Anyone figured out how to stop rebound headaches without dying in pain

Has anyone found a successful treatment for rebound headaches? I get them 2 to 3 times a day. I take 3 zolmitripan and 6 Excedrin each day on average.

@larryrt51 Do ice packs help you? I try to catch mine early and hold a small ice pack on my neck where they originate. Also Tylenol helps.

I love my gel ice packs! They can be molded to the area that’s causing the pain - or to the area where the pain is being referred.

I resisted ice. It didn't sound comforting and the thought of cold drips running down my neck, well ick.

But once I started applying gel ice packs to my neck and lower skull during a migraine, I became a believer. Often it's my only relief when I'm unable to take more meds.

My daughter also sent me a small handheld roller that I freeze water in. The migraines leave purple circles under my left eye. So I use this to lightly massage under the eye and temple etc. (But a heads up. It drips. lol)

I developed migraines after suffering a concussion in 2019 and I have been paying the price since.
I am now on oral pills for breast cancer since 2025 - which can cause awful headaches (1 of many side effects) so now I have a double whammy.
Every day headaches, every day 1000 mg. ES Tylenol in the afternoon at which point I can't stand the pain anymore. This headache different from a migraine, an all over pressure in my entire head as if my head is going to explode. Of course, I went into a rebound cycle. I should mention I can only take the CGRPs b/c of heart disease...I found my Ubrevly no longer worked so I went with Tylenol (I tried many CGRPs) which did work. I was on a preventative (Emgality injections) 2 years ago - injections did help for several months but then stopped. Thinking of re-starting.
For my rebound headaches (which would start in the AM) - ice, ice and more ice. I have 4 ice caps in my freezer and 1 ice pack for eyes. Unfortunately the only way out of this vicious cycle is to suffer and NOT take your headache medication (no matter what it is). Of course, if the pain is excruciating there is always the ER where you can get a migraine "cocktail" to break the cycle. But I personally would not go there unless absolutely necessary. I truly know this pain. I have been in your shoes several times. This pain is so so awful.
But to break it - stop all medication to treat it. That really is the only way. Of course, in your case maybe you want to gradually decrease it and see how that works. I never did that. I went cold turkey and in a few days the cycle was broken. So it was ice on the head and sometimes a warm wrap around my neck...so much tension is there - to help relax those muscles. Also, I go in for periodic spa treatments for specific "headache relief massage". I found a great place/therapist where they do this. I don't look at it as "spoiling" myself or a waste of money. I look at it as a "medical procedure". And it is wonderful if you get the right spa where they have trained therapists who do exactly this.
All the best to you. I know and feel your pain. But don't despair, you can get out of it but must walk the awful walk first. Ice, ice and ice!

@pierwell I have occiptal neuralgia I have major flair ups, I am at the monment in a peaceful mode. My headacks are always on my right side beginning in my neck. Go over the top of my head and beind my eye. I do not take any meds any longer, they all made me so sick. I sengthen the mucles in my neck, use a stick to work out the knots I get. I am not sure of your type of headacks but believe you me we understand pain. In Jan 2026 I had a #9 headacks for three wks
my Dr. were out of the country, they give me trigger shots, plus nerve block shots. One thing
that helped me with the sereve ice pick pain in back of my head was "Migrane Cap" it looks like an old fashion swimming cap. I have two keep in freeze, the ONLY thing got me through. Best to you.

@larryrt51
I was told by neurologist to only treat 9 days/month for headaches, otherwise you are going to keep getting them He also had me start Vitamin B2 400 mg/day - its has been a life changer for me. He also recommended Magnesium citrate or glycinate 400 mg/day, if you have any kidney disease/issues - you must clear the magnesium with your primary provider first. Also avoid Aspartame, MSG, Nitrates and nitrites (preservatives), and Tyramine (in red wines). Good luck

@purple26
Thanks for the response. I do take a B complex and magnesium. I'll check the dosage of B2.
Unfortunately, I have been treating headaches almost every day of the month for over 50 years. I've been searching for someone to help me reduce that for many years. They have only become more frequent over time to where I am treating them 3 times a day.

@larryrt51
You won't get what you need from a B complex. You have to buy Vit B2 separately, 400 mg. I have only found it in 100 mg capsules. Its amazing how it works. I also see chiropractor on regular basis(monthly) and do massage therapy on regular basis. Give them a try. Do you have a posturepedic pillow? And don't have sleep apnea?
Good luck!