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Posted 5/13/2011 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
I am trying to fnd something that works for treating my migraines that is not an NSAID and so far, I haven't found anything that works. I've tried a few things that have helped minorly but I wouldn't call it successful treatment. What's next?
Posted 6/14/2011 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
does anyone know? I just took an Axert and this migraine is persisting.

I can't take another for an hour and my head feels like it's being squeezed all around the back and top. It's horrible. I guess I will try to lay still in the quiet.
Posted 6/14/2011 5:30 AM (GMT 0)
Has Axert worked for you in the past? if so, and your doctor allows you to take multiple doses , it may be worth it to take another. Sometimes you have to cycle through multiple triptans (and multiple delivery methods) before you find one that works for you.
Posted 6/14/2011 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
She said not to take more than 2. I took a 2nd one and it did absolutely nothing. I have not had luck with Axert in the past. I've only tried it once before - I thought maybe it would help this time. She gave me 3 medications to try and none helped significantly. I think Frova helped the most but it didn't "fix" the migraine, it just made it a little less awful. I was up for hours last night in pain, finally, I gave in and took Ponstel. It helped a lot but this morning I am feeling it come back. I know I shouldn't take NSAIDS because of my UC but I can't sit around feeling like this. She told me to take it if the other meds don't work and I follow up with her in a few weeks. It's just difficult because I am still in the process of figuring out what works and I'm having massive migraines that last a couple days a couple times a month.

Thanks for your suggestions EvilFluorescents.
Posted 6/14/2011 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tied Maxalt? The wafers 10mg? I have found with some migraines within 20 minutes I am getting relief with one of these. It is a Triptan. As Evilflourescents said, the delivery method can be a factor with triptans and these disolve under your tongue within seconds, making it the fastest to absorb. Doesn't always work, so another attack I take is the Maxalt with OTC paracetamol/codeine and together it improves. Ibuprofen works better, but I understand you can't take those.
Posted 6/14/2011 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
I tried MaxAlt, it didn't help too much. None of them help like the NSAID I take.

What is paracetamol/codeine? Is it a brand name? I will look for that but I seem to have a reaction to codiene, it makes me itchy. I have tried Darvocet and it didn't stop the migraine. You would think that would help but it didn't, I just felt sick and my head hurt.

I wish there was an easy solution.

I will let you know what my Neuro says when I see her.
Posted 6/14/2011 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
The first line of defense would be to make sure you are hydrated, have eaten, and take in some caffeine. I tried Imitrex nasal spray years ago and it set off a worse headache. I then tried Amerge, another triptan, and it is a wonder drug for me. It works really well for me and my son. You might ask for that, and they have a generic for it that just came out a few months ago, seems to work just as well. Just my opinion, but once you get to a certain point, several hours of migraine, there isnt too much you can do but just wait it out. Go into a dark room (if light sensitive) and try to sleep as much as possible.

best of luck and hope you find some relief
Susan
Posted 6/14/2011 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Paracetomol (sp?) is the British name for tylenol. If it's combined with codeine, you'll need a script to get it in the states.

I've found, for me (everyone is different), the most effective triptan is self injected imitrex. Self-injectables allow you to get a dose into the blood stream quickly at onset of a migraine. Some people literally have to try every single triptan on the market before they find one that works for them. Ie... don't give up, try other triptans.

Depending on the number of migraines you're having per month, a preventative med might be in order.

Opiates are always an option to help with the pain, but doctors usually aren't to happy about prescribing these because of dependency issues long term.

Are you keeping a migraine journal? This is very important. This will help you to identify your potential migraine triggers.
Posted 6/15/2011 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
I don't keep a journal but they always happen with my menstrual cycle. No matter what I do, I get them on the first and last day of my period. I am trying a new birth control pill, I hope it helps.

Is there anything I can look for in a pill that would make it better for reducing migraines? I tried Mircette, that is supposed to provide extra estrogen during your cycle to keep migraines at bay but the migraines are just as bad if not worse than ever.

Does it make sense to keep a journal if the migraines are menstral?

I will ask about imitrex but I am not great with needles. I have tried Butalbital/Tylenol, Frova, MaxAlt and Axert and none have helped. the only thing that has helped is mefenamic acid. Hopefully when I see the doctor she can give me more samples to try. It's difficult because I've read that triptans aren't good for people with increased risk to strokes and with UC I am at an increased risk.

Do you have to use imitrex before the migraine gets bad? Yesterday I wasn't with my medication when I first knew it was coming on and I probably waited too long. I would like something that can treat it when it's bad, sometimes I don't know for sure whether it is coming. I don't really like narcotics, they make me feel ill.

