Harry's Health Advice ServiceHarry's Health Advice Service

If the painkillers you normally take aren't currently working on the headaches you're getting at the moment, then you may be at a bit of a loss as to what you should do. This can be worrying, especially if you're experiencing many headaches that you can't control.

Why have your painkillers stopped working and what should you do about it?

1. You're Taking the Wrong Painkillers

While any headache painkiller should do something to relieve your pain, not all painkillers have the same effects. Sometimes, if you have a certain type of headache then you need medication that targets the headache's specific pain map and symptoms.

For example, regular painkillers, like paracetamol and aspirin, may make a sinus headache less painful, but they may not get rid of the pain completely. If you have a sinus headache, then your pain may be mainly caused by congestion in your sinuses. A painkiller with a decongestant may be a better bet.

2. You're Not Taking Painkillers Quickly Enough

Some headaches start small and build up quickly. For example, migraine sufferers often get warning signs that they are about to have a migraine headache before the actual real pain kicks in.

Sometimes, if you take an appropriate painkiller as soon as you think you're getting a headache, then the tablets will stop the headache from taking hold and giving you serious pain problems. If you wait, and the pain really sets in, then painkillers may not work as well. You may be able to dull the pain a little but not completely.

3. You're Taking Painkillers Too Regularly

If you get a lot of headaches and always take the same painkillers, then your medication may be making your headaches worse rather than better. Prolonged use of painkillers can actually backfire on you. Rather than reducing pain, they start to make things worse.

If you regularly take the same painkiller for the same kind of headache over a period of weeks or months, then the painkillers may not reduce your pain enough. They may also give you more headaches themselves.

If you're getting regular headaches and you can't find a painkiller that fixes your pain, then make an appointment at your medical clinic to see a general practitioner. Your doctor can help you assess why you're having so many tricky headaches at the moment. They can also recommend alternative ways of dealing with your pain more effectively.