Anyone with migraines?

[Ember]

I'm not on anything for my migraines, but then I only get 2 -3 a year, usually when the seasons change. I can always tell they're on their way when I start to tunnel vision before eventually losing it completely.

One think that sometimes helps, at least a little, is to have a hot bath. I am NOT saying this makes them go away but there has been some research into the blood flow during a migraine and it was showing how blood moves away from the hands and feet. A hot bath can increase blood flow to the extremities which can sometimes ease symptoms. My husband will also massage my arms and legs for the same reason.

 

[ohiomom28]

Well with the rx you should probably stop the OTC stuff. That would cut down some on the amount of pills.

However, do you have hypertension? Does your blood pressure shoot up during a miagrain....if not I'm not real sure why she prescribed it. I think I'd have a talk with the pharmacy. Yikes!

Of course you never know I"m taking a anti tension drug for mine....

I am hoping that once I start the Corgard I won't need any OTC meds. I'm going to start it tonight but I am not filling the Phenergan until I need it. That was mainly for nausea when I have a migraine. I didn't mention anything to her about being nauseous any other time. I have seen different reviews on this med so I'm hoping. I'm also due for an adjustment at the chiro...just need to find a new one. Mine retired.

 

[goaliewife]

I usually just see my regular doctor. My gyno was even trying to work with my pills to see if that would help, it just screwed around with my hormones and I switched back to my old pill. I feel over-medicated today, just have a feeling not like myself. My insides even feel like they hurt, could be from being sick yesterday. I don't know what else to do, its coming back slowly today and my doctor is out until tomorrow.

I used to get them frequently when I was on hormones. Stopped taking hormone pills and my migraines are now VERY rare. They are now related to my diet. Some chocolates (not all, suppose it is the way it is tempered) are a killer for me. Walnuts also cause severe migraines for me. I started keeping a lot of trigger foods and now avoid them like the plague.

Hope you get things under control. They used to say a toothache was the worst pain ever......not if you have experienced true migraines.

 

[mill4023]

I get migraines with visual aura that starts about 30 minutes before the pain hits. I was first prescribed Treximet, then another doc informed me that Treximet is just Imitrex plus naproxen sodium. Since there is a generic replacement for Imitrex, it's much cheaper.

So now, as soon as the visual aura starts, I immediately take an Imitrex and two Aleve. It doesn't completely stop the migraine, but it makes the pain much better. When I get one, I basically have to lay down and try to go to sleep. Usually when I wake up a couple hours later, I feel better. But I always feel like I have a hangover for several days afterwards.

 

[chell]

I am hoping that once I start the Corgard I won't need any OTC meds. I'm going to start it tonight but I am not filling the Phenergan until I need it. That was mainly for nausea when I have a migraine. I didn't mention anything to her about being nauseous any other time. I have seen different reviews on this med so I'm hoping. I'm also due for an adjustment at the chiro...just need to find a new one. Mine retired.

Consider going ahead and getting the Phenergan filled and keeping it on hand just in case. Because if you need it you aren't going to feel like going to the pharmacy and waiting on them filling it. It is a pretty cheap one to get filled. It is nice to have on hand if you need it. Sadly I know from experience. I tried doing it your way and it didn't work out too well.

 

[deva]

I have suffered from migraines for over 15 years. I take Imitrex at the onset of symptoms and it works wonders. I do use the injection because it works soooooo much faster than the pills. In fact the shot works well enough that sometimes I can just take it easy for a few minutes, sip a Coke and then I'm fine. With the pill I'd need to sleep for 2 hours. I also have the nasal spray, but it leaves a horrible taste in your mouth and works slower than the shot (but faster than the pills). I usually carry the nasal spray around in my purse since it is not always practical to give myself a shot in the thigh.

They recently came out with the generic version. Works well, but I swear the shot seems to burn a little more going in, but 5 seconds of pain is worth the relief.

From what I understand the sumatriptan is a vascular constrictor (not sure if I got the lingo 100% here) so it "shrinks" your blood vessels to counteract the "pooling" and rush of blood to open vessels that causes the migraine in the first place. For this reason it is NOT given to people with hypertension/heart issues etc.

