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Polypharmacy in a headache centre population

L N Oates1, M J Scholz, M J Hoffert

  • 1John R. Graham Headache Centre, Faulkner Hospital, Boston, Mass. 02130.

Headache
|September 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Many patients at a headache center engage in self-medication and polypharmacy, with women more frequently seeking triage counseling. Over half reported using non-center medications, and a significant portion used pain relievers.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Self-medication and polypharmacy are common in headache patient populations.
  • Understanding these practices is crucial for effective patient management and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of self-medication and polypharmacy among patients at the John R. Graham Headache Centre.
  • To identify demographic differences in medication use patterns.

Main Methods:

  • One hundred fifty patients were interviewed by a triage nurse at the Headache Centre.
  • Data collected included information on non-Headache Centre medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) and pain medication use.

Main Results:

  • A higher proportion of women than men sought triage counseling.

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  • 69% of patients reported using non-Headache Centre medications.
  • 39% of patients used pain medications, with 31 different medications identified for various diagnoses.

    • Conclusions:

    • Self-medication and polypharmacy are prevalent in this headache patient population.
    • The findings highlight the need for comprehensive medication review in headache management.
    • Further research into the specific reasons and implications of these medication practices is warranted.