Advice on migraines?

[flamingyouth]

I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow about my migraines and I'm wondering about Imitrex (sp?) and some of the newer meds on the market. What works for you?

I get the full spectrum of symptoms: vomiting, light sensitivity, etc. I actually hadn't had one for a while, but I've been under so much stress lately, I had a horrible one today and I'm still feeling the remnants of it tonight.

Thanks, everyone!:hi:

[RossMcLochNess]

1. Imitrex

Its the only med that has EVER worked for me. It will actually stop the migraine once you start showing symptoms (seeing the "aura", etc.). Its been a Godsend for me.

[flamingyouth]

4. Thanks

I am going to ask her for that, at least so I can try it out. I couldn't even leave the house today, eat, or basically do anything. I have to go to bed soon, and thanks for letting me know about your results.:hi:

[theivoryqueen]

2. propranalol (sp?) or smelling lavender?

also - feverfew. I guess it's obvious I am organically inclined.... seriously - I think there are a number of good medicines available. Till then crush lavender and sniff it every so often, plus wet towel.

[theivoryqueen]

6. er - I meant to add to wet towel - put on head.

[flamingyouth]

8. I am with you, there

I've used feverfew for tension headaches with some success in the past. Also, lavender is wonderful! It's very funny you should bring it up, because I have tons of lavender plants all over my yard and it's my very favorite scent. I think I'm going to go sniff some now.:D

[theivoryqueen]

18. I hope you are already comfy and tucked in

and that the lavender helps. Nite - and sweet, luscious, non-head-achy dreams.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

3. My wife could not function without Imitrex

it is awesome, one of the most beneficial drugs on the market

[RossMcLochNess]

5. One more thing...

I was on Inderol (sp?) prior to Imitrex and it did NOTHING for me. I also tried another med too but that didn't work at all either. Ask about Imitrex. Hope it does for you what it did for me! Good Luck!

[flamingyouth]

12. I'm going to write that down and make sure she doesn't give it to me

Thanks for that.

Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate this!!! :hi:

[havocmom]

22. Inderal (sp?) did nada for my headaches either, but it sure screwed up my

memory. Mentioned that to others taking it and they all had the same experience. What helped me was learning to tolerate a cup of coffee each morning. But that was long ago, surly there are new pills now.

Take care of yourself, flamingyouth. The pain will wear you donw and out way too soon if you let it.

[andino]

7. Imitrex rocks

They even give you a little plastic case for them. I keep one on me at all times.

[hedda_foil]

9. Imitrex is miraculous.

My migraines were so bad I was hospitalized several times and absolutely nothing worked, including IV narcotics. Imitrex changed my life.

[flamingyouth]

16. OMG - I'm so glad to hear you got relief

How scary to actually be hospitalized - you poor thing. Well, you have all convinced me to give this a try, that's for sure!

[Fenris]

10. I too suffer from migraines

Mostly due to photosensitivity. Aside from wearing dark, dark sunglasses outside (and sometimes inside), I occasionally take Imitrex. I wouldn't recommend the nasal spray version. I found that it made my migraine worse. The pill has worked fine for the more intense headaches, but they've subsided somewhat in recent years, and I can deal with them with Excedrin and Aleve.

:hi:Lisa:loveya:

Good luck.

[flamingyouth]

14. I'm glad they've gotten better for you

I honestly haven't had a bad one like today's in a long, long time - I can't remember how long, but at least six months, maybe longer. Thanks! :loveya:

[Kadie]

11. Here is something you might want to check into

It has worked wonders for me. I didn't get many migraines, but I was getting daily headaches and jaw pain. My dentist recommended this http://www.nti-tss.com/.

My headaches got to the point that Advil wouldn't touch them. I have always been one to clench and grind my teeth while sleeping. The higher the stress level, the worse the pain. I seldom get headaches now.

Good Luck to you.

[flamingyouth]

13. That's a good point

I've been under tremendous stress and I do grind my teeth. In fact, right now, my TMJ is very, very sore - I'm sure that's a contributing factor.