Every once in a while I get a doozie, so I go to the doctor for a shot of toradal and phenergen.

Good luck, I feel your pain. With everything out there you should be able to find something that works for you.

 

[ohiomom28]

I got both filled last night. Took the Corgard so today is day 1, we will see if I end up with a headache...

 

[mill4023]

I have suffered from migraines for over 15 years. I take Imitrex at the onset of symptoms and it works wonders. I do use the injection because it works soooooo much faster than the pills. In fact the shot works well enough that sometimes I can just take it easy for a few minutes, sip a Coke and then I'm fine. With the pill I'd need to sleep for 2 hours. I also have the nasal spray, but it leaves a horrible taste in your mouth and works slower than the shot (but faster than the pills). I usually carry the nasal spray around in my purse since it is not always practical to give myself a shot in the thigh.

They recently came out with the generic version. Works well, but I swear the shot seems to burn a little more going in, but 5 seconds of pain is worth the relief.

From what I understand the sumatriptan is a vascular constrictor (not sure if I got the lingo 100% here) so it "shrinks" your blood vessels to counteract the "pooling" and rush of blood to open vessels that causes the migraine in the first place. For this reason it is NOT given to people with hypertension/heart issues etc.

Every once in a while I get a doozie, so I go to the doctor for a shot of toradal and phenergen.

Good luck, I feel your pain. With everything out there you should be able to find something that works for you.

I might have to think about trying the injections. The pills help me a lot, but like you, I have to sleep for at least a couple hours.

You said thigh, so I guess it's an IM shot?
I've given my DW thousands of shots, but I'm not sure if I could give myself one.

 

[onelilspark]

I've been on 3 different preventatives now. I started with a low dose anti-depressent. Didn't do anything (made me a really happy person though!) So we nixed that. Next I moved to a low dose blood pressure med (sound familiar??) Problem is, I naturally have low blood pressure. I was prescribed it by a neuro. I mentioned my concern to him about taking it and his response was, "well if you feel light headed, stop taking it and call me." Oh, well that reassures me... Anyway, so I took that, helped very slightly, but when I went back in for a check-up, the Dr couldn't find my pulse! Needless to say, they took me off of that.

Now I'm on Topamax. It was working wonders. Then they moved me to the generic form...which my pocketbook loved! But suddenly it wasn't really working as well and then brought about the whole "Dope-a-max" side effects. Totally screwed up my job performance, I couldn't remember anything. Now I'm back on the regular, but it doesn't seem to be working as well as before. I'm kind of concerned. The only side effects I have on the regular are weight loss (I did at first, now not so much) and tingly feelings in my hands and feet, but that's rare.

I've been getting migraines since I was in the 2nd grade, so well over 15 years now. I now take excedrin migraine when it comes on and then I take Zomig if the excedrin doesn't work. (Oh yeah, I went from a 5mg dose to a 2.5mg dose of Zomig on the Topamax, an unexpected benefit!) Zomig is the only medicine I've found that works for me. I've tried countless others and they just don't work.

I've also heard of rebound headaches and tend to have these episodes...if you get headaches for something like 3 days in a row and keep taking meds for them, the next day you'll get a headache simply because your body is addicted to the meds. Only way to get through it is to lock myself in my room on a Saturday (I just keep the meds up until the weekend unfortunately) and let the headache run it's course. Usually a rebound headache for me isn't as bad and if I get lay low for a few hours, I'm good by dinner time. Only reason I bring this up is if you're taking medicine daily, that could be a trigger.

Here's a link on rebound headaches: http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/rebound-headaches (I knew I heard about them somewhere along the way...I wanted to be sure it wasn't something my imagination was creating )

And hang in there! Been there, done that...you're not alone!

 

[Mic_n_Min]

I get migraines associated with my menstrual cycle. They started when I was pregnant with my first child and have continued every month since then.

I do have a prescription for Relpax, but find that it doesn't work that well.

I had a 7 night hospital stay back in late August/early September due to an irretractable migraine. They were concerned about a rebound headache, so they kept me for that long in order to get it down to where I could handle it at home. That headache lasted for 3 weeks! They did do an MRI while I was there to make sure there wasn't something else going on.

