Anyone take Zonegran for migraine prevention?

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Just went to a Neurologist today after several weeks of 3 to 5 bad migraines a week. Since we just moved to a new state he said that he suspects the allergens in the area and wants to put me on a preventive medicine. I had HORRID side effects on Topomax a few years ago so he wants to try me on Zonegran.

Has anyone taken this medicine for this purpose? What were your experiences - good and bad? Any side effects?

I am pretty nervous about taking a medicine like this again but I am just miserable and willing to try anything at this point.

 

[momrek06]

Just went to a Neurologist today after several weeks of 3 to 5 bad migraines a week. Since we just moved to a new state he said that he suspects the allergens in the area and wants to put me on a preventive medicine. I had HORRID side effects on Topomax a few years ago so he wants to try me on Zonegran.

Has anyone taken this medicine for this purpose? What were your experiences - good and bad? Any side effects?

I am pretty nervous about taking a medicine like this again but I am just miserable and willing to try anything at this point.

Aww, Kel, I do not have any migraine or headache issues ... just stopping by to tell you I love ya, hang in there, sweetie!!!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Aww, Kel, I do not have any migraine or headache issues ... just stopping by to tell you I love ya, hang in there, sweetie!!!

Love ya back, Kar. Was thinking about you today and was going to send you a message to see how your DBro was doing in the sandbox and if he is ready for care packages!

Thanks for the hug. I needed that. On Day 2 of this migraine and ready for some relief!

 

[onelilspark]

I haven't heard of this one before. I'm right there with you on the continual migraines. ...Did you know "chronic" migraines are one/month?! Ugh...a few times a week is normal for me. Good luck! Let us know if it helps!!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I haven't heard of this one before. I'm right there with you on the continual migraines. ...Did you know "chronic" migraines are one/month?! Ugh...a few times a week is normal for me. Good luck! Let us know if it helps!!

I haven't either and there isn't much info out there online about this medicine and migraine use. I am really hoping that it does work. I guess I would qualify as having chronic migraines even before moving here and upping the frequency.

Guess I have to wait another day to start it though, DH just got back from the pharmacy and they were out of the name brand medicine and have to order it.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Kel, I hate you are having such bad headaches. I hope it gets better. I just left the great state of GA today. It won't hurt my feelings if I don't return there anytime soon. It was some kind of humid big hair weekend

 

[momw/2princesses]

I took this medicine for about 2 years. The side effects were nothing like the Topomax. I absolutely hated the topomax and refused to take it any more!!

When I first started taking the Zonegran, I had occasional tingling in my hands, but nothing more than for just a few seconds a few times a day. Sometimes I was tired, but not extremely so. I wasn't nearly as irritable as with the Topomax. It did help to get my migraines under control.

About a year ago, I saw the ortho for issues with my foot. Somehow we started talking about migraines. He asked if I had tried magnesium. I hadn't, but started taking it. It is a natural anti-inflamatory and helps with nerve function. A few weeks later, we went on vacation and I forgot my Zonegran. Was really freaked out about it, but didn't have a headache the entire time. So I decided to do a little test to see how the magnesium would work on its own. I haven't taken the Zonegran since.

I still get migraines, but they are more infrequent than they used to be. I go through spells where I get migraines several days a week for several weeks. Alot of times it's during allergy season. I wish you the best and hope you find something that works for you. Give the Zonegran a chance, it's really not that bad!!

Andrea

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Kel, I hate you are having such bad headaches. I hope it gets better. I just left the great state of GA today. It won't hurt my feelings if I don't return there anytime soon. It was some kind of humid big hair weekend

If you were anywhere near Benning and didn't call then you are in SO much trouble, girl!

I took this medicine for about 2 years. The side effects were nothing like the Topomax. I absolutely hated the topomax and refused to take it any more!!

When I first started taking the Zonegran, I had occasional tingling in my hands, but nothing more than for just a few seconds a few times a day. Sometimes I was tired, but not extremely so. I wasn't nearly as irritable as with the Topomax. It did help to get my migraines under control.

About a year ago, I saw the ortho for issues with my foot. Somehow we started talking about migraines. He asked if I had tried magnesium. I hadn't, but started taking it. It is a natural anti-inflamatory and helps with nerve function. A few weeks later, we went on vacation and I forgot my Zonegran. Was really freaked out about it, but didn't have a headache the entire time. So I decided to do a little test to see how the magnesium would work on its own. I haven't taken the Zonegran since.

I still get migraines, but they are more infrequent than they used to be. I go through spells where I get migraines several days a week for several weeks. Alot of times it's during allergy season. I wish you the best and hope you find something that works for you. Give the Zonegran a chance, it's really not that bad!!