[SarahB]

15. Imitrex

I know someone who has migraines a lot (in part due to a "still a functioning member of society" kind of addiction to synthetic opiates, but that's another story) and it usually helps him.
I get them maybe once or twice a year and it always works for me, but since I generally do not do anything harder than an occasional ibuprofen tablet anyway, there's nothing in the way if I occasionally need an Imitrex (makes me feel spacey though which I don't like, but that might just be me).

[MuseRider]

17. I use biofeedback.

I learned it and have never really had a severe migraine since. I think my body does it all without my ever being aware of it anymore. Toward the end of my training my hands would warm as soon as I would get out of my car at the clinic. It really works well, no meds. Rarely I will have a small one, bad enough but not debilitating.

[flamingyouth]

20. That's great to hear

I've been practicing yoga and meditation for years, and I'm interested in biofeedback. That's really an amazing story.:D

[MuseRider]

23. You are half way there!

It took me forever to relax enough to do it but once I caught on it was so easy. I next tried to do brain wave training for my narcolepsy but failed miserably. There was no way for me to get to the correct brainwave for consciousness without my Ritalin. LOL, I am the walking
asleep!

[asianjoanne]

19. I used to have migraines...

I used to have migraines when I was younger with all the symptoms. I had severe migraines and had to go to the hospital often. I ended up being given these pink pepto colored pills and they did the trick! I no longer have migraines. I've never heard of the medication that you speak of.

[nuxvomica]

21. Imitrex has worked for me

But it seemed to increase the severity of subsequent attacks. I stopped taking it when I had a strobing, zig-zag aura that wouldn't stop for a good half-hour. I was actually wishing for the headache that typically replaces the aura. Last year a homeopath prescribed a remedy that triggered my worst migraine ever but I haven't had one since. I'd say get the Imitrex to prepare for the next one but look into homeopathy for long-lasting relief.

[flamingyouth]

24. What homeopathic remedy did you take?

I've tried magnesia phosphorica with some success in the past, but this one was out of control. Mag phos works great for cramps, muscle pain, etc., and tension headaches, but it didn't touch this one.

OK - now I'm officially going to bed, I need to, but thanks again for everything, everyone! I really appreciate it!:D

[nuxvomica]

26. In my case, it was natrum muriaticum

But I wouldn't recommend that remedy specifically to anyone else. There are a variety of remedies for migraines. This one was based on all of my symptoms and signs, not just the migraine.

[jobycom]

25. My migraines seem to be diet related

I used to have them frequently as a teenager. Light sensitivity, vomiting, crippling pain, and a seizure-like detachment. I missed between 30 and 40 days of school a year.

Some of it was MSG poisoning. I ate a lot of soups and canned foods. WHen I finally found a doctor who knew something about nutrition (rare in the early 80s in Mississippi), he told me about MSG, and I cut the stuff out. It cut the headaches way down.

I still got them, and I still get them in clusters. It was bad while in grad school, so some of it was stress. But some of it was meat. I don't know what, but when I ate too much meat, or eggs or dairy, the headaches would come back.

I never took many medicines, because of rebound headaches. I used to tell doctors that pain relievers made the headaches worse, and they never believed me. Now it seems commonly accepted.

ANyway, once I became a vegetarian, I rarely get them anymore (though I still do). They aren't as violent as when I was a teen. I still get the pain and the detachment, but not the vomiting. Which makes me think the vomiting was caused by the MSG, and my body trying to expel it.

Anyway, just to throw all that in, in case you haven't considered some of it.

[geniph]

43. As far as I'm concerned, MSG stands for

Migraine Soon Guaranteed. I have food-sensitivity migraines from a couple of other substances, but MSG guarantees one. I also get them from glare. Imitrex doesn't work consistently for me, but it works better than anything else. There are some migraines that call for only a dark, quiet room and some time lying down wishing you were dead.

Pay attention to your triggers and avoid them like poison, because they are. The only good thing about migraines is that they'll give you Demerol when you go the emergency room sometimes. ;-)

[Zomby Woof]

27. Oh I feel for you

I had the worst one in 20 years a few weeks ago, and like you, they are full-bore violent with all guns-a-blazin'!

I haven't sought treatment, since they only strike once or twice a year (plus, until last week, I had no health insurance the previous 2.5 years), but maybe I should. I am not apprised of the latest medications. I myself would appreciate anyone's advice.

