While taking an over-the-counter analgesic like Advil, aspirin, or acetaminophen on occasion to treat a headache is generally considered safe, relying on these medications too much can actually make the pain and discomfort worse.
A phenomenon known as “rebound headaches” can result when analgesic drugs like Advil are used too frequently, or taken in doses that exceed what the manufacturer recommends. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “when the pain reliever wears off, you may experience a withdrawal reaction, prompting you to take more medication.” Unfortunately, this can trigger even more discomfort, leading to “the desire to take yet more medication.” As a result, “the cycle continues until you start to suffer from chronic daily headaches, with more frequent headaches and more severe pain.”
Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil, is among the drugs that are known to trigger rebound headaches when taken in a way that’s “off-label,” such as in larger doses or more often than is recommended on the label. The Cleveland Clinic explains that “rebound headaches are a progressive syndrome, meaning that they will continue to get worse until you receive the proper treatment,” and that “some patients may need to be detoxified under more carefully monitored medical conditions” in order to deal with their Advil dependency.