She mentioned antidepressants but i've read they can make you gain weight and I am still fighting to lose the weight I gained from prednisone. I hope there is something out there that can help me.

Has anyone used wellbutrin for migraines? I've heard it doesn't cause weight gain.

Thank you for your suggestions.

Susan, I will ask about Amerge too.

Posted 6/18/2011 6:21 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry about the delay in replying. Yes, menstrual cycles can definitely be a huge trigger. I would suggest (actually highly recommend) finding a Headache Specialist (specialized neurologist)... possibly even a HA specialist who specializes in women's migraines. There aren't too many of these around, but they exist and they are worth traveling to.

My memory is a little fuzzy at the moment, but I know some women have had success with natural progesterone. Something to check into. My gut feeling is it is something that a naturopath or osteopathic physician would be more willing to prescribe. With regard to birth control pills, certain types have tendency to make migraine worse, some have a tendency to make things better. All the more reason to go to a HA specialist who knows what they are doing.

Absolutely, you should keep a headache journal. Migraine is considered a threshold disorder, ie trigger (A + B + D) or (A + D + F) or (....) = Migraine. Some triggers are much more significant than others (ie period). But if you can identify and knock out your minor triggers, you may be able to keep things below your migraine threshold. In such a scenario, when the end of the cycle comes your migraine may not be as bad or may not materialize at all.

It's best to use triptans as soon as you know a migraine is coming.... stop it BEFORE it gets bad.

Prednisone is a beast for weight gain. Antidepressants won't put on anywhere near that level of weight. Especially the newer SSRI's. That being said, the newer ssri's aren't all that effective for migraine. SNRI's like wellbutrin can be effective. For greatest effect you really need to use the old tricyclic class of antidepressants (at sub-antidepressant dose). This can put on a little weight unfortunately (it may do nothing at all). Either way, it shouldn't come close to putting on as much weight as prednisone.... just police your carb intake (you get cravings) and you'll be fine.
Posted 6/20/2011 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
EvilFluorescents, sorry if this is a stupid question. I really appreciate your advice. How do I find a HA neurologist?

I drink tons of water. I know mine aren't related to dehydration unfortunately. I wish they were.
Posted 6/22/2011 7:15 AM (GMT 0)
Nope, not a stupid question at all. Most big metro areas will have a one if not several headache specialists. I would just put your city + headache specialist into google and see what comes up.

Most large/top research hospitals will also have headache specialists.

Where about are you from? Depending where you are located, I may be able to recommend a specialist.
Posted 6/23/2011 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
I am in Los Angeles. I did a search on google and a DDS came up. Is that possibly a headache specialist? Shouldn't the person be a neurologist? She wasn't on my insurance plan regardless. I found a few places but they didn't seem too legit. I would imagine there must be someone at Cedars, UCLA or USC.
Posted 6/23/2011 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm... The big west coast center is up at in San Francisco at UCSF. Peter Goadsby, a world renowned headache specialist, heads up the clinic. Not sure if you want to make the 7/8(?) hr drive, but they are the authorities.

A DDS is a Doctor of Dental Sciences (a dentist). He/She is probably a TMJ specialist; not what you are looking for.

I'm not too familiar with Dr. Kudrow, but from physicians he associates with I would think he is probably pretty good. He has a private practice and an appointment at UCLA.

Now that I think about it here's what I would do (If I was determined to stay with a physician in LA). I would call the UCSF Headache Clinic and ask them who they would recommend in LA for menstrual migraine.

If your willing to travel cross country I could give you some recommendations for physicians who specialize in women's migraine. I'm on the west coast and my HA specialist is across the country. For me, having a highly competent, thoughtful physician is worth the hassle.

Post Edited (EvilFluorescents) : 6/23/2011 10:54:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/24/2011 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Good idea!! I am going to call UCSF and see if they can recommend someone. :)

Travel is so hard for me because it is stressful and I have UC. I feel like everytime I try to do something, it flares up relentlessly. fun stuff...

Thank you!

Posted 6/27/2011 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
Were you able to get any good recommendations?

I was in another forum and came across this thread:

http://migrainepage.forumotion.net/t445-menopause-meds

Migrainegirl's comments were interesting and made me think of your situation. A potential option if things don't pan out.
Posted 6/27/2011 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't called yet. I have to see my neurologist on wednesday. After my appointment I will give a call and see if there is a better solution. That page is interesting. I am 32 and I've been on the pill for many years. I dont' remember having migraine problems at all before being on the pill but like they said, I do think the pill has changed my hormones and you can't go backwards. I know this is something hormonal but I am not quite sure how to fix it.

