Medication Options

This is just a quick list of a few things I have tried (some I have not) and you may ask the doctor about some of these or do a little internet research on your own.

Anti-depressants/SSRI: Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Amitriptyline (Elavil), Noritriptyline (Pamelor), Norpramin, Sinequan, Tofranil, Paxil, Effexor, Cymbalta

Anti-Seizure: Topamax, Neurontin, Depakote

Beta Blockers: Atenolol, Metoprolol/Lopressor, Nadolol/Corgard, Propranolol/Inderal, Blocadren

 

Calcium Channel Blockers: Cardizem, Cardene, Procardia, Nimotop, Verapamil/Calan

Triptans: Amerge, Axert, Frova, Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, Zomig (Oral Tablets, Nasal Sprays and Injections)

Anti-inflamatory: Cataflam, Toradol, Corticosteroids

Ergots: Ergotamine, DHE Dihydroergotamie, Migranal

 

Others: Midrin, Duradrin

 

Alternative options: Chiropractic, Botox, Biofeedback, Massage Therapy, Nerve Blocks, Accupuncture

 

Vitamin/Herbal options: Magnesium, Feverfew, Ginger, Riboflavin

 

Anti-nausea: Phenergan, Tigan, Compazine, Thorazine, Reglan and Zofran

 

Ok, well that is a list I have put together. There are literally hundreds of combinations-and they all work differently for different people.  I always do research on meds before seeing my doc. so I have an idea of what is available and possible side effects.

 

Sara

Migraine/Headache Forum Moderator

Hey girl I did take it and it worked well for me the only side efects is that it makes you a little natious and the taste is really bad at least I thought so. But since it did work I now take which you know the Ginger and Feverfew pills one of each a day and my pain for the most part is gone. I only have pain once in awhile and only bad pain like once in a blue moon so it does help me. I know that it is not a cure but it has helped me in many ways. And I know that not everything works the same for everyone else I just wanted to reply to help out with this medication. Well if there are anymore questions just ask. Take care, to pain free days and nights.
Your friend, Ashley

Hi Sara,

In your list you include Botox. Did you have any negative side effects>

The reason that I ask is that I have had a headache for over a week. The doctor gave me a cocktail remedy on Tuesday which fixed it for about a day and its back. He says the muscles in my forehead are spasming. The same muscles that are paralyzed with the Botox. I go back to the neurologist in two weeks but wondered if you had experienced or heard of this as a side effect of the Botox.

Thanks!

Can anyone tell me how long it took you to feel normal after you stopped taking topamax?

I feel really wierd, out of it and in a terrible mood. When will it go away??!!!

Coquitlam55-

 

I have heard mixed reviews on Botox-a lot of people with tension type headaches and spasms such as yours have good results.

 

The main side effect is generally lack of ability to move areas where the injections were (like making facial expressions, etc.) This generally does not last very long..a few hours to two days max. The most important things are as always to find a doctor who is experienced, board certified and talk to actual patients-get personal references...feel comfortable with them before having anything done!

 

Sara

(sorry it took me so long to get back to you!)

UPDATE-

I have taken GelStat Migraine...it worked well on a (1-4) migraine and cut the pain down a notch or two on a high rated one...I would also suggest it if you are out and need to be functional, you can take this medication without feeling "knocked out" or "hungover"

It's the only one of its kind, non-prescription migraine abortive!!!

hol1234

I have terrible times coming off anti epileptics quickly. I found coming off one over a week had a serious effect. It took me a month. When I felt horrible I went back to the doctor who put me back on the medication and had me come off it slowly. I find that Topamax affects me the most of the medications I have tried so I have to make changes very slowly. It's taken me a couple of months to adjust to 75 mg.

Good luck!

Keep in touch and let me know. I am not the Botox expert...sorry...

tysmyboo- I know that you really like topamax & yu seem to know alot about the it. I have been it on since Aug. I am 75mg. I have been on this dose for over a month now & it is working well for me but lately I have been have small headaches & an upset stomach. I am not sure if this is from the meds. I have heard some people say that after they have been on it for awhile that they get headaches again & that their side effects never really go away. Well I never had the upset stomach side effect before But was not sure if the small headaches were a possable concern. They don't last long, that is why I have not upped my dose but wasn't sure if this is a sign that I may need to in the near future. It could also be a part of the flu that is going around here, either way I am happy with the results of the topamax. I do not miss those nasty migrains.

The only thing I can say about topamax is take it slow, going up or down. 25mg/week; up or down. Jumping abruptly either way seems to cause problems with people.
Myself, I have not experianced any of the bad side effects, but I have always been very careful not to bump my dose by more than 25 mg/week. Now that's not to say that some people won't have side effects regardless; but some people cause problems for themselves by jumping the gun and taking too much too quickly or stopping it altogether.

I did have the experiance of finding the "right dose" and having my migraines "under control" (which, for me, is defined as less than 5 days of head pain per month) for roughly 5 months and then all of a sudden my headaches started coming back. Don't know why. We bumped the topamax up 25mg and started fighting the severe headaches more aggressively (Imitrex injections) and things got a lot better.

Topamax was my silver bullet. I'll sing its praises. It doesn't work for everyone. But when it does work it works great.

Philski

bump