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Nortriptyline HCL???

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 2/4/2010 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Helle everyone,

I usually post on the anxiety forum but I thought I would jump over here for a bit too.

I suffer from high anxiety which is being controlled with anxiety meds.

I have had a headache since the beginning of November. Had CT, MRI. Normal except a few white spots on MRI.

My headache is not a usual headache. I have neck pain with it, stabbing head pains, extreme pain in temples, and then it radiates over the top of my forehead. This has been every day since November.

I had an MRA done yesterday. Still waiting on the results.

My new neuro prescribed Nortriptyline HCL 25mg once a day at bedtime. I am a little scared to take it since I take an SSRI for anxiety. The doctor and pharmacist said it should be okay. I took my first one last night.

Does anyone else have head pain like this? It is really troublesome to me and increases my anxiety. If the MRA show nothing I am leaning towards it being a chronic tension headache. I go for another massage tonight. I have tryed chiropractor, accupuncture, meditation, over the counter meds, heat, ice, nothing has helped.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Anyone have any results with this med and if so how long before if provides relief?

Blessings...kitkat
Posted 2/4/2010 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I have almost the exact same symptoms. It started about two weeks ago... I get very sharp stabbing pains in my head. They can be located anywhere but started out around my temples. they only last a few seconds and are gone in no time. I sometimes feel like I have a dull/ pressure type ache on one side of my head. I've also had some sharp pains in my ear. I also experience sharp pains in my neck. I too suffer from anxiety and can't help but be terrified and think it is something serious. I went to the doctor a couple days ago and he said he thinks it is mirgraine related. I have never had migraines or been diagnosed with them. I'm kind of weary of what he said and want to visit another doctor... I'm not sure what to do.
Posted 2/4/2010 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Did you see your regular doctor or a neurologist? A neurologist would be your best bet.

Do you visit the anxiety board. Lots of support there too. Anxiety can cause alot of weird symptoms. I am not saying that is what is causing your head pain but it could be making it worse.

I hope you find some answers soon too.

Best wishes, kitkat
Posted 2/6/2010 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Well, my MRA came out normal. Which is a good thing but I still have no answers.

Isn't there anyone with experience with this medication. Haven't noticed any change from it yet. I suppose it will take a while.

Thanks, kitkat
Posted 2/7/2010 7:25 AM (GMT 0)
Kitkat-
I was on it for 3 months for nerve pain in my ribs. It didn;t do anything for me. I also was on amitriptyline before that and had very bad side effects with it. I would be "out of it" for 2 days with one dose. My wife said it was like I was VERY drunk.

Bill
Posted 2/7/2010 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry it didn't work for you. I was hoping it helped someone. Not doing much for me yet.

I hope you found something that helped you.

kitkat
Posted 2/9/2010 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi kitkat,

I was on Nortriptyline for about 8 months for my constant headache. I was diagnosed with NDPH 20 months ago & have had a headache every day since. Recently I was tested for Lyme Disease & the results were inconclusive. A Lyme specialist told me he thinks I have Lyme & treated me with antibiotics. They didn't help the headache at all. My symptoms sound identical to yours & I also have horrible neck pain. The Nortriptyline did not help my headache but did help relieve a little of the neck pain so I could sleep. The only side effect I had was weight gain. mad Good luck & I hope it helps ease your pain.

Kim

Posted 2/9/2010 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kim,

I was diagnosed with Lyme disease several years ago and was treated by an LLMD. I have been off abx for over a year. We don't know if this is a relapse or something unrelated. It's just a big confusing mess.

I haven't had any relief from it yet. It is a week today that I started taking it. I hope it does something.

Sorry your suffering with this pain too.

Blessings, kitkat
Posted 4/10/2010 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi KitKat,

I have two teenagers on Nortriptylin.  My son was diagnosed 4 years ago with Basilar Migraines and my daughter just last month with migraines.  (We're still trying to figure everything going on with her - auto immune issues included with hers.)

I can tell you that with both of them the first the first week or two they noticed the headache pain was lower -- but still there.  It took well into the first month to completely get rid of the migraine & rebounders they had been having.

Son was on for 18 months & went off for a year; however, he was going into school and couldn't afford to miss 4 days a month to a migraine so he went back on.

Hope you find it helps to kick the danged headache out!

 

Posted 2/26/2013 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
To Kit Kat:

Your story is identical to mine.  I am curious as to how you have made out since? You are not alone.  Can  you let us know how you made out since?  Has it gotten better or worse?  I am going to stop taking the Nortriptyline.

Posted 2/26/2013 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kit Kat:

I am experiencing the exact thing! I am stopping the nortriptyline.  I am curious to know how you made out since?  Ken

Posted 2/26/2013 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi KitKat32,

I was on Nortriptyline for a month and it made my brain foggy but didn't help my headaches much. But since then I have develop a new migraine symptom: dizziness. It is called MAV (migraine associated vertigo). I also have sudden hearing loss in my left ear and beginning to realize that too is due to migraine. My doctor prescribe topomax. But starting at a low dose of 25 mg daily for the 1st week. According to the doc migraineurs are very sensitive to meds so have to start slow. Just started taking it this week. So I'll let you know how it goes.

I hate taking these meds with all their side effects so I am looking for a more natural way. I found Migraine Support Formula by Migraine Treatment Group. Have you ever heard of it?
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