Excedrin is a widely known painkiller mainly used for migraines. This drug contains substances like acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. It can also be used for issues like toothaches, headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscular pains.

The drug works when acetaminophen and aspirin come together to prevent your body from natural molecule production. Caffeine acts like a kind of vasoconstrictor to speed up its effects.

• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is a fever reducer and painkiller. Its precise mechanism is unknown. It is definitely known to affect the brain and spinal cord. By lowering the number of prostaglandins your body generates, acetaminophen raises the threshold for pain.
• Aspirin: This is a medication with anti-inflammatory properties. It is usually used for irritations and inflammations. Aspirin can also affect the rate at which prostaglandins are produced but not to the degree of acetaminophen.
• Caffeine: This substance has nothing to do with pain. When caffeine enters the bloodstream, it narrows the blood vessels in the brain, reducing blood flow. This effect is very helpful when one is going through Excedrin migraines.

In most cases, Excedrin addicts usually didn't start out with that intention. But after taking it constantly for a while, their bodies built a dependency on it. To alleviate pain, Excedrin temporarily dampens the pain receptors in the brain, and after the dosage wears off, the headache can become more painful.

Dependency can develop as soon as you use it fifteen times in a full month's cycle. You can also unknowingly work double time to addiction if you use it with coffee. Excedrin contains as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, and after a while, your body is addicted to caffeine too. Check for a trend of headaches or pain that disappears once you use a painkiller and return once it has worn off. This is a subtle sign of painkiller dependency.

How to Fight Your Addiction on Your Own

If you discover that you might have an addiction problem, there's no need to panic just yet. There are different methods how to battle your addiction.

The first is gradually reducing the dosage so your body is not weaned off abruptly, which will likely be painful. There is also another method known as the cold turkey method. This method can be quite challenging for you as it entails cutting the drug off completely. You will probably have to endure headaches for days that could extend to weeks. You should recover in full about six to twelve weeks after completely weaning yourself.

If reducing the dosage of your painkiller is too tedious, feel free to ask a loved one for help. A common mistake people in these situations make is thinking they are on their own. I’m sure there’s a family member around you just aching to help you get stable.

They can help you by hiding the pills and only giving you the appropriate dosage at the proper time. But ultimately, kind words of encouragement and unending support will go a long way in your recovery. Knowing what you are going through and the possible causes of your irritability or change in behavior also help.

Medical Approach to Curbing Excedrin Addiction

Quelling an addiction is easier said than done. Suppose you are of the opinion that you cannot stop on your own. Please consult a physician, and they can probably devise a strategy that can help you cope better and, at the same time, stop your addiction. This strategy is known as bridge transition therapy.

A quick-acting, non-addiction-forming painkiller is one option your doctor may recommend. They could also prescribe you corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory medicines to treat your withdrawal effects. You can be put on a detoxification regimen by your doctor as well.

If you are battling some other addictions, join a detox program. Some of these other addictions can be opioids or other hard drugs. If your doctor decides to put you in an outpatient treatment program. You will likely be subjected to a detoxification procedure to be completely clean.

Carefully assess each potential program has to offer. Think about the area as well. Some people might choose to live near their loved ones. However, those in toxic relationships might temporarily need to detach themselves from their close ones.

It could be important to contact a professional if you have been using Excedrin to treat your headaches for a long period. Your problems can be evaluated, and examinations can be performed by a neurosurgeon or a practitioner specializing in migraines to see if there is an obvious explanation.

A treatment facility that will aid in preventing you from redeveloping an Excedrin dependence might also be recommended by a professional.

Some people are physically and psychologically addicted to Excedrin. This implies that you develop a mental dependence on the substance and may suffer worry, a sense of helplessness, a mental preoccupation with it, poor concentration, or sleeplessness if you don't have access to it. Consider seeing a specialist as soon as you can.

Behavioral Changes to Aid the Process of Stopping the Addiction

Eliminate caffeine from your diet. Excedrin includes caffeine, which may cause (or exacerbate) a caffeine addiction. Moreover, consuming coffee while using it might make you more dependent.

Adhere to a caffeine detoxification strategy. It could be difficult for you to imagine giving up coffee and other caffeinated beverages. You don't have to cut them out of your life completely. The main goal is to cut back on your intake so that you can stop depending on it. Two or three times a week is an acceptable amount of coffee consumption for most people without developing a tolerance.

Pay attention to your water intake during the weaning process. Some individuals believe that your propensity to want coffee decreases as your level of thirst increases. Drink an 8-ounce cup of water as soon as you wake up to ensure you stay hydrated all day.