Anyone use ibuprofen on a daily basis?

[torinsmom]

I have to detox from Motrin every once in a while (take it for neck/back/joint pain). Instead, I'll take either tylenol or another anti-inflammatory (can't remember the name). And yes, I pretty much have to suffer for a few days, but it's so worth it when I can go back to taking 200-400 mg a dose!

What are you doing as far as caffeine? Do you get a lot of caffeine in a day? I also had to give up caffeine and that was rough because it gave me headaches.

I drink one 12 oz. Diet Mountain Dew each day. If I don't I will get a migraine. Tried cutting it out slowly, but I really need that pick me up midday.

Marsha

 

[torinsmom]

When under the care of a physician, the maximum dose of ibuprofen is 3.2 g daily. Otherwise, the maximum dose is 1.2 g daily.

The thing is, the doctor did not tell me to take this much. Actually, she told me to STOP taking it. She just didn't tell me how to accomplish this

Marsha

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The thing is, the doctor did not tell me to take this much. Actually, she told me to STOP taking it. She just didn't tell me how to accomplish this

You will probably do best to wean the dose, ie cut down by, say, 200mg with each administration, with a few days in between changes. See how low you can go while still achieving pain relief.

 

[SpecialK]

The thing is, the doctor did not tell me to take this much. Actually, she told me to STOP taking it. She just didn't tell me how to accomplish this

Marsha

That being the case, if I were you I'd find a new doctor.

 

[IloveDMB]

May I ask why?

In your case, given all you've said, my advice would be that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

We spent two years with my mother (who suffers from horrible, debilitating arthritic pain) trying to find something other than ibuprofin, basically because she has a remote history of bleeding ulcer. Bottom line was that nothing worked as well as ibuprofin (and some meds she tried made her downright sick), so that's what she's "lived on" for many years and she's been fine.

I use ibuprofin for everything, including post surgical pain and everything else. I don't do well with other meds so I stick with this. It works, and there are no problems related to it. (I buy the cheap stuff, too.)

Have you tried cutting back on the dose a bit?

Because she is getting medicine overuse headaches. Basically, the ibuprofen is now causing the headaches, instead of helping alleviate them.

To the OP, you should find a new neurologist. He or she can prescribe a Medrol dose pack (a steroid) which can help break the cycle of your headaches. It will then take a good 3 months for the pain medication you are taking daily to stop having any effect.

If you are still getting headaches, I suggest Botox. There are many studies out there that show this decreasing daily headaches, and I have seen the good results in patients myself.

 

[JessicaR]

If you are able please make an appointment to see a GOOD Rheumatologist. I've been where you are. You mentioned a lesser dose relieves 75% of your pain/symptoms. I'm sorry to say that may have to be good enough. There are other medications that may be helpful and a good rhumatologist can help you.

I took 3200 mg of Advil daily for many years. My Internist finally said no more and sent me to my latest doctor.

Hope you have some options presented to you that are helpful!

 

[Jennasis]

1. Find a new doctor. In fact, continue trying new docs (neurologists) until you find one that takes you seriously. An MRI might be in order to rule out other things.

2. That much ibuprofen is probably destroying your liver. Have the doctor you find and trust pullblood and check your liver profile.

3. Make an appt with a gastroenterologist to check for stomach or intestinal damage as well.

When I suffered from chronic daily headaches for over a year, I was miserable. We tried every drug under the sun. Finally the Nuerologist prescribed KEPPRA. It's used in seizure treatments. It saved my life.

Good luck.

 

[torinsmom]

Because she is getting medicine overuse headaches. Basically, the ibuprofen is now causing the headaches, instead of helping alleviate them.

Although I agree that SOME of my headaches may be recound, I don't think anyone except a doctor can be sure that is the only cause. I think some of my headaches are related to nerve damage and/or muscle contractions. I also have more severe headaches during that time of month, so I suspect there are some hormonal links as well. I worry that if I quit cold turkey, I will still have pain because of these other issues.