All I can say to people who have never had them - be thankful! Kind of hard to explain because they go beyond a merely really bad headache. They go into another dimension.


:hug: Lisa!

[flamingyouth]

28. ARGH - I'm back - sleep is eluding me tonight

Probably because I took naps during the day. If I could get the pain a little more under control I think I might be able to sleep. This completely sucks, I have to say. :cry:

[Zomby Woof]

29. I am sorry sweetie

:evilfrown:

[flamingyouth]

30. Thanks, Zomby

:hug:

[HEyHEY]

31. Eat, get a cold wet cloth for your eyes and the back of your neck

[Oddman]

32. It depends on the type of migraine you have - but it sounds like you have

the "classic" migraine. That's what I suffer from. I get visual disturbance, aura, light sensitivity, nausea, throbbing on one side of the head and the pain lasts for a few days. Unfortunately I did not respond to Imetrix. I've tried everything. You might ask about BIBN 4096 BS or Fioricet. The best thing is to try and relax while it is occurring - take the strongest pain reliever available (like Excedrin Migraine or a generic substitute - the caffeine in Excedrin helps) - if you can, lie down in a dark area and don't focus on what is happening, try visualizations and slow controlled breathing. That's what works for me. Those of us who have migraines know it is nothing like a headache!!!!

[flamingyouth]

37. Fioricet - that's what my friend takes

I couldn't remember the name last night.

I did sleep and I'm feeling somewhat better, but yes, I still have the headache, only it's not as bad. At least I'm seeing the doctor in a couple of hours.

[bookfreak]

33. Oh wow...

I've had these turds for about 20 years now. I've tried rounds and rounds of prophylactics and abortives so I've got all sorts of ideas for you.

Prophylactics (preventatives):

Topamax (This is the one that worked best for me)
Verapamil (This is another that I take, it has a mild helpful effect for me)
(These others didn't work for me but they may work for you)
Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline
Zoloft

Another prophylactic which I haven't tried is Depakote. I know there are others I just can't think of at the moment.


Abortives: (The first two work for me, the Relpax especially)

*Imitrex
*Relpax
Zomig
Amerge
Frova
Maxalt

These are all "triptan" medications which are specifically designed for migraines. They are vasoconstrictors rather than pain killers.

Some other meds traditionally prescribed for migraines include the ergotamines. You also may see narcotic painkillers prescribed as "rescue" meds.


Here is a very helpful website on migraines, which is run by About and hosted by Teri Robert. She is a major authority on the subject:

http://headaches.about.com /

Good luck on our appointment!

[bookfreak]

34. I forgot!

I failed in my last post to mention chiropractic. It can be very helpful (it has been for me). If you are able to afford it you might want to give it a try. Some insurance plans cover it also.

[DoNotRefill]

35. Morphine...

that's why I'm a Morphiend....

Hey, it works for me!!! :)

[radwriter0555]

36. botox WORKS. Chiropractic helps a lot too.

But the botox made the biggest diff for me, since migraines are more often the result of muscular tension.

[Bertha Venation]

38. Mrs. V. takes Maxalt -- melty tabs that work quickly.

They work better for her than Imitrex did, but of course that's just her experience.

Migraines suck. Good luck.

[spinbaby]

39. Prevent them

Migraines are apparently related to a chemical process called the calcium channel. I have no idea what that is, but I do know that a calcium channel blocker (Norvasc) has totally, and I do mean totally, eliminated my migraines. And I am someone who has had migraines since early childhood, sometimes several times a week. Ask your doctor and see if it works for you.

[livetohike]

40. Imitrex and don't suffer anymore!

I have had migraines since the age of 15. I will be 52 years old this month.

Go with the Imitrex. I was introduced to the injectable kind back in 1995 or 1996 when it first came on the market. I was in a hospital emergency room. That was the norm for me before Imitrex. Too much pain and nausea leading to dehydration.

The Imitrex has been a miracle for me.

[ChickMagic]

41. My doctor gave me some samples

of a new drug called Relpax. It's a little different because you can still get some benefit if you take it after the headache has started. I've taken it when I first start "seeing stars" and the migraine got kicked in the butt.

