The role of opioids in the treatment of primary headache disorders

There is no sufficient evidence for opioids in the acute treatment of primary headache disorders. Controlled clinical trials using triptans as comparator are missing. Data show high frequent headache recurrence, typical side effects of opioids, increased risk of chronification, and development of addiction in primary headache patients treated with opioids. Chronic headache patients with opioid therapy often experience lengthy withdrawal treatment. On the basis of the current scientific data, opioids should be avoided in acute and prophylactic treatment of primary headache disorders.