Which medications cause headaches?
Headaches can be a side effect of several types of medications. Headaches can occur as a direct side effect of the medication itself, or as a result of overuse of certain medications.
Paracetamol and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin can cause headaches when taken daily, which can lead to a medication overuse headache (MOH).
Nitrates and nitroglycerin can cause headaches by widening blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine and amlodipine, which are used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems, can also cause headaches.
Antidepressants such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram are often associated with headaches, especially at the start of treatment. Oral contraceptives (the pill) and other hormonal treatments (e.g. hormone replacement therapy) can cause or worsen headaches, especially in women who are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.
Sildenafil (Viagra) and similar medications such as tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil can cause headaches due to vasodilation.
Long-term use of opioids such as morphine or oxycodone can cause headaches when the medication is tapered off.
If someone experiences frequent headaches and is taking medications, it is wise to discuss this with a doctor. Adjusting the dose or switching to a different medication can help reduce headaches in some cases.
Source: https://www.ichd-3.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/The-International-Classification-of-Headache-Disorders-3rd-Edition-2018.pdf
Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-29 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025
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