[hlthe2b]

42. You may also want to determine if your migraines are

linked to your menstrual period and are thus hormonally-linked. Classical "menstrual migraines" occur 2 days before to 2-3 days after the start of your period. This is important, since imitrex and other "triptan" type drugs can help treat them, but this type of migraine can often be somewhat refractory to treatment. However, there is considerable research showing that hormone manipulation (birth control pill in younger, healthy women) can help decrease the occurence or the severity and aid in the response to migraine drugs like imitrex. Given the intranasal form of imitrex is now running about $30 a dose prior to insurance, this is an important issue.

Other triggers for "non-hormonal" migraines can include rapid changes in barometric pressure (storms), DIET (including red wine, MSG, chocolate for some and speciic dietary allergies in those susceptible). Stress can be a component, but true migraines often occur Well AFTER a period of stress (making for a ruinous start to a much-needed vacation).

The biggest advice I can give you is to recognize that many physicians are not very well versed in migraine care and there have been considerable advances (beyond imitrex and other new drugs for treatment or propranalol as a preventatiive)that they may not be aware. Many are not well versed on hormonal influences in women, unless they have taken considerable pain to keep up with the latest literature. Finally, many physicians who themselves have never experienced the incapacitating effects of a migraine may not be inclined to aggressively treat.

Best bet is to read up yourself, do a diary on your migraine symptoms and occurence (especially with respect to "triggers" and time of occurrence around your periods). Be prepared to bring some good sources of summary information with you (just in case you feel that they are not fully addressing your concerns). Below are some of the most useful sites for you (the first specifically for health care providers summarizes current diagnostic and treatment recommendations and would be good to have for your provider, while the second provides good information for lay public and migraine sufferers as well). Good luck.


1. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) develops clinical practice guidelines to assist its members in clinical decision-making related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of neurologic disorders. Each guideline makes specific practice recommendations based upon a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of all available scientific data.
http://www.aan.com/professionals/practice/index.cfm

2. The Michigan Head·Pain & Neurological Institute (MHNI), the nation's first comprehensive head pain treatment and research center, was founded by Dr. Joel Saper in 1978 to provide intensive, balanced treatment of headache and related painful disorders. The Institute is the only specialty center for head pain to have been awarded national accreditation.
http://www.mhni.com/

[cheezus]

44. marijuana?

I have a friend that swears by it. Used to get debilitating migranes.

[spinbaby]

45. Barf!

The very thought of the smell of pot while having a migraine is enough turn me green. Ugh!

[cheezus]

47. well, smoking it is bad for you anyway

eat it!

anyway, from what my friend tells me, it's a hit or two when he starts to feel it coming on. not enough to get him fucked up, but it keeps the migrane from setting in.

[ScreamingMeemie]

46. Sadly, none of the triptan classes of medicine have ever worked for

me, Lisa. I was on narcotic painkillers (Vicodin ES) and basically vomitted my way through them. In April I began treatment for high blood pressure. Amazingly, since I began taking Diovan HCT 160 mg, my migraines (knock wood) have become for the most part obsolete.

Please ask the doctor what he/she thinks of blood pressure medications. I experienced the symptoms you experience, but the triptans do not counteract non basalar migraines well at all in my opinion.


Best of luck Sweets!! :hi:


And on edit: Inderol has worked miracles for PassingFair. You may not want to close the door on anything that may give you relief.

[Beaverhausen]

48. Imitrex works for my boyfriend- also look at the foods you eat

you may be having some kind of allergic reaction to certain foods. Try to be cognizant of what you ate shortly before the migraine comes on.

Also high blood pressure can make them worse.

Good luck- I thankfully don't get them but I know they are horrible. Hope you get a handle on yours.

[flamingyouth]

49. Just got back from the doctor with a load of meds

She gave me Imitrex for when they start, but since I'm in the middle of a two-day long one, she said to wait for the next one to take this. Right now I'm on Tramodol for the pain and Promethazine for the nausea.

Normally, my headaches aren't so bad, and I haven't had one this bad for a long time - if ever. And now... I'm feeling very sleepy. :boring:

[livetohike]

50. Good deal!

I hope your migraine goes away immediately. I think you'll like the Imitrex. Usually it only takes 20 minutes after taking it before my migraine and related nausea disappear. A true miracle.

[GOPisEvil]

51. Good luck, Lisa!

:hi: