ASK THE DOCTOR

Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions

- 

HEADACHE HELL

Q I've always suffered from bad migraines, but over the last year or so these have become so frequent that I have been living off paracetamol and ibuprofen. My GP referred me to a neurologist, who tells me they think that my headaches are being caused by the painkillers I'm taking. I'm confused! How can the drugs I take to help ease my headaches be causing them?

A Though it may sound counter-intuitive, there really is such a thing as an analgesic headache where headaches can occur from overuse of painkillers. You may get some withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the painkillers abruptly so speak to your doctor about weaning down slowly from these medications – and keep a headache diary.

Is long-term laxative use safe?