other compounds. Rarely, migraine headaches cannot be treated by those medications, however. In such cases, medical professionals will prescribe an opiate painkiller like oxycodone to control the pain, and another antihistamine medication to reduce the nausea that often accompanies migraines, since oxycodone does not alleviate this symptom.

Many medical professionals prefer to prescribe oxycodone combined with acetaminophen to treat headaches, though there is a strong risk of dependency.
Many medical professionals prefer to prescribe oxycodone combined with acetaminophen to treat headaches, though there is a strong risk of dependency.

Oxycodone is often available in a preparation combined with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or acetaminophen. Combinations like this can be particularly effective against severe headaches, since oxycodone relieves pain, but not swelling, but the acetaminophen can reduce swelling that may be causing the headache. Medical professionals tend to favor prescribing oxycodone for headaches combined with acetaminophen for this reason.

Side effects of oxycodone may include nausea.
Side effects of oxycodone may include nausea.

Like any medication, taking oxycodone is not without risk. People taking this medication may develop a physical dependency on it or take more than directed. Tolerance, or requiring more of the medication to receive the same relief, is also a major factor. In one study, almost two-thirds of individuals receiving oxycodone for severe headaches experienced some tolerance after six months of taking the medication on a daily basis.

Physicians may prescribe oxycodone for migraine sufferers.
Physicians may prescribe oxycodone for migraine sufferers.

Even when taken as directed, oxycodone can still cause side effects when used for headaches. Some people experience nausea or headaches from drug itself, so these individuals should not use this medication to treat migraines or other headaches. Vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness can all occur from taking this medication, as well.

Discussion Comments

anon960353

It is the only thing that does work. Unfortunately, doctors don't want to prescribe it, preferring to make 99 percent suffer for the 1 percent who may become addicted.

anon355592

Um, no, although if it has to come to this it should be a trial dose before you get a full prescription. I suffer TMJ pain but before I thought I did, I had pain that never was explained.

My doctor gave me Endone or Oxycodone 5mg to see if it would help it did. But I found out fast it's sort of a short term thing unless I have a major condition.

I can't take anti migraine meds and NSAIDS. I'm on anti depressants and NSAIDS allergic.

And building up to Oxy can make weaker opiates down the line not work so well, so you have to keep begging the doctor to give you stronger ones if he's a good doc.

anon353645

Acetaminophen does not reduce swelling. At all.

Belted

Oxycodone is a pretty intense drug and also very addictive. Is it really safe to take it for a common headache?

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    • Oxycodone may not be as effective in treating headache pain than other opiate medications.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Oxycodone may not be as effective in treating headache pain than other opiate medications.
    • Many medical professionals prefer to prescribe oxycodone combined with acetaminophen to treat headaches, though there is a strong risk of dependency.
      By: Burlingham
      Many medical professionals prefer to prescribe oxycodone combined with acetaminophen to treat headaches, though there is a strong risk of dependency.
    • Side effects of oxycodone may include nausea.
      By: jedi-master
      Side effects of oxycodone may include nausea.
    • Physicians may prescribe oxycodone for migraine sufferers.
      By: Feng Yu
      Physicians may prescribe oxycodone for migraine sufferers.
    • Doctors sometimes prescribe oxycodone to help alleviate migraine headaches.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Doctors sometimes prescribe oxycodone to help alleviate migraine headaches.
    • Some people who are prescribed oxycodone become addicted to this potent painkiller that belongs to the opiate family.
      By: JJAVA
      Some people who are prescribed oxycodone become addicted to this potent painkiller that belongs to the opiate family.