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Pain mgmt for migraines

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 1/16/2013 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
I have suffered with migraines for over 28 years. The older I am getting it seems the worst they have become, even after a total hysterectomy I am still having severe migraines literally debilitating. I was recently put on Topamax and was able to increase my dosage to 100mg but then I started having side effects such as, loss of appetite, tingling of fingers and hands, and even sleep issues. So I was told to increase it and to be seen again to be again put on another medication. Botox is a medication that was an option but I am so against it for several reasons I had one trial and just did not like it. For severe migraines I use Toradol injections at home but I am limited to two injections per week which leads me with pain for the rest of the days. I was given another anti-inflammatory for an onset of migraines which is Naprosyn which does nothing at all for me. I am so frustrated with so many medications I have been on, and now I am feeling like should I start to ask for pain management medications, or should I shy away from those because most of those are narcotics?
Posted 1/16/2013 7:22 AM (GMT 0)
I know that some pain management drs have other techniques at their hands then just narcotics. If you're opposed to narcotics I'm not sure if it would be good to go to a pain management dr. Personally, I take zonegram,which is an anti seizure med, and I have norco for pain when I do get a migraine. I only get them occasionally now.
If you are opposed to narcotics tell your neurologist that and see if he has any suggestions. Good luck
Posted 1/16/2013 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your response. I have wanted to shy away from narcotics because I just don't want my body to have all those drugs in them but at this point the pain is unbearable at times.
Posted 1/16/2013 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Unique,

I can certainly sympathize with not wanting to take more medications, as I'm on medications for multiple ailments and often feel like I'm turning into a pill box myself. I've also had some troubles with Topamax side effects (especially the tingling); I was on 100mg and have decreased my dose to 50mg and started taking 600mg Gralise (which is also supposed to help with my insomnia and get me off another medication).

Maybe you could try some of the alternative medications used to treat migraines at their onset, since the Naprosyn does nothing for you. I use two triptans: Maxalt (a disintegrating tab) for "regular" migraines and Sumavel (a shot) for really bad ones that just won't go away.

There are alternatives to medications. I have a friend who has bad migraines who swears by acupuncture; a lot of insurance plans will cover at least part of those treatments. I would definitely talk to your doctor to get all the options, especially if you're hesitant to ask for narcotics.

Good luck!
Posted 1/16/2013 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
@vitaka, believe it or not I have tried a lot of the medications used for the onset of a migraine. I used Maxalt a few years back did nothing at all for me. I'm almost feeling like my body is becoming immune to all these medications. I'm so scared. I think I will continue to not go the narcotic route and see what is out there besides the Aleve she gave me. I'm so frustrated because most of the medications work for a few weeks to months then completely stop and I am back at square one. I'm beginning to feel like could there be anything at all out there for me. I'm even considering the BOTOX now, I'm just so tired of being on medications after medications after medications. :(
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