I finally got through another week-long headache. I have an appt with the Headache Clinic at our local hospital. The Dr I will be seeing is one of the top neurologists in the country for headaches, so I feel good about getting these under control.

I have no advice on any of the meds you have written about as I have a lot of allergies so my choices are very limited. Good luck- I hope you feel better soon!

 

[KNJWDW]

I certainly feel your pain. I have had migraines and other weird head pains for over 20 years. I have used a variety of meds and some preventative ones, like topamax. Unfortunately, the topamax didn't do much for me (except help me lose a few pounds!) Imitrex worked well for me - both the tablets and injections. A few years ago, my insurance stopped covering it, so I switched to Frova. The Frova works quite well. I am in my mid-forties now and have noticed that I am getting fewer headaches than I used to. But, I still get several a month. I hope you find something that works.

Amy

 

[deva]

I might have to think about trying the injections. The pills help me a lot, but like you, I have to sleep for at least a couple hours.

You said thigh, so I guess it's an IM shot?
I've given my DW thousands of shots, but I'm not sure if I could give myself one.

I tell everyone I know on the pills to try the shot because, for me, it was a world of difference. If you absolutely can't stand the thought of a shot at least get the nasal spray since it is faster than the pills.

The shot comes in this little self contained ejector pen so you don't even see the needle until the shot is over. Hard to explain, but it comes with the ejector pen and two doses of meds. You twist the ejector pen down into the vial of medicine (it is all surrounded in blue plastic so you really can't see anything). Then you press the plastic against your skin where you want the shot to go which depresses the vial just a bit. Once this is done, you hit the button on the end of the pen and the needle comes out and gives you the shot (they recommend giving 5-7 seconds for all medicine to dispense before pulling it away). If you are not pressing the plastic up against your skin the shot will not come out when you press the button - so it is sort of a safeguard against setting off the needle at the wrong time.

They recommend taking the shot in the back of the arm or side of the thigh. (I think it needs to go into fat). I find it much easier to sit on the side of the tub or a chair and take the shot in the side of my thigh (not the top) rather than reaching across to get the back of my arm (although I have done it before when all I had was the shot and no easy access to my bare leg).

Like I said, if I take the shot right away I'm usually good in 10-15 minutes. If I'm at work I can usually stay and will feel fine. Never could do that with the pills.

The one thing that is funny though is how they package them. Around here you get 9 pills in one pack or 6 nasal sprays in a pack or 2 shots in a pack. So make sure you talk to your doctor if you get more than one headache a month. When I first switched over, I was only getting one box (so 2 shots) which was a real problem if I ended up with a few headaches in one month. Dr. rewrote the prescription so now I can get more. Fortunately I have great insurance. I pay $5 per month. Without insurance it would cost over $1000

 

[ohiomom28]

Update -

I am still having the headaches. I was taking the Corgard with no relief, went to the chiropractor last week and although I still had the headaches my back was better. I had another migraine Saturday and went to another chiropractor yesterday. He said I was completely out of alignment especially in my neck which could be causing most of my headaches. This morning I woke up with another one and sat at my son's orthodontist appointment in pain. Went home and laid down and felt better but as soon as I am sitting I am in pain again. So, I can stand up or lay down and the headache and back pains mostly go away. Of course the chiropractor is closed for the rest of the week due to the holiday. I'm hoping I am just sore from the adjustment and will be ok later. I am starting traction tomorrow for my neck. I am miserable.

 

[Candace]

Have had migraines for 51 years - yes - 51. Have been on Imitrex for years with moderate success, but a couple of years ago I read about a supplement called 5HTP. It is a serotonin booster and I take it daily and will continue. My migraines are seldom. I used to have migraines anywhere from 4-7 a week, and I always was in a panic because I never had enough medicine to last a month (only get 9 pills a month Imitrex). Now I occasionally have a breakthrough migraine and will take an Imitrex and my headache will be gone within a really short time. I seldom have to have the prescription refilled. 5HTP made a huge difference for me.