The problem for me is that I also have UC so I can't take NSAIDs and estrogen is also not good for me because people with UC are at an increased risk for clots. I just switched to a non-estrogen minipill. I am not sure what will happen with the migraines, maybe they will improve? I am doubtful that I will see improvement but I would think I can expect a change. There is a chance I will not get my cycle on this pill, I usually get 2 migraines during my cycle that last 24+ hours each.

I will let you know if the minipill helps but I've actually felt like I've had more migraine symptoms since starting it. It's only been a few weeks.. I will also let you know what they say at UCSF when I call :) I bet they will know of a speciaist down here, I just hope there is someone who accepts my insurance.
Posted 6/28/2011 9:29 AM (GMT 0)
I have Crohn's so I am in the same boat as you.. besides, NSAIDS don't really help all that much
What helps me is caffeine as in one or two cups of hot tea or coffee but only early in the day (I do not have caffeine headaches)
I have to take a fiorinal which has one aspirin in it because I have to take the aspirin because of the brain operation I had recently
Those flexible ice packs on the top of my head and the back of my neck help some
And most of all I am on 900mg of neurontin (gabapentin) which seems to be doing the trick
I still have headaches but they aren't as bad as they were and they can be controlled to some degree with the fiorinal
this is what my neurologist has me on
NY VEGGIE
Posted 7/3/2011 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Well you're in luck notsosicklygirl. As it turns out, one of the countries big headache gurus, Alan Rapoport, recently relocated to Santa Monica from the east coast. If you end up giving him a try I would be interested to hear what you think of him.
Posted 7/6/2011 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
I just looked in my insurance and he doesn't come up. I have PPO but not every doctor accepts mine.

I started Pristiq for the migraines. I am hoping I don't have problems this month. I am getting close to that time of the month. I will see if I can find any more info on Dr. Rapoport. I need to see if this medication stops the migraines, that would be great if it did.
Posted 7/12/2011 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
I don't want to speak too soon but I haven't had a migraine since switching birth control pills. I hope it stays this way. I just started taking Pristiq but I went through a cycle without a migraine. Unheard of for me. The new pills I am on do not contain estrogen. Maybe it's from Pristiq, not sure but I may have found a solution that works for me! Thanks everyone for advice. I will update soon :)
Posted 7/13/2011 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Spoke too soon. Definitely feel something going on today. I guess it's what they refer to as an aura but I call it a mild migraine & in my experience, they always get worse. Hopefully it's not too debilitating.
Posted 7/18/2011 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
Last time I used Zomig Nasal Spray and it helped. I am going to try it again and see if it helps. I am also takng Pristiq to prevent them.

Frova helps a bit, it's better than the others I tried but I think Zomig helped more. It did take a few hours to help. Waiting is never fun.
Posted 7/26/2011 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
I have tried many things... I use immitrex for my really bad migraines, but I have recently found some relief from acupuncture and taking chinese herbs. My San Diego based acupuncturist asked me some very specific diagnostic questions (is it better laying down or standing up, worse in the morning or evening, where in my head does it usually hurt, does cold or heat help more, etc) and put me on an herbal formula called Tien Ma Gou Teng Wan. I take it 2xs per day and have noticed a remarkable decrease in the frequency AND intensity of my headaches. My migraines are hormonally triggered, along with other triggers such as stress. My acupuncturist says that my headaches happen because of a yin deficiency and too much heat in the liver. Not really sure what that means but the herbs are working!!

The combination of acupuncture and the herbs is really helping, but its a commitment to keep up with the treatments. If I feel one starting to come on, I take a big dose of the herbs and it usually goes away. This particular formula works great for me, so I think its worth consulting with someone about finding a specific formula that may work for you. It took a few tries to find the right formula, so I had to be patient, and its worth asking around to find someone who will really take the time to ask the right questions so that you get the best treatment possible. If anyone wants the name of the person I see let me know. Hope that this helps :)
Posted 7/27/2011 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
I am in the same boat with migraines..twice I have had 3 mth blocks of migraines every day that lasted 3-5 days each. Nightmare.

I am on Inderol 4x a day as a preventative, Maxalt for migraine when it breaks thru, now I have been on bio identical progesterone for 4 mths and things are much better. I saw that someone else was on progesterone too but don't recall if it was helping them, I went on it so I could sleep longer than 3 hrs..and it worked for that beautifully.

My biggest seasonal trigger is low barometric pressure before a rain or snow storm, last night I had a few jolts through my eye but it was followed today by absolutely nothing,,,nada!! we get our rainstorm at midnight and I am a bit slowed down today but migraine free! I am just grateful for today, tomorrow will take care of itself.
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