Posted 10/7/2015 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Brandi,
I don't want to overwhelm you with information, I know what that feels like. I also know how it feels when everyone has a remedy to offer, it can be exhausting. All I can offer is what I've learned. So, take what works and leave what doesn't :)
I have a family doctor I work with, he's fabulous but limited since he doesn't specialize in headaches.
I've worked with three neurologists in my area, but my headaches continued to worsen. Finally, I was told by the neurologist that was treating me at the time, two years ago, I needed to see a doctor who specializes in migraines, and there weren't any in my area. He explained to me when I doctor specializes in an area they attend clinics, workshops, seminars, they get all the most current information on treatment and drugs that other doctors don't since it's not their area. The top doctors are in Boston, Phil, and Michigan. However, he told me, there is a headache clinic at the teaching hospital 90 minutes from where I live. Actually, I discovered, there are doctors at this University who specialize in migraines. So, I drive 90 minutes to Tampa every 3 months. It's the first time in years I've had my headaches under control. The difference it has made is significant. You may live near a teaching hospital and not know it. So, the first thing I would encourage you to consider is to find out if there is a doctor who specializes in migraines within a distance you are willing to drive and/or have someone drive you. I have someone drive me for my treatments.
The next thing I would consider is how often you are taking Zomig? Any of the sumatriptan's are supposed to be limited to twice a week. You may take them two times in the same day but no more than two days in one week. The reason is they have a high effect of rebound headaches. These are some of the most difficult to break, they are intense, relentless, and medication makes them worse. I was in this cycle two years ago, it lasted for months. My current neurologist explained how this happens and why I have to limit Imatrex - Zomig is in the same family.
Zomig, if you're taking the pill form, probably won't do much to ease your headache.
Research shows that Imatrex is the most effective of the sumatriptan's especially when taken at onset. I could write an entire post on Imatrex/generics (not all generics are equal) the fastest relief is through nasal spray or injection.
The medications your doctor has prescribed work well to abort a headache. But you're in a migraine cycle, from my experience (and others I've read from migraine blogs and forums) these will not stop this cycle. For me, I had to be admitted to the hospital (I know you're probably freaking out). It took three days of getting off of Imatrex, and using several IV's to break the pain to "re-set" my system. An IV drip of magnesium can be very helpful.
Another option, read the book: How to Heal your Headache, the 1, 2, 3 program. Wonderful book. This book has helped several of my friends.
Many migraine sufferers take an anti-seziure medication. Research shows it cuts the headaches in half. The drugs mostly used are; Topimate or Valproate. But I doubt these would be options until you're out of this cycle.
Another reason to see a migraine neuro, is you may be a candidate for Botox for migraines. Your family doctor would not be able to give this to you.
Probably more info than you wanted. I hope you're able to get some relief. I'm very sorry, there is nothing worse. j