Is it bad to keep taking ibuprofen every day?

[Beth76]

I've been getting tension headaches everyday for the past few weeks. So, I've been taking 2-3 Advil. I usually only need one dose, but I'm still needing it everyday. Is this bad for me? I went to my chiropractor last week for an adjustment and was hoping that would help, but it hasn't. Should I see a regular doctor? I don't even know what's causing it. I thought it was just the stress that my older son was causing me, but he's at school today. I'm not really feeling any stress today. I just went to the mall and came home and ate lunch. It's getting hard to deal with every day.

 

[piglet too]

I don't think taking the Advil is bad for you, but I would still go see your doctor.

 

[I_Know_You2!]

It seems to me that a visit to the doctor is in order. Please take care of yourself! You deserve it!

 

[Christine]

Yes and no.

Many people take Ibuprofen daily for arthritis conditions (especially now that VIOXX was pulled). It is fine. But it can irritate your stomach and cause an ulcer over long term use. Just watch out for that.

Also, I don't know if you know about rebound headaches. You can get those when you take ibuprofen for a few days (like if you have migraines). When you stop you can get a rebound headache from not taking it.

I might stop the Advil for 2-3 days if you can stand it and see if the headache doesn't go away.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Does you Chiropractor have a massage therapist? Or a hydrotable? Those help my tension headaches a lot.

 

[Chicago526]

The ibuprophen itself won't harm you, but the headache could be a symptom of something that needs attention. I'd call your doctor.

 

[Chuck-PA]

I was having extreme headaches on a daily basis for weeks. Tylenol did not work, advil, aleve and others did not work.

I asked my neurologist about the headaches. He said that you can have extra headaches just from taking the tylenol and advil and other meds too much.
He said, as a rule of thumb not to take no more than 3 doses a week.
He told me that when I get a headache to increase from 2 pills to 3 pills but no more than 3 times per week.

Well I tried it and it does work. I do not have as many headaches.

Depending on the location of the headache, it could be sinus-related.

 

[llij]

I was having extreme headaches on a daily basis for weeks. Tylenol did not work, advil, aleve and others did not work.

I asked my neurologist about the headaches. He said that you can have extra headaches just from taking the tylenol and advil and other meds too much.
He said, as a rule of thumb not to take no more than 3 doses a week.
He told me that when I get a headache to increase from 2 pills to 3 pills but no more than 3 times per week.

Well I tried it and it does work. I do not have as many headaches.

Depending on the location of the headache, it could be sinus-related.

My neurologist said the same thing as Chuck-PA's did. I was getting migraines on a daily basis and taking ibuprofen just made it worse. I would get terrible rebound headaches. I promised the neurologist not to take Motrin or Advil more than once a week. She said that it is bad for your liver/kidneys to take on a daily basis. Call your doctor asap so they can figure out what is causing the headaches. Good luck to you and I hope that you feel better soon!

 

[crz4mm2]

My neurologists firmly believes that taking a daily OTC (over the counter) medication (including tylenol and Ibuprofen) causes many rebound headaches. That is the first question he asks each patient.
You need to stop for a couple of days. I would see your doc too if you are having an increase in headaches.

 

[Poohbear123]

Taker, have been for 10 years, and it has not caused me any harm as of yet. I take 6 a day, 3 in the morning and 3 at night. I make sure I take them about 12-14 hours apart, that way it works better.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I don't think so. I've been taking it almost every day for 6 months on a Dr.s advice for my carpal tunnel. Was told to make sure I take it with food.

 

[treesinger]

I've heard something about ibuprofen taking a toll on your liver too. Don't know the truth of the claim though.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

If you are taking ibuprofin FOR headaches and take it everyday, you WILL have the rebound effect. If you are taking ibuprofin for other reasons(carpel tunnel, arthritis) it will NOT cause rebound headaches. I have been told this and have read this. If you do a search on goggle on Rebound headaches, you will see lots on this. I had to look it up when I thought DS was taking too much for headaches. It did seem to be rebound with him.

 

[believe]

I was having headaches every day.....it came to the point where I had to switch from Excedrin to regular Ibuprofin, then neither would work. I now date Magnesium Oxide daily, per Drs advise, and it has kept them away.

 

[Beth76]

Thanks everyone! I'm feeling great now. I just got back from a pedicure and they have massaging chairs. I'll try not to take any tomorrow if I get a headache. Then I leave for my cruise on Friday, so hopefully I won't get any headaches while I'm away. I'll see if that helps. I'll do a little internet research too. I just feel a little silly going to see a doctor because I'm a little stressed.

 

[MScott1851]

The main concern I have for you is stomach irritation. My oral surgeon prescribed me 3200mg of Ibuprofen a day (for TMJ) for less than two weeks and I ended up with an ulcer.

Even smaller amounts like you are taking can cause irritation, though.