Anyone else sufferer from headaches - what do you take?

[KimR]

I'm going for my annual check-up next week and I plan on asking my Dr. if there is anything he can give me for my headaches. I've tolerated about 1 or 2 a month for the past 15 years or so. Nothing I've tried OTC works, doesn't make a difference at all, but I figure there must be something that could knock the pain out or at least make it a little more bearable. I have a feeling they are related to my hormones because when I was pregnant or breastfeeding, I rarely had them all - weird, huh? Anyway, I'm wondering for those of you who get headaches, have you found anything that really works? Ick - besides the shots...I had a neighbor who did this for her migraines...I'd really rather not have to do that!

Kim

 

[C.Ann]

Are they migraines? If so, there are a number of migraine meds that work quite well if you're not sensitive to them (like I am).. There's Imitrex, Maxalt, and a brand new one, Axert.. You take it right at the first sign of the headache and most times it will knock it right out..

I was on fioricet, tylenol 3, and Axert but was having a lot of stomach problems so 2 months ago I decided to stop ALL of them.. Have had 2 headaches since then but managed to get by without any prescription drugs..

If you think your headaches are related to hormones, then they probably ARE migraines.. Make sure you mention that to your doctor..

Hope it all works out for you!

 

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

I get Migraines and take Fiorinal or Imitrix Nasal Spray when the headache is bad. The Imitrix is a wonder drug to me. I've had Migraines for years and nothing ever worked until I started taking IMitrix about 3 years ago. I don't take it too often but when I do, it works right away.

Good luck

 

[grinningghost]

I get migraines and tension headaches. They can be real killers. I know the migraines are hormonal. It gets bad enough where I've thrown up during a migraine. The only thing that has worked for me is found right over the counter. Excedrin. Two of those and a cup of caffeinated coffee or a Coke. Oh, and complete silence and no light. Definitely get to the doctor for a Rx if the OTC's aren't working for you. I feel your pain, and if there's a way out for you, go find it. Good luck.

 

[Christina78]

I get terrible migraine headaches and if I can take it early enough, Excedrin Migraine works wonders. I've tried Imitrex and it didn't do ANYTHING. I've talked to my doctor several times, and he won't prescribe me anything but Imitrex. He just keeps sending me out for tests. I don't understand why he won't help me. A few months ago I had to go to the emergency room I was in so much pain. When I was younger I had a boyfriend who could "get anything" and he used to get me pills called something like feverset or fearset, I don't remember what it was called but it was the only thing that could ever take away a migraine.

 

[BethR]

Christina - have you tried going to a Dr. who specializes in headaches? Surely you should be able to get a medication that might give you some relief!

My DD has had headaches since she was turned a teenager. She finally saw a neurologist who specializes in headaches last Dec. He did not send her out for tests at all, but had her fill in a detailed diary of her headaches.
He then took her off of all OTC pain meds and prescribed doxapin daily, Imitrex for when she gets her migraines, and a prescription anti-inflammatory for when she gets "regular" headaches.
At her last visit, they gave her the injectable Imitrex for when she needed relief and could not "play around" with time (ie - when she will be having an exam or something). Otherwise she takes the Imitrex pills.
She has had a good amount of success.

Hope that you and KimR find the thing that is right for you!

 

[cinmell]

I've had migraines since I was twelve. I've been on Fiorinal and Fioricet and neither worked. Imitrex works for me. I've tried over the counter products like Aleve and Excedrin Migraine which don't do much for me. The only thing to really help is imitrex, but I have to take it as soon as I feel a migraine coming on and lay in a dark quiet room.

 

[Mamu]

Kim I suffered from headaches for years, It ended up being a disc. I went to a Therapist 3-day a week for 3 months. That was 7 years ago and I have not had a headache since.

 

[p-nut]

I didn't just get the headache, my left side would go numb. I am now on Topomax everyday. I also take a new medecine when the migrane hits. Can't remember the name right now. It desolves on your tongue. Works real fast. I love it.

 

[Olaf]

I don't get migraines, I think mine are more sinus related. I'm addicted to Excedrin.

 

[LuvTigger]

Just wanted to add that a friend of mine (who is also a physician) suffered from mirgraines for many years. A couple years ago, she started increasing her water intake and they went away.