What causes "Opiate Headaches" ? And how does one "safely" cure them ?

[BottleDryer]

What causes "Opiate Headaches" ? And how does one "safely" cure them ?

As I progress further in my life and further into the opiate world, I have realised that I now sometimes get headaches from certain opiates.
Specifically, Dihydrocodeine and Heroin .

I am 140lbs 25 years old and maintain a fairly healthy lifestyle and diet.

Whenever I do take an opiate such as the ones I mentioned above, I experience a headache ranging from mild to intense.
I always take them on a fairly empty stomach and consume a ginger capsule 30 minutes before (just in-case there is nausea).

The headaches are more pronounced when I take dihydrocodeine (DHC). Codeine and Oxycodone don't give me headaches (yet).

Why does this happen ?

What can I take to help subside the headache during that moment ? I'm asking this because I'm "afraid" (cautious) of possible negative interactions between mixing substances .

When I have a headache (and I'm not on an opiate) I usually take Motrin (Ibuprofen).

Tylenol (Aceteminophen) and Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid) dont give me as much of a relief as Ibuprofen does.

So is it safe to take Ibuprofen when I experience a headache while under the influence of a certain opiate ?

Are OTC "headache relievers" safe to "mix and match" between different opiates ? How would I know what could potentially cause an adverse / negative reaction ?


(I hope I was clear enough in what I'm trying to explain. )

 

[alkap555]

Yes, it is perfectly safe to use NSAIDS and opiates concomitantly. Look at all the pharmaceutical preparations combining APAP (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen with hydrocodone etc... As long as NSAID (and APAP) use is not contraindicated for some other medical condition (i.e. ulcers, clotting disorders or incompatible drugs) you will be fine--there are no harmful interactions between NSAIDS and opioids.

As for the pharmacological mechanism behind the opioid-induced headaches, I don't think anyone could answer that with any degree of certainty. They can be quite uncomfortable however, and taking more opiates will only aggravate the problem.

 

[tricomb]

Hydrate, and take an ibuprofen.

 

[Hybris]

I think dehydration could definitely be linked in one way or another. A lot of opiate users tend to not eat as much due to wanting to dose on an empty stomach. Still need to make sure you stay up on fluids though. Also if you plan to take acetaminophen for the headache, make sure to keep an eye on the amount and if any of the opiates you are taking have it mixed in with them. That's an easy way to accidentally cause some serious liver problems.

 

[BottleDryer]

Some awesome replies , thanks !

Not too sure about the dehydration bit applying to me , I'm always hydrated, drinking lots of water , I'm always thirsty lol .

 

[tricomb]

do you rinse with something like Biotene? it helps to prevent tooth decay with drugs that cause Xerostomia.

Do you take vitamins and supplements (like, to name a few.... Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B vitamins, vitamin E, coconut oil, milk thistle, multivitamins, etc.)