Question about Migraines

[stitchlovestink]

OTC NSAIDs can cause rebound headaches if abused (taken too often), that's correct. However, as to whether or not it may be the appropriate treatment depends on the individual patient. Excedrin is the ONLY rescue med I have found that touches my migraines and I've been using it for probably 20 years now (before they even marketed "Excedrin Migraine" with the migraine indication). I cannot take triptans. I have tried other Rx meds but none worked any better for me than Excedrin. Anyone who experiences migraines knows it can be trial-and-error to find what works best for them.

And if you read my original post I stated CHRONIC migraines. Even Excedrin states itself that it is not designed for Chronic migraines but for episodic migraines.

 

[SueM in MN]

And if you read my original post I stated CHRONIC migraines. Even Excedrin states itself that it is not designed for Chronic migraines but for episodic migraines.

i think my mom would have been happy if her migraines were episodic, but they were chronic.
Her doctors basically said, if it works for you, it's the right medication for you.

She had been on daily preventative medication for migraines, but had too many side effects.

 

[3smithboys]

Thanks for all of your comments. I am also on Topamax daily right now. I was on it before the study and had to go off of it for the study. It's not the best med in the world to be on because of the neurological side effects, but the dr said it's the best one they have right now to treat chronic migraines... I've tried so many combinations... I've about given up ever feeling good...

I got a surprise call today from my study supervisor, though. She said that she thinks she may have another study I might be eligible for.... I have an appointment at the end of the month to go see my dr, and she is going to meet with me as well. So, we will see.... We are looking to see if there is a study this time where I don't have to go off of the daily preventative in order to participate. Last one, I had to go off for 3 months, and it was not fun.

 

[ttintagel]

I just wanted to chime in with my experience - I don't know if it's relevant to you or not because you may or may not have triggers other than the ones you've discussed so far. One of my triggers is stress on the neck, and I nearly got a migraine after my last trip on Space Mountain because the ride was so rough and whipped my head and neck around more than I thought it would. I managed to stave off the migraine with medication and rest, but it could have gone the other way.

 

[3smithboys]

I just wanted to chime in with my experience - I don't know if it's relevant to you or not because you may or may not have triggers other than the ones you've discussed so far. One of my triggers is stress on the neck, and I nearly got a migraine after my last trip on Space Mountain because the ride was so rough and whipped my head and neck around more than I thought it would. I managed to stave off the migraine with medication and rest, but it could have gone the other way.

I love coasters, but do have to be careful. Most are ok, but I can't go on Rock n Roller coaster because of the way my head it's the head rest... I feel like I get knocked around on it...

 

[book_junkie]

Some suggestions that may or may not help (helps me, YMMV):

• Get those breakable cooling packs in small/extra small sizes. They're similar to the heat warmers you can find for hands in winter, but you crack these and the contents cool/freeze. Instant ice pack that can be on temples/neck or other issue area to help w throbbing
• Check your sunglasses and your glasses prescription (if you have one). I've found getting adjusted to FL sun from TX that there is a huge difference, and my new go-to normal sunglasses need to be darker. Which means the migraine ones darker still. And if you have a prescription, you might not know its off and causing some of your issues.
• Noise protection: is one of your triggers sound? You can get light ear plugs that can help a bit without it feeling funny.
• Premedication: if you know you're going into somewhere that can cause a headache, overhydrate and take some OTC meds. It may seem like craziness, but it feels like it helps to me
• Eye drops: my eyes always hurt and feel dry during an episode, so if I can get them feeling a bit better it might help short term
• Frequent breaks in cooler spaces: first aid, counter service, restrooms- break for 5-10 minutes
• Stop at the first sign of feeling crappy

Hope everything goes wonderful & you don't need anything!

 

[osxgirl]

Slight t/j, but for those on topamax who have side effects:

I had the same problem. Topamax was pretty much the only preventative my neurologist would offer. I had been on it, and found that it did not seem to help my migraines much at all - or maybe it did, and I just couldn't tell, because the side effects were so bad, they were worse than the migraines. I was starting to have some serious memory issues, I couldn't think straight, and I felt like I was in a fog pretty much all the time. Which is very similar to what my migraine auras are like.

