Thump, Pound, Bang - Calling Migraine Sufferers

I see my PCP on Monday for a regular appt, but need some suggestions on migraine meds to mention.


I'm on nasal Imitrex now and no help. I'm getting one every few days. Anyone on daily preventative meds? Which one? Other treatment meds I should ask about? I need something that still allows me to function, if such a thing exists.

TIA,

I take Topamax 75mg daily for preventative.  I also have what is called Maxalt 10mg for breakthrough migraine pain.

I hope this helps.

I would drop going to the PCP.  PCP's don't have a great deal of tools in their aresenal to help.. you need to go to a good neurologist as they know the current treatments, feel more comforatble with off-label usage, etc.

I've been on indural, topamax, and paxil as migraine preventatives.  Also, 800mg mag oxide will help if taken in 400mg doses.  There are a number of shots that can be given -- I get an occipital nerve block every 12 weeks to help with mine.  You'll see my "I got shot in the head" posts on FB -- that's this.  Botox can help some headaches as well.

Abortives include all of the triptans -- and there are a number of them in various strengths, eregots (like zomig), and of course narcotics.

Okay...so here is my story on migraines....I have had HORRIBLE DEBILITATING migraines since last November...to the point of receiving 3, 80 mg shots of morphine a week just to be able to stand the pain.  I am now on nortriptyline and Depakote as preventative.  My physician decided to treat me as a "chronic pain" patient and has me on a trial of methadone...OMG it has worked WONDERS!!!  I have not had a shot in almost 30 days.  Now...let me say....we did not come to the decision to go on methadone lightly...we tried EVERYTHING else first.  I also take Actiq which generic is fentanyl...it comes in a sucker form and is MOSTLY used for cancer patients...but basically, when I start to get a bad migraine...I suck on one of those...if it is not gone or significantly better in an hour, I do another one...they work like a charm.  Those were prescribed to me by my neurologist (not my primary care).  My neurologist has also suggested DHE therapy...I chose not to do that, as it can involve having to go into the office for shots up to 3 times a day... for months at a time...and who has that kind of time to take out of their lives...but...it is an option.  I did Topamax, which did help with the migrainess...however...induced severe weight loss, which with my complications from WLS and not being able to stop losing weight...was not a plan...I lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks while I was on it :(

So, I don't know how much help I have been to you...but at least there are some drugs you can google and research before you go in...so that you have some knowledge and are armed wtih questions/suggestions for your M.D. :)

I hope you feel better soon!

Laura 

no tips... hope you fell better soon

I haven't taken meds in years because I suck.  I do remember once upon a time taking Imitrex and Maxalt.  Neither did a thing for me.  

After the baby is born, I am going to the Dr to get on a regular med schedule for them because they are out of control.  

So I'm interested to see what you try and if it works.    Feel better. 

Ughh! I've suffered from Migraines since I was 13. I don't wi**** on anyone.

I've taken everything mentioned so far - including heavy duty narcs - and what works best for me is Relpax (40mg).  It works quickly and I can funtion really well after taking it.

Hope you feel better soon,
Cathie

LIke the others I have suffered from Migraines since an early age... I actually started having scans at about 9 years old for headaches and over time just learned to cope. When I had a bad one Imitrex with Ultracet (muscle relaxer) helped me and I could function but just not up to par as I would like to and most especially now with a baby. I have also done the Nortriptyline treatment as a kid and young teen and it did help slightly. Hopefully you get some answers and some help!

Jo,

I don't have any advice, but hope you're feeling a little better!!  :)

Cindy