 

[mickeylove2]

I have been prescribed Zomig and the Maxalt melts...with both scripts the doc told me to take Motrin about 2 hours after each dose to kind of give the medication a 2nd wind. Works for me most of the time.

 

[ohiomom28]

Have had migraines for 51 years - yes - 51. Have been on Imitrex for years with moderate success, but a couple of years ago I read about a supplement called 5HTP. It is a serotonin booster and I take it daily and will continue. My migraines are seldom. I used to have migraines anywhere from 4-7 a week, and I always was in a panic because I never had enough medicine to last a month (only get 9 pills a month Imitrex). Now I occasionally have a breakthrough migraine and will take an Imitrex and my headache will be gone within a really short time. I seldom have to have the prescription refilled. 5HTP made a huge difference for me.

I will definitely try the 5HTP! Thanks! I can't handle these daily headaches. I'm going home to take another Maxalt if it doesn't let up. I have 2 left for the month!

 

[bookgirl]

I will definitely try the 5HTP! Thanks! I can't handle these daily headaches. I'm going home to take another Maxalt if it doesn't let up. I have 2 left for the month!

Make sure your doctor knows if you start any supplements. Any compound even otc and "natural" ones can affect your physiology, and they will interact with other medications. You don't want it to react with your current medications.

Hope you find some relief.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I have had migraines for about 15 yrs now.

I have tried a few of the drugs over the years and now am currently using Relpax and Midrin.
I have used Midrin for YEARS, its old school but it works for when I am starting a headache or have a "light" migraine w/o nausea and sight/smell sensitivity. It does make you a bit drowsy but will knock the headache out and I don't have to go to bed.

but...if its going to be a full blown nausea and excrutiating head pain like I had last week...I take the Relpax at the first onset of symptoms. I have found that the Replax enhances the symptoms before they get better (awful). and I need to sleep during/after taking it. I also noticed that the headaches tend to come back a day or so later...so I link Relpax with rebounding headaces too.

I also take my pill non-stop. no periods...period. have for 4 yrs now. That is a huge help as I had menstrual migraines every month for years. My GYN is happy with my health and sees no reason to stop this for the time being. I am 43...so can't be forever.

I also take Atenelol for heart palpitations and this supposedly helps migraines...but I see no link.

diet: I am very intrgued to hear diet success...as it is really hard to figure out if a food triggered it. I do NOT eat a lot of chocolate, nuts, or especially cheese. these all trigger for me.

biggest triggers for me: SMELLS!!!!!!!!!!!!! smells can give me an instant migraine. perfumes and cleaning chemicals are the worst.

I would love to hear what others have found to help with theirs.

My Neurologist is bent on me switching from Fioricet to trying Relpax. I haven't had the nerve to try it yet though because I'm chicken and have been dragging them around in my car for months. I just can't stomach all the warnings.

Can I ask what it feels like on the stuff? Is it like Imitrex.... I hated the feeling that stuff gave me, only the injection worked but it felt like acid in my veins and it only lasted 4 hours at a time. I think I MIGHT try Relpak the next time I wake up with a migraine but am not in a rush to do so.

I happen to like my old school Fioricet very much, it works well, I don't feel loopy at all and it is relatively safe but it's not for everyone. Some people get no relief with it and people with substance abuse problems can't take it. Even so, if the Relpak would work on the 4 day migraines it might be worth a try because after day 3 the Fioricet causes some rebound.

 

[Lachesis00]

I use Imitrex. I had no idea there were shots and nasal spray! I am going to check into it because the pill seems to take for-ever to kick in. I can't have motrin or other blood thinners So I am out of luck until that pill kicks in.

I get a serious stiff neck/back and can't be in any type of light. I have 2 small ones, so I can't afford to be out of commission long, especially since my husband starts a new job Monday.

 

[Candace]

Make sure your doctor knows if you start any supplements. Any compound even otc and "natural" ones can affect your physiology, and they will interact with other medications. You don't want it to react with your current medications.

Hope you find some relief.

Yes - be sure to let your dr. know about any supplements you take. 5HTP cannot be taken if you are on an anti-depressant. Be sure to read all the literature about it and the side effects and interactions. Like the above poster said, be careful with current medications and interactions you might get. Good luck!