Two Weeks of Persistent Headaches?
I’m a 28-year-old female currently taking Viibryd, Rexulti, Metformin, and Yaz birth control. Over the past fortnight, I’ve been experiencing headaches that began as infrequent occurrences but have escalated to daily bouts. Initially, the headaches would last for a standard duration, but they've progressively extended to half a day, and for the last four days, they’ve persisted all day long, from the moment I wake up until I sleep. I’ve noticed increased sensitivity to both light and sound, with the pain rating between 3 and 4 out of 10. I sought help at urgent care, where my temperature, blood pressure, respiration, and pulse were all within normal ranges after they performed the usual examinations. I received a shot of Toradol, but unfortunately, it only provided minimal relief. I’m scheduled to see my primary care physician in three days. Additionally, I’ve been experiencing some neck pain that started this afternoon, possibly related to my posture. I’m uncertain if it’s linked to the headaches or a separate issue entirely. The urgent care staff suggested that hormonal fluctuations might be contributing to my headaches. My instinct has been to attribute it to tension or another underlying factor. Now, I’m weighing the option of heading to the emergency room, especially since the Toradol didn’t improve my condition, against waiting for my upcoming appointment with my primary care doctor to get further advice.
Answers (1)
2/10/2026, 1:01:10 AM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent headaches can be quite distressing, and it’s understandable to be concerned, especially with the changes you've experienced over the past two weeks. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and some actionable steps you can take.
Main Points
- Headache Duration and Symptoms: You've been experiencing daily headaches with light and sound sensitivity, alongside new neck pain.
- Ongoing Monitoring: You have an appointment with your primary care physician in three days.
- Hormonal or Tension Factors: Potential hormone-related headaches or tension headaches are suggested, especially given your medication history.
Explanation
Headaches that persist for weeks and change in pattern can arise from various causes. Factors like hormonal fluctuations (related to birth control), tension, posture, or even interactions with your medications (Viibryd, Rexulti, Metformin, Yaz) may all contribute. The neck pain you described can certainly affect headache patterns, often leading to tension headaches. The fact that Toradol only helped minimally indicates a need for further evaluation, but it does not necessarily mean urgent medical attention is required at this moment.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms Carefully: Keep a diary tracking your headache intensity, duration, triggers (like stress or posture), and the occurrence of neck pain. This information can help your doctor identify patterns.
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Posture and Ergonomics: Address your neck pain by ensuring good posture, especially if you work at a desk. Utilize ergonomic furniture if possible and take frequent breaks to stretch.
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Hydration and Relaxation: Stay well-hydrated and incorporate relaxation strategies like gentle neck stretches, deep breathing, or meditation, which can help reduce headaches linked to tension.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If approved for use with your other medications, consider over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but use them cautiously to avoid rebound headaches.
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Emergency Room Consideration: If your headaches worsen significantly, you experience severe neck stiffness, sudden vision changes, confusion, or any other alarming symptoms, seeking immediate care at the emergency room would be appropriate.
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Keep Your Upcoming Appointment: Make sure to discuss your comprehensive symptom history, including the neck pain and the effects of your current medications during your visit with your primary care physician.
It’s positive that you have an appointment soon; connecting these symptoms with your doctor will help guide the next steps effectively. Remember to take care of yourself in the meantime, and you’re not alone in this – support is available as you navigate these symptoms.
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