A rebound headache, also known as medication overuse headache (MOH), is a type of headache that occurs when painkillers are taken frequently to relieve headaches. Rebound headaches frequently occur daily, can be very painful, and are a common cause of chronic daily headache. They typically occur in patients with an underlying headache disorder such as migraine or tension-type headache that "transforms" over time from an episodic condition to chronic daily headache due to excessive intake of acute headache relief medications. Rebound headaches are caused by the long-term use of medicines to treat headaches such as painkillers, antimigraine drugs, and sedatives. The same medications that initially relieve headache pain can themselves trigger subsequent headaches if they are used too often. The symptoms of rebound headaches involve many features of the headaches you’re trying to treat, including nausea, anxiety, irritability, depression, or problems sleeping. Rebound headaches can be disabling, forcing people with this condition to take sick leave and to be less productive at work and home. The treatment for rebound headaches involves withdrawal of the overused drug(s) and by means of specific approaches that focus on the development of a close doctor-patient relationship in the management of the underlying headache disorder. Preventive medicines may help you break the cycle of medication overuse headaches. Work with your health care provider to avoid relapsing and to find a safer way to manage your headaches.