Andrea

Thanks so much for the info! This Neurologist did tell me to up my magnesium intake as well but didn't give me any suggestions on how to do that (pills or diet) so I was going to talk to the pharmacist. What do you take?

If you don't mind me asking, what were your foot issues? I was just diagnosed in May with PF. Did your ortho think the foot issued could be triggering migraines? I have a torn rotator cuff and the Neuro was concerned about that being an issue for me headache wise as well.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

I took this medicine for about 2 years. The side effects were nothing like the Topomax. I absolutely hated the topomax and refused to take it any more!!

When I first started taking the Zonegran, I had occasional tingling in my hands, but nothing more than for just a few seconds a few times a day. Sometimes I was tired, but not extremely so. I wasn't nearly as irritable as with the Topomax. It did help to get my migraines under control.

About a year ago, I saw the ortho for issues with my foot. Somehow we started talking about migraines. He asked if I had tried magnesium. I hadn't, but started taking it. It is a natural anti-inflamatory and helps with nerve function. A few weeks later, we went on vacation and I forgot my Zonegran. Was really freaked out about it, but didn't have a headache the entire time. So I decided to do a little test to see how the magnesium would work on its own. I haven't taken the Zonegran since.

I still get migraines, but they are more infrequent than they used to be. I go through spells where I get migraines several days a week for several weeks. Alot of times it's during allergy season. I wish you the best and hope you find something that works for you. Give the Zonegran a chance, it's really not that bad!!

Andrea

I have to second magnesium. I also get migraines and taking magnesium and calcium really does help. I also try to find the triggers, drink a lot of water. Just a side note, magnesium and calcium also help with menstrual pain. I used to get such bad cramps I would double over and vomit. Now they are almost non-existent. Good luck with your migraines. The only med I take is occasionally Esgic for the migraines but the magnesium and calcium really help. Buy good brand, I like the capsules.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I have to second magnesium. I also get migraines and taking magnesium and calcium really does help. I also try to find the triggers, drink a lot of water. Just a side note, magnesium and calcium also help with menstrual pain. I used to get such bad cramps I would double over and vomit. Now they are almost non-existent. Good luck with your migraines. The only med I take is occasionally Esgic for the migraines but the magnesium and calcium really help. Buy good brand, I like the capsules.

Thanks! Do you know the dose of magnesium that you take?

Good to know about the other pain. I have a rough time with that as well so relief from that would be a welcome blessing. So glad you found something that worked for you!

 

[lovemygoofy]

If you were anywhere near Benning and didn't call then you are in SO much trouble, girl!

No, I was in Augusta at Ft. Gordon. I wanted to text but wasn't sure if you changed your cell number. We have to catch up!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

No, I was in Augusta at Ft. Gordon. I wanted to text but wasn't sure if you changed your cell number. We have to catch up!

Same cell number since West Point. Text away!

 

[Mommy2three]

i have been getting migraines daily now for the last 2 weeks or so, and wont have any health insurance until after next week, so ive been suffering thru them. My doc prescribed me tylenol with caffeine in it to take when i do get a migraine, but if i take it at night then i will be up all night, and then have to be up all the next day because i have 3 kids, 2 of who have special needs. But for a preventative my doc had me on propanalol. which is a high blood pressure mediciation.

 

[minkydog]

No experience with Zonegran for migraines, but my son Christian has taken it for several years for seizures. He takes a fairly high dose, 500mg, and he has had no discernable side effects. He takes the generic drug, Zonisamide. I can't tell any difference from the name brand. YMMV

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I have never taken it. Hated Topamax, a lot! I would love to know what you think. I take Relpax, but the insurance only gives 6 per month. It helps a lot until I run out.

Mommy2three, I give my son aspirin with tylenol in the evenings. He takes the excedrine migraine during the day when he has one.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I hope you feel better soon.

I'm curious how this medicine works for you, and am even more interested in the magesium. I have had nearly daily migraines since the spring with only a few breaks here & there, I am exhausted. Yesterday and today I thought I was home free but one came on at sundown anyway, all mine get worse as the sun goes down... my DH used to complain I was allergic to him. Whoever invented Fioricet should be given a medal IMO, it makes my life bearable. Still, I would be willing to give alternative safe choices a try as long as they don't have ridiculous warnings. How come all the meds out there for Migraine are so darn dangerous????

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

i have been getting migraines daily now for the last 2 weeks or so, and wont have any health insurance until after next week, so ive been suffering thru them. My doc prescribed me tylenol with caffeine in it to take when i do get a migraine, but if i take it at night then i will be up all night, and then have to be up all the next day because i have 3 kids, 2 of who have special needs. But for a preventative my doc had me on propanalol. which is a high blood pressure mediciation.