I finally ended up going to a different doctor (I actually see a physician's assistant in the practice) who is a specialist in migraines. She told me that even though topamax is the first thing they try to use because it tends to work better for more people, they found that zonisamide (a drug in the same family as topamax) often works well for people who don't respond well or who have problems with side effects of topamax. She put me on it, and it has been WONDERFUL! The migraines are by no means gone, but I went from having chronic, almost daily migraines to having maybe 3 or 4 a month. More than I like, but much better than daily, that's for sure. And when I do get them, they aren't anywhere close to as severe as they used to be, and they only last a day or less most times rather than a week or so like they used to.

I think the studies where they discovered zonisamide as a good alternative to topamax are relatively recent (one article 1 saw, it looked like ~ 2014), so it may be something your Dr. hasn't heard about.

 

[DVCjj]

OTC NSAIDs can cause rebound headaches if abused (taken too often), that's correct. However, as to whether or not it may be the appropriate treatment depends on the individual patient. Excedrin is the ONLY rescue med I have found that touches my migraines and I've been using it for probably 20 years now (before they even marketed "Excedrin Migraine" with the migraine indication). I cannot take triptans. I have tried other Rx meds but none worked any better for me than Excedrin. Anyone who experiences migraines knows it can be trial-and-error to find what works best for them.

I have the greatest sympathy to all the headache sufferers and especially to those who are negatively affected by Florida/Disney. I come from a cold Midwest/barometric nightmare climate and Disney always makes me actually feel better. It's one of the reasons I bought into DVC.

I am a very long time Excedrin user as I've had daily headaches for 40 years. Can't take Triptans and the other big-time meds scare me even more with their own particular serious, sometimes life threatening side effects.
Excedrin usually 'helps' and if not, I go to Fiorinal or Fioricet. Both of which are no longer covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which is unfathomable. The headache never goes away completely but can be tolerable.

Just an FYI.....Excedrin Migraine is EXACTLY...and I mean EXACTLY the same formula as the other Excedrin packages. It's just marketed for Migraine. Prove it for yourself and hold all the packages side by side.

I stay away from Ibuprofen after my boss and very dear 50 year old friend died from Stevens Johnson Syndrome by taking Bactrim for a UTI with Ibuprofen. Both of which are #1 and #2 allergic reaction triggers for SJS. She was allergic to nothing so we are all still in a state of shock.

Tylenol is positively laughable for headaches. Like taking Smartees.

P.S. I cannot live without BioFreeze and China Gel. Both of which I order from Amazon.

 

[DisneyOma]

I have the greatest sympathy to all the headache sufferers and especially to those who are negatively affected by Florida/Disney. I come from a cold Midwest/barometric nightmare climate and Disney always makes me actually feel better. It's one of the reasons I bought into DVC.

I am a very long time Excedrin user as I've had daily headaches for 40 years. Can't take Triptans and the other big-time meds scare me even more with their own particular serious, sometimes life threatening side effects.
Excedrin usually 'helps' and if not, I go to Fiorinal or Fioricet. Both of which are no longer covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which is unfathomable. The headache never goes away completely but can be tolerable.

Just an FYI.....Excedrin Migraine is EXACTLY...and I mean EXACTLY the same formula as the other Excedrin packages. It's just marketed for Migraine. Prove it for yourself and hold all the packages side by side.

I stay away from Ibuprofen after my boss and very dear 50 year old friend died from Stevens Johnson Syndrome by taking Bactrim for a UTI with Ibuprofen. Both of which are #1 and #2 allergic reaction triggers for SJS. She was allergic to nothing so we are all still in a state of shock.

Tylenol is positively laughable for headaches. Like taking Smartees.

P.S. I cannot live without BioFreeze and China Gel. Both of which I order from Amazon.

I've got a friend whose son is having rebound migraines from taking Excedrin too much. About the only OTC drug that works for my migraines is Tylenol. That's what I'll take at school/work until i can get home and take a 'do not drive' medication.

Doesn't the Excedrin Migraine one have caffeine, and the others don't?

 

[3smithboys]

Slight t/j, but for those on topamax who have side effects:

I had the same problem. Topamax was pretty much the only preventative my neurologist would offer. I had been on it, and found that it did not seem to help my migraines much at all - or maybe it did, and I just couldn't tell, because the side effects were so bad, they were worse than the migraines. I was starting to have some serious memory issues, I couldn't think straight, and I felt like I was in a fog pretty much all the time. Which is very similar to what my migraine auras are like.

