New Study Reveals Pain Relievers Can Cause Chronic Headaches for Users

Understanding the Dangers of Overusing Pain Relievers

New research has uncovered alarming data regarding users of headache relief medications. A survey conducted by Iris Wellness, a Tokyo-based company offering the headache diary app "Zutsu Note," revealed that approximately 10.9% of users of acute headache medication reported using these drugs for more than ten days in a given month. This exceeds the threshold for what is known as medication overuse headache (MOH).

What is MOH?

Medication overuse headache occurs when a person uses pain relief medications too frequently, which paradoxically leads to an increase in headache occurrences. According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3), overusing triptans or combination analgesics more than ten days a month, or simple analgesics over fifteen days a month for longer than three months constitutes MOH. Despite its prevalence, with a general prevalence rate of 1-2%, this condition is often unnoticed by both patients and healthcare providers.

Insights from App Usage Data

Iris Wellness compiled data from 862 users who recorded their medication use via "Zutsu Note." The findings showed that while the average usage was just 3.2 days per month, 1 in 9 users was using pain relievers excessively, raising concerns for potential MOH. Moreover, 1.3% of users indicated prolonged excessive use spanning three months or more, aligning closely with the known general prevalence of MOH. This discrepancy highlights a critical point: many individuals may not realize when they slip into harmful usage patterns.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Hirotaka Maekawa, a headache specialist and the founder of Iris Wellness, explains the dangers of excessive pain reliever use. He states that overreliance on medications can sensitize pain pathways in the brain, creating a phenomenon known as central sensitization. As a result, even minimal stimuli can trigger headaches, leading to a vicious cycle of taking medications that no longer work, then needing to take more. The ideal approach to treating MOH involves gradually reducing medication intake—but this often leads to a temporary exacerbation of headaches, a challenging phase for patients. Dr. Maekawa emphasizes the importance of early detection; recognizing the frequency of medication use can be crucial in preventing the escalation of the problem.

The Role of Zutsu Note

One of the significant benefits of using "Zutsu Note" is its ability to automatically track headache frequency, intensity, and medication use. By visualizing this data in graphical formats, users can better understand their consumption patterns, making it easier to recognize when they are overusing their medications. Users are also encouraged to share these tracked statistics with their healthcare providers, which facilitates open discussions about treatment options, tapering strategies, and preventive measures.

Supporting Medical Professionals

Iris Wellness encourages healthcare facilities to register with "Zutsu Note". When patients set their healthcare providers as their primary contacts within the app, their recorded data will be shared directly with those providers, aiding in the timely detection of MOH and informed decision-making regarding treatment. Enrollment for medical institutions is free and provides a valuable tool for managing patient care in this domain.

About the Study

This analysis was conducted by Iris Wellness and focuses specifically on users of the "Zutsu Note" app who documented their use of acute headache medications. It reflects data collected from the app's debut until July 2026, showcasing user-reported insights. The findings are intended to highlight trends rather than serve as medical diagnoses.

Developer Background

Dr. Hirotaka Maekawa, a specialist in neurology and headaches, leads Iris Wellness. After graduating from the University of Tokyo's medical school, he has pursued extensive training across a spectrum of neurological conditions. His personal experience with headaches fuels his passion for improving treatments and developing practical tools like "Zutsu Note" that can genuinely help individuals manage their headache disorders more effectively.

Service Overview

Service Name: Zutsu Note
Website: Zutsu Note
iOS App: Download on the App Store
Android App: Get it on Google Play
Cost: Completely free of ads