Hope you get some relief soon. Excedrin Migraine (tylenol, aspirin, caffeine combo) used to work for me but would keep me up if I took it late in the day. See if you can get a prescription for Imitrex or Maxalt - those don't wire me and work much quicker. Took Maxalt for the first time tonite and the headache and nausea were gone in an hour!

I hope you feel better soon.

I'm curious how this medicine works for you, and am even more interested in the magesium. I have had nearly daily migraines since the spring with only a few breaks here & there, I am exhausted. Yesterday and today I thought I was home free but one came on at sundown anyway, all mine get worse as the sun goes down... my DH used to complain I was allergic to him. Whoever invented Fioricet should be given a medal IMO, it makes my life bearable. Still, I would be willing to give alternative safe choices a try as long as they don't have ridiculous warnings. How come all the meds out there for Migraine are so darn dangerous????

Thanks! I'll post back with updates. The side effects for this drug are about the same as Topamax as far as I can tell. Nothing like taking a drug that can cause suicidal thoughts! Fiorcet did nothing for me when I tried it years ago. It's funny how some things work for some people and not for others - same with side effects. The internet is full of people who had the horrid side effects from Topamax and just as many people that didn't have any.

As far as sundown - is there a weather change where you live at that time of day? Barometric pressure can be a trigger. Is your DH wearing some sort of cologne or anything scented that could be a trigger? Do you still have the same sundown headaches when you are away from home? Has your home been tested for mold? Do you have a CO detector? Are you home all day? What else happens at sundown that is different from the rest of the day?

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thanks! I'll post back with updates. The side effects for this drug are about the same as Topamax as far as I can tell. Nothing like taking a drug that can cause suicidal thoughts! Fiorcet did nothing for me when I tried it years ago. It's funny how some things work for some people and not for others - same with side effects. The internet is full of people who had the horrid side effects from Topamax and just as many people that didn't have any.

As far as sundown - is there a weather change where you live at that time of day? Barometric pressure can be a trigger. Is your DH wearing some sort of cologne or anything scented that could be a trigger? Do you still have the same sundown headaches when you are away from home? Has your home been tested for mold? Do you have a CO detector? Are you home all day? What else happens at sundown that is different from the rest of the day?

Glad to hear that you'll post how things go for you.

Thanks for your thoughts about my sundown thing. I've always had the problem and it happens no matter where I am, what I'm doing, or who I'm with. The sun setting won't start a headache out of the blue but if I've had one threatening or one I couldn't get rid of it will absolutely stir up in the evening. I have no idea what triggers the flare up and the Neurologists can't offer any insight either but since Sundowning is common with Alzheimer sufferers I kind of figure it's some kind of chemical change that just hasn't been isolated yet. Maybe someday I'll get an answer, fingers crossed.

I hope you can get some rest tonight and tomorrow you wake up headache free.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Glad to hear that you'll post how things go for you.

Thanks for your thoughts about my sundown thing. I've always had the problem and it happens no matter where I am, what I'm doing, or who I'm with. The sun setting won't start a headache out of the blue but if I've had one threatening or one I couldn't get rid of it will absolutely stir up in the evening. I have no idea what triggers the flare up and the Neurologists can't offer any insight either but since Sundowning is common with Alzheimer sufferers I kind of figure it's some kind of chemical change that just hasn't been isolated yet. Maybe someday I'll get an answer, fingers crossed.

I hope you can get some rest tonight and tomorrow you wake up headache free.

Thanks! You too!

 

[momw/2princesses]

Thanks so much for the info! This Neurologist did tell me to up my magnesium intake as well but didn't give me any suggestions on how to do that (pills or diet) so I was going to talk to the pharmacist. What do you take?

If you don't mind me asking, what were your foot issues? I was just diagnosed in May with PF. Did your ortho think the foot issued could be triggering migraines? I have a torn rotator cuff and the Neuro was concerned about that being an issue for me headache wise as well.

Sorry for the delay. Bad migraine really had me down yesterday and I spent today catching up! I take 500mg of magnesium every night. I do try to eat more magnesium foods, but you really have to eat a LOT to get what you would need. Some of the best things are black beans, broccoli, pumpkin seeds and halibut. One serving of those will get you about 150mg.

Funny, but yes, I was at the ortho for PF! I don't believe it was related because I've been free from the PF pain for over a year now. With all the nerves and everything tied together, you never know.

I hope you are feeling better now!!

Andrea