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Migraine Meds?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/13/2008 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
   I have finally cried "Uncle" and had my GI refer me to a neurologist.  I have had migraines throughout my life but not terribly often.  Every time I've had to taper steriods I've had bad withdrawal headaches.  Lately I've been having about 2 a month.  Possibly hormone related but it's not at the same time every time.  They come on me while I'm sleeping so I miss the opportunity to take meds. at the first sign of problems.  Then I spend an entire day in the bed trying to get it under control with Tylenol (which does nothing), Lortab, or Percocet.  I usually have bad nausea too, so it's hard to keep meds. down in the first place.  When I look up possible medications I keep coming across the two major meds UC patients aren't supposed to touch: asprin and Advil/Motrin.  Do any of you have luck treating migraines without one of the "no no" drugs?  I've also read about Addison's Disease and worry about the possibility that my adreanal glands are damaged from steroid use.  Any thoughts or specific things I should bring to the neurologist's attention or drugs that work for other UC patients with migraines?
Posted 11/13/2008 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
I used to get migraines when I was on prednisone, but then I was not sure if the migraines came because of the prednisone or because of the stress of flaring?? Hopefully the neurologist can help you find a cause, good luck

------------------------------------------------

yuckygut

diagnosed 1998

now off prednisone and colazal

drink 1 Haldi daily
Posted 11/15/2008 6:05 AM (GMT 0)
I take the usual abortive medication for migraines which currently for me is Axert. There are specific direction on taking these, like you have to wait two hours to repeat the dose, if the first pill doesn't give enough relief, etc. You need to take it as soon as you feel the pain coming on, which is obviously a problem if you are asleep when they start! There is also Imitrex. Talk to your primary care Dr or neurologist. I am also on Topomax to prevent migraines and it really helps. I know everyone is different, but I hope this can help you a little to get started! Good luck!
Jenjim
Posted 11/15/2008 12:27 PM (GMT 0)

I have had migraines for 20 years.

I see a neurologist a year and have probably had 5 ct scans and mri's.

I never did well with any of the preventative meds - there were too many side effects. Most of them making me too groggy to be able to function!

My usual treatment has been trying to catch it quick enough with Excedrin Mirgaine. 

If that doesnt work within an hour.....I would take prescription Fioricet and then alternate with ibuprofen

But since I was diagnosed with UC in August....my Dr. did want me taking Fioricet while on prednisone.

So I now use Vicodin for those migraines that I cannot get under control with Excedrin Migraine.

There is a "newer" medicine called Topamax (?) but be sure you dont take it since it can cause kidney stones which is an issue already for UC.

I know how awful migraines can be - I usually have 2 or 3 per year that I have to go to the ER to treat because I have exhausted all of my self-med options at home.

Good Luck

I hope you are headache free soon!

Posted 11/16/2008 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
I have used ZOMIG. No side effects. Doesn't realy make me sleepy. the best part is no effects on my UC.
Take the migrane away in about 30 min
Posted 11/17/2008 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
You still take Excedrin with UC? I thought asprin was a "no no" so I have never tried it for a migraine. Thanks for all the medicine names and ideas. Also, that's great to know to aviod Topamax. I have seen that advertised on TV lately.
Posted 11/17/2008 3:04 AM (GMT 0)

ooops... I meant to say the Execedrin Tension Headache....that is the asprine free one!  It is acetaminophen(tylenol) and caffeine.

Posted 11/17/2008 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for that! I had no idea Execedrin made an asprin-free formula. I'm calling my husband right now to bring some home so I can have it on hand in case a migraine comes on before my appointment on Dec. 3rd. I don't know if it will work any better because I ususally take Tylenol and drink a Coke but I will try it.
Posted 11/18/2008 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
Execedrin PM (asprin Free) is great too. Much stronger than tylonel PM. Stronger in regards it knocks you out faster
Posted 11/18/2008 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
I will try that too because lately Tylenol PM has been having the opposite effect on me. I used to take it and sleep great but now when I take it, I get gittery and resltess legs. It's weird! I was also wondering if all that caffeine in the Execedrin would keep me awake if I needed it for a migraine at night. I'm the type that a coke can keep me up half the night. Guess I need to get some of the PM formula too. Thanks!!
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