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Narcotics and pain relief

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Posted 10/6/2004 3:11 AM (GMT 0)

Reading the posts from several of the threads, I see references to the drug demerol, which I believe is a narcotic.

As a migraine sufferer for 47 years (!) I have learned that narcotics make mine worse or, if given for pain relief, can cause blinding, nauseating migraines.  I realize that everyone's different, but as a suggestion, those of you relying on narcotics might consider looking at other options if the relief is only temporary.

Secondly, speaking of other options, does anyone have any ideas what other possibilities are available for surgical pain relief that are not a narcotic?

Lastly, my miracle drug is Imitrex---50mg.  It truly changed my life!  And if that doesn't work (which is very rare), going back to the old Imitrex injection does.

Here's wishing everyone a pain-free tomorrow!

Patty yeah

Posted 4/12/2005 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Patty-

I agree i was on everyt narcotic in the book, the doctors finally told me straight up that they were worried i might go into respitory arrest. I have learned here at MHNI that narcotics cause rebound headaches, along with afrin (nasal spray) imitrex and DHE. I hope you stay well.

-migrainesuck

Posted 4/22/2005 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Narcotics (as well as other medications) can cause rebounds, if you are using them MORE than twice a week....

Narcotics do have their place in treating migraines. I just wanted to clear that up to ensure no one gets the wrong idea.

Triptans, NSAIDS etc all have the possibilities of causing rebounds, so please do not think that rebounds are strictly for those who are using narcotics.

Hope everyone is well today :-)
Sara-Migraine/Headache Forum Moderator
Posted 10/27/2007 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
I'm wondering what your source is on Imitrex not working being very rare? I get chronic migraines and imitrex does not work for me at all.. None of the imitrex, pills, nasal spray, nor injection. I have heard of many people not having any luck with the triptans, you should probably check your source in the future before you generalize like that. I agree that narcotic pain medicine can cause rebounds, but you have to be taking them often. When I have had a migraine for 27 days straight and haven't been able to function or sleep for at least 5, I'm begging for Dilaudid.
Posted 10/27/2007 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Narcotics can be a reasonable treatment for migraines when those "options" that should be considered have been exhausted. And it's really important to realize what Sara said: narcotics do not cause rebound any more than triptans, NSAIDS, antipsychotics, and most other abortive medications that are available right now. However, taking narcotics or other medications that CAN cause rebound when taken more than twice a week doesn't mean that they WILL. Rebound headaches are a serious risk and everyone needs to monitor their headache sto make sure that they are not being caused by medication overuse, but with that being said, I've been prescribed NSAIDs and narcotics on a daily basis and not had problems. Also, for people in extreme pain, sometimes the rebound effect of taking an effective medication very frequently can be lesser than the pain relief caused by the medication. But situations like that are only safe when one is under the close care of a qualified headache specialist.
Posted 10/27/2007 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
I agree totally with what korbnep has to say, every person is different and just about any headache drug out there can cause rebounds. For some people narcotics are the only reason that they can function on a day to day basis. Me not being one of them would prefer not to use narcotics at all because I know that I have suffered from rebounds associated with OTC's in the past. However like I said before triptains of any kind (so far, I'm always up for trying something new) don't work for me, and the drug I'm on (dhe) is one of the old abortive migraine drugs that doesn't have quite the record that triptans do (meaning it doesn't not work everytime.. or sometimes not even most the time) so for me sometimes narcotics are the way that i have to go unfortunately and as long as your under doctors orders and they are keeping track of liver function, and stomach problems, etc they can be used safely. The other common problem is the tendancy for abuse, I've read many studies recently (I don't remember where from) that people who need narcotics are much less likely to abuse narcotics. The reason the stigma of abusing narcotics goes to migraine users is because a lot of people who are Medication seekers (looking for thier next high in the emergency room) complain of migraines so we get the bad wrap.
Posted 10/27/2007 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
 

Absolutely, I agree that for people who LEGITIMATELY need pain medication to sustain a "normal" way of life, GENERALLY do not abuse narcotics. We already fear the stigma that will come with being a "migraineur who is on narcotics" I have been in the hospital before, literally at the bottom, unsure of whether I could continue if they didn't stop the pain...and I was treated poorly, like a drug seeker. However, I have also been to the ER and treated with respect and medicated as needed.

There are two sides to every story, every medication etc. I think we just need to be understanding of one another AND THEIR EXPERIENCES, that's the whole reason we are here, right? To share information and BE SUPPORTIVE to one another.

VENT: I get a bit frustrated from time to time when people have closed their mind to things they may have tried before and didn't work, are you the same person that you were when you tried xyz? Maybe your migraines aren't quite the same either. Be open to trying new or even old things- The point is to feel better and live a productive life that can be enjoyed!!!!  (Ok, I'm better)

Side Note: Alan (my fiance) and I went to a Halloween party as the corpse bride and groom, we were sick!!! I will have to post a picture so you all can see it!!!! ha ha

Posted 10/28/2007 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
I think that I speak for most migraine suffers when I say that we are usually willing to try anything as long as it is safe, I know that I am, but when that doesn't work we go back to doctors and prescriptions.
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