Marsha

 

[dismom2]

You need to see if someone can find out what is causing your headaches. Take the time to start a food journal, and write down everything. Dental issues, that I didn't realize I had, were causing me daily migraines. After taking care of my teeth, I don't get as many migraines now (there are other triggers too for me, but I don't get them every day now).

I took Ibuprofen for a few weeks for joint pain, and ended up with very bad side effects----severe stomach pain and very bad acid reflux. I can only take one once in a while now, but avoid it mostly.

If you don't find a doctor you like, at least try cutting your dose a little everyday.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I drink one 12 oz. Diet Mountain Dew each day. If I don't I will get a migraine. Tried cutting it out slowly, but I really need that pick me up midday.

Marsha

Sounds like you do need to detox. And with non-critical substances, for some--cold turkey vs. weaning is the better approach.

It does sound like your body is dependent on these things. Consulting a specialist who can see you through a detox may be best.

In my experience, for myself and for those that I know--a caffeine detox can produce a migraine.

I consulted a chiropractor with my detox and they helped massage/treat a portion of my hands between my thumb and index finger (trigger points in that skin webbing between the digits.) It hurt like hell when they worked on them, but it was helpful to release the headache. You can do this to your hands yourself--and it should be painful since you have headaches. But it may help provide relief in the long run.

http://www.sover.net/~devstar/headache.pdf

This is a different trigger point: http://www.triggerpointbook.com/headache.htm
http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/massage-types-acupressure-headache.htm


link for the hand pressure point: http://www.migraine-headaches-solution.com/


Just something to think about.

Disclaimer: I am not one to depend on a medication if I can help it and do seek out more homeopathic methods when possible or the source of the issue and a means to eliminate the issue if I can.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Although I agree that SOME of my headaches may be recound, I don't think anyone except a doctor can be sure that is the only cause. I think some of my headaches are related to nerve damage and/or muscle contractions. I also have more severe headaches during that time of month, so I suspect there are some hormonal links as well. I worry that if I quit cold turkey, I will still have pain because of these other issues.

Marsha

A good intuitive chiropractor/masseuse may be able to help. The good ones are hard to find though.

 

[IloveDMB]

Although I agree that SOME of my headaches may be recound, I don't think anyone except a doctor can be sure that is the only cause. I think some of my headaches are related to nerve damage and/or muscle contractions. I also have more severe headaches during that time of month, so I suspect there are some hormonal links as well. I worry that if I quit cold turkey, I will still have pain because of these other issues.

Marsha

That's why i urge you to see a neurologist. You sound like you get period migraines, which are very common. A good neurologist will take an MRI, just to rule out anything else. Then they should try to break the cycle with the steroid pack. Then they should prescribe you a triptan, to take as a sort of "rescue" medication, when the headaches get very bad.

If you are experiencing other pain throughout the body, they can help you with that as well, by prescribing a pain modulator, or physical therapy, or both.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Because she is getting medicine overuse headaches. Basically, the ibuprofen is now causing the headaches, instead of helping alleviate them.

And you can say this with certainty how?

I had surgery in 2003 to correct a Chiari Malformation of my brain

http://www.asap.org/chiari-malformation.html

I suggest Botox.

they should try to break the cycle with the steroid pack

triptan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triptan

a pain modulator

All preferable to ibuprofen?

 

[torinsmom]

I have probably had 8 MRI's before and since finding out I had the Chiari Malformation. Last one was approx. 2 years ago. Other than the Chiari, nothing showed up and since the surgery, the Chiari is showing as gone. Because there is compression of the brain stem and cerebellum when you have Chiari, nerves are compressed. I wonder if that is part of my problem sometimes.

Oh, and chiropractic care is a no-no for someone who has or has had a Chiari Malformation. The neck adjustments can trigger a recurrence, and that is something I do not need. That was a very rough surgery and recovery.

Marsha

 

[IloveDMB]

And you can say this with certainty how?

http://www.asap.org/chiari-malformation.html


All preferable to ibuprofen?

I can't say anything with certainty, but having just spent a month rotating with a neurologist who specializes in headaches, and doing research into headaches, I probably know more than the average person. We saw and diagnosed at least one case of medicine overuse headache a day. It is very common, what with the availability of the OTC medications.