I finally ended up going to a different doctor (I actually see a physician's assistant in the practice) who is a specialist in migraines. She told me that even though topamax is the first thing they try to use because it tends to work better for more people, they found that zonisamide (a drug in the same family as topamax) often works well for people who don't respond well or who have problems with side effects of topamax. She put me on it, and it has been WONDERFUL! The migraines are by no means gone, but I went from having chronic, almost daily migraines to having maybe 3 or 4 a month. More than I like, but much better than daily, that's for sure. And when I do get them, they aren't anywhere close to as severe as they used to be, and they only last a day or less most times rather than a week or so like they used to.

I think the studies where they discovered zonisamide as a good alternative to topamax are relatively recent (one article 1 saw, it looked like ~ 2014), so it may be something your Dr. hasn't heard about.

I've never heard of that med... but I just got off a study a couple of months ago... and was on it for 18 months... I'll have to check that out! thanks!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Thanks for all of your comments. I am also on Topamax daily right now. I was on it before the study and had to go off of it for the study. It's not the best med in the world to be on because of the neurological side effects, but the dr said it's the best one they have right now to treat chronic migraines... I've tried so many combinations... I've about given up ever feeling good...

I got a surprise call today from my study supervisor, though. She said that she thinks she may have another study I might be eligible for.... I have an appointment at the end of the month to go see my dr, and she is going to meet with me as well. So, we will see.... We are looking to see if there is a study this time where I don't have to go off of the daily preventative in order to participate. Last one, I had to go off for 3 months, and it was not fun.

Thank you so much for participating in those studies. You could be helping millions of people with the discoveries from those studies.

 

[3smithboys]

Thank you so much for participating in those studies. You could be helping millions of people with the discoveries from those studies.

Awww, thanks! I sure hope so! The medication trial I was on was so promising, I sure hope it comes on market! These medications trials just take so long... I never realized how many layers there were to these studies...

 

[DVCjj]

I've got a friend whose son is having rebound migraines from taking Excedrin too much. About the only OTC drug that works for my migraines is Tylenol. That's what I'll take at school/work until i can get home and take a 'do not drive' medication.

Doesn't the Excedrin Migraine one have caffeine, and the others don't?

Main ones are Identical:
Excedrin = Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 250 mg - Aspirin - 250 mg - Caffeine - 65 mg
Excedrin Extra Strength = Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 250 mg - Aspirin - 250 mg - Caffeine - 65 mg

Excedrin Tension no Aspirin
Excedrin PM has an antihistamine

You are right. Excedrin can have bounce back headaches. Still going to take.
You are VERY fortunate Tylenol works for you. I know of no other headache suffer...and I know many...that it does anything.

 

[gap2368]

You are VERY fortunate Tylenol works for you. I know of no other headache suffer...and I know many...that it does anything.

I am also some one that gets relief from Tylenol I have to take it because I have either an allergic reaction or anaphylactic Shock if I take other OTC pain meds so yes Tylenol can help some along with some other non meds and trying to advoid triggers if you can

 

[DisneyOma]

Main ones are Identical:
Excedrin = Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 250 mg - Aspirin - 250 mg - Caffeine - 65 mg
Excedrin Extra Strength = Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 250 mg - Aspirin - 250 mg - Caffeine - 65 mg

Excedrin Tension no Aspirin
Excedrin PM has an antihistamine

You are right. Excedrin can have bounce back headaches. Still going to take.
You are VERY fortunate Tylenol works for you. I know of no other headache suffer...and I know many...that it does anything.

It helps enough to get through the day - but not enough to clear it out. Vicodin used to work for me, but then I got bounce back headaches from it after a long stretch of use. Now I have a muscle relaxant/caffeine/tylenol blend that works OK. If that doesn't cut it after one night, then I get to call in sick the next day and take vicodin. But I have to try the blend first.

Was your first Excedrin listed above plain Excedrin, or the Excedrin Migraine one? I used to take plain Excedrin, and it didn't have caffeine - but that was a decade ago, at least. Maybe they changed it.

