New Here! Could Use Help

Hi,

I'm Holly.  I'm 35, married, mother of 2, and a full time working mom.

I have had headaches for as long as I can recall (going back to age 5).  I have had migraines since I was a teenager.

I believe I have a TMJ disorder (had work done by a dentist, bite adjusted, wear a bite splint).  I have constant pain from clenching my jaw.  This causes headaches.

I also have GAD and am making a med switch this week. 

I have Maxalt for my migraines.  Nothing has helped me today.  I had to leave work early and I have pretty much been on the couch since noon.  Thankfully I have a husband and parents to entertain the wild animals (who are almost 3 and almost 7).  Their energy knows no bounds and the world does not stop when I'm having a headache.

Which has been daily this week.

Is there a daily medication for migraines?  That is my real question...  I have a supportive FP who I can reach out to anytime.  She isn't Rx Happy, she takes good care of me and would consider a change of medication if she thought it would help.

I'd really love a Percocet right now, but that's a no-no   with a migraine.

Any thoughts for me?

Hey Holly,   Even before I came down with daily chronic headaches with migraine, I would see a neurologist for my migraines.  I think that a general doctor is good for the quick abortive medicines live Imtrix or Zomig, but if you need something that is a preventive seeing someone who is specialized is better.  Plus, when the headaches do get really bad and the "designer drugs" just don't cut it, I find these types of doctors are more sympatric.     I’ve never heard that taking Perocet for migraines is bad and I have been prescribed it for my migraines, along with several other people I know.  Additionally, your neurologist can help treat your TMJ as well by prescribing you a muscle relaxer like Flexeril which will help ease the tension in your jaw.  (I also suffer from terrible TMJ as well).    Speaking about daily medications for migraines- there are several categories/types that generally help people.    1. Seizure drugs, like Topamax and Kepra, have pretty good track records.  I think another med that might fall into that category (but I'm not sure) is Lyrica, but they use it as a preventative as well.   2. Anti-depression drugs- like Effexor, or the tricycle antidepressants, etc are used pretty commonly or are cocktailed easily into your mix.  There have been some good results with MAOI's, like EMSAM as well.   3. Beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers (heart med's) are pretty old-school, but they are still used frequently.    4. There is a new drug that just started floated around the headache community called Namenda, which is actually an Alzheimer’s drug and I've heard it's been having some pretty good results.    I hope this helps!   Let me know if you have any more questions! I hope you feel better soon.   Peace. Michelle