And yes triptans are preferable to ibuprofen because you don't take a triptan every day, they are used as a rescue med. And don't use wikipedia as a medical source, as the content is user contributed.

 

[Poppinsme]

OP you asked about any of us taking Ibuprofen. I have been taking this T.I.D. 800mg. for 9 years. With no side affects. In Aug. 2000 I was in a car wreck, my knee was crushed. Have had surgeries, rehab, synvest txs. with no help. I have to work so I take pain meds one of them being Ibuprofen.
Also get blood work every 6 months and take a Nexium daily.

You need to see a pain management specialist and find a Neurologist who will work with you.

Am I addicted? Yes. But not to get high folks. The drugs I take lesson the pain so I can FUNCTION. I am in pain 24/7/365. People who live in chronic pain don't/cant understand this.
We don't take drugs to get high we take drugs to stop the pain so we can live and contribute to society.

My friend has Trigeminal Neuralgia. He has severe pain all the time in his head. Keeps it at bay with Neurontin and Ibuprofen. This is the only way he can live and function and be productive. He will take drugs for the rest of his life.

Drugs were invented to HELP us. Thats why they are here. Never ever feel guilty that you have to take something that helps you.

 

[torinsmom]

Yes, I hope people understand that you can't get high off ibuprofen. I don't put anyone else in danger besides me when I take it. I take it because I need to work and take care of my son, and when I am in constant pain I cannot do that. If you have not had a headache that would rate as a 9 on a scale from 1-10 nearly every day for 20 years, you cannot understand what I go through. Yes, I want answers and I asked for advice. I have been patronized by many doctors who just tell me to stop taking the medicine and even some who say the pain is all in my head(well, it is) Thanks for the advice. Hopefully, I will get to a doctor who can find out the cause of the headaches. Nothing would make me happier than to throw my bottles of ibuprofen away!

Marsha

 

[chisnpeke]

I used to have to take excedrin migraine everyday or I would get a headache. I eventually just weaned myself off of it and my headaches are MUCH less frequent and certainly not as severe as they once were. I too am worried about the effects on the stomach. Good luck!!

 

[LKHomemail]

I have never tried naproxen. Can you take ibuprofen after naproxen if it doesn't work? I have been stuck with a headache before when I took something that didn't touch the headache, and then couldn't take ibuprofen.

I have seen 2 neurologists and both were no help at all. I think I have tried 7-8 medicines that either didn't work or caused terrible side effects or sedation. MOst had a $50 copay and so I lost lots of money on top of the office visits. I also found them to be condescending, which really irritated me.

Oh, and the one medicine that really works is Fioricet, but the doctor will only give me 10 month because they have a barbiturate in them.

Marsha

so find a doctor who will prescribe enough of the medicine that works. why suffer. do you think you are at risk for having a problem ? ask your doctor what the risks are / how much is too much and decide if the risks of a potential "addiction or dependence" is worse than dealing with headachces. get a second opinion from another doctor if you need it. the opinion valuable in deciding if more than 10 days is a good decision . if you think based on both doctors opinions and your own thoughts that you want the med, then ask the second doctor to prescribe it.

 

[torinsmom]

so find a doctor who will prescribe enough of the medicine that works. why suffer. do you think you are at risk for having a problem ? ask your doctor what the risks are / how much is too much and decide if the risks of a potential "addiction or dependence" is worse than dealing with headachces. get a second opinion from another doctor if you need it. the opinion valuable in deciding if more than 10 days is a good decision . if you think based on both doctors opinions and your own thoughts that you want the med, then ask the second doctor to prescribe it.

I don't think I have an addictive personality. I took the fioricet for 6 months 1-2 pills every 6-8 hours, as prescribed. Then when the prescription ran out, I stopped cold turkey and went back to ibuprofen. I have taken fioricet on and off since 2002, but it is more like I take 3-4 pills each month when I have a migraine that ibuprofen won't touch. I have been without any for 2-3 months and not had a problem.

Fioricet has tylenol in it, so they say it could also cause rebound. My thing is that if I have to take a preventative every day, what would be the problem in taking Fioricet every day?

Marsha