OP, best thing to do is know your triggers, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. Hope you have a great trip

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

I've suffered from Migraines my whole life. Since you've already received some great advice, I just wanted to share a great Disney migraine related experience with you (well, as great as any migraine experience can be anyway.)

A few trips ago, I woke up with a migraine on our very first full park day (MK.) I think the previous day's travel combined with eating at Ohanas (MSG?) that night is what did it. After taking my meds (triptan) I tried to do the park, but ended up in my hotel room by noon and puking up those and any subsequent meds all evening. Sadly, we had Mickey's Christmas Party tix that night and so my mom and daughter had to go without me. I was so bummed and also upset that I had just wasted $60.

But...the next day I woke up and went to Guest Relations to explain what had happened. They did not hesitate to refund my ticket money. That was the best medicine for my post migraine "hangover."

I just wanted to let you know in case you happen to have a hard ticket, show, or pre or post park event purchased that you end up missing due to migraine. Don't hesitate to let Guest Relations know. They are great!

 

[ErinTwinmom]

And don't feel bad about sending back your food if you get surprised by a food trigger. For me chocolate is a big trigger and because we were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and wearing our pins they kept trying to surprise me with chocolate prettys on my desert.

 

[minnie mum]

About this whole Excedrin bounceback headache thing. Sure, if you take it every day or multiple times a day you might get a bounceback. But it's probably the caffeine that's causing it.

And if you get relief from Excedrin but not from Tylenol, it's probably the caffeine that is the difference. Because of the vasoconstriction that the caffeine produces. You can get practically the same effect by taking a couple Tylenol with a cup of strong coffee. That's my Go To remedy if I get a migraine and am away from home.

 

[Starwind]

I just wanted to chime in with my experience - I don't know if it's relevant to you or not because you may or may not have triggers other than the ones you've discussed so far. One of my triggers is stress on the neck, and I nearly got a migraine after my last trip on Space Mountain because the ride was so rough and whipped my head and neck around more than I thought it would. I managed to stave off the migraine with medication and rest, but it could have gone the other way.

Space triggers a moderate to severe migraine for me, I think because of how much it knocks one's head/neck around. For me, it starts while still on the ride and rapidly builds. The only roller coasters I can and will do now are big thunder and seven dwarves, though even those I can't do if I already have a migraine on the go (or did earlier that day). seven dwarves, for me, is the least likely of the two to be a problem. Even on non-coaster rides I have to be careful about how my head and neck are positioned.

I happily sit and wait while my sister rides the coasters using the single rider line -- she appreciates getting on the coasters usually faster than if it were both of us, and I appreciate one less migraine trigger.

SW

 

[Starwind]

I am also some one that gets relief from Tylenol I have to take it because I have either an allergic reaction or anaphylactic Shock if I take other OTC pain meds so yes Tylenol can help some along with some other non meds and trying to advoid triggers if you can

I also get some degree of relief from Tylenol.

I have anaphylaxis allergies to naproxen and am therefore banned from taking ANY NSAID. So my options for pain relief are acetaminophen or Rx narcotics :-(

Concerned about the possibility of medication rebound headaches since I have chronic migraines, my neurologist has limited me to the number of days in any 30 days that I am allowed to take pain relievers and/or migraine relievers. Which sometimes means migraine days where I can't take anything, and I can't tale any pain meds for the painful joint issues I have because that would use up a "day". :-(

Re: sunglasses. I use Solar Shields, the bulky dark ones that fit over my normal eyeglasses. They do a pretty good job of blocking light and also have UV protection and don't break easily. I have used them for decades. Highly recommend. http://solarshield.com/shop/solar-shield-fits-overs/

Finally, because of a combo of other medical conditions and allergic drug reactions, many of the preventative meds that would normally be used/tried I can't have. My neuro prescribed some supplements that have a clinically proven track record for migraine prevention. I have found they do help -- less frequent and less severe when the migraines do happen, same as with the Rx preventative daily meds I am on. So the pile of them together helps, though i certainly wish they woudl solve the problem !

For those having cognitive issues due to Topomax: I understand and deal with them daily. I also have had the fun pleasure of havign to learn a foreign language in immersion training while taking Topomax. Lets just say it was interesting. I have word recall and other issues in english -- they were much worse in the foreign language. Though there were a couple times when I could recall the word in the foreign language but NOT in english no idea how that works...

SW