Migraines and meds

KyussBishop

Hijacked a TGC thread with a discussion on migraines, and a bunch of us figure it could do with a dedicated thread, for general discussion

I don't get really bad migraines very frequently myself (once every few months), but I'm curious, what meds do people know of for treating them? (particularly once-off ones that can help deal with one once it's started)


Some general migraine info:

A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.

Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. An aura is a group of symptoms, including vision disturbances, that are a warning sign that a bad headache is coming.
...

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
...
A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which is triggered by stress, certain foods, environmental factors, or something else. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear. Today, most medical experts believe the attack begins in the brain, and involves various nerve pathways and chemicals. The changes affect blood flow in the brain and surrounding tissues.

Migraine attacks may be triggered by:

• Alcohol
  
• Allergic reactions
  
• Bright lights
  
• Certain odors or perfumes
  
• Changes in hormone levels (which can occur during a woman's menstrual cycle or with the use of birth control pills)
  
• Changes in sleep patterns
  
• Exercise
  
• Loud noises
  
• Missed meals
  
• Physical or emotional stress
  
• Smoking or exposure to smoke

Certain foods and preservatives in foods may trigger migraines in some people. Food-related triggers may include:

• Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods
  
• Baked goods
  
• Chocolate
  
• Dairy products
  
• Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  
• Foods containing tyramine, which includes red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and certain beans
  
• Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)
  
• Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)
  
• Nuts
  
• Onions
  
• Peanut butter

This list may not include all triggers.
...

Symptoms
Vision disturbances, or aura, are considered a "warning sign" that a migraine is coming. The aura occurs in both eyes and may involve any or all of the following:

• A temporary blind spot
  
• Blurred vision
  
• Eye pain
  
• Seeing stars or zigzag lines
  
• Tunnel vision

Not every person with migraines has an aura. Those who do usually develop one about 10 - 15 minutes before the headache. However, it may occur just a few minutes to 24 hours beforehand. A headache may not always follow an aura.

Migraine headaches can be dull or severe. The pain may be felt behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck. For many patients, the headaches start on the same side each time. The headaches usually:

• Feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating
  
• Are worse on one side of the head
  
• Start as a dull ache and get worse within minutes to hours
  
• Last 6 to 48 hours

Other symptoms that may occur with the headache include:

• Chills
  
• Increased urination
  
• Fatigue
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
  
• Problems concentrating, trouble finding words
  
• Sensitivity to light or sound
  
• Sweating

Symptoms may linger even after the migraine has gone away. Patients with migraine sometimes call this a migraine "hangover." Symptoms can include:

• Feeling mentally dull, like your thinking is not clear or sharp
  
• Increased need for sleep
  
• Neck pain

...

Treatment
There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. The goal is to prevent symptoms by avoiding or changing your triggers.

A good way to identify triggers is to keep a headache diary. Write down:

• When your headaches occur
  
• How severe they are
  
• What you've eaten
  
• How much sleep you had
  
• Other symptoms
  
• Other possible factors (women should note where they are in their menstrual cycle)

For example, the diary may reveal that your headaches tend to occur more often on days when you wake up earlier than usual. Changing your sleep schedule may result in fewer migraine attacks.

When you do get migraine symptoms, try to treat them right away. The headache may be less severe. When migraine symptoms begin:

• Drink water to avoid dehydration, especially if you have vomited
  
• Rest in a quiet, darkened room
  
• Place a cool cloth on your head

Many different medications are available for people with migraines. Medicines are used to:

• Reduce the number of attacks
  
• Stop the migraine once early symptoms occur
  
• Treat the pain and other symptoms

...

Prevention
Understanding your headache triggers can help you avoid foods and situations that cause your migraines. Keep a headache diary to help identify the source or trigger of your symptoms. Then modify your environment or habits to avoid future headaches.

Other tips for preventing migraines include:

• Avoid smoking
  
• Avoid alcohol
  
• Avoid artificial sweeteners and other known food-related triggers
  
• Get regular exercise
  
• Get plenty of sleep each night
  
• Learn to relax and reduce stress

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001728/

Snappy the Moose

I use 'SYNDOL' for a migraine. They are pretty powerful and will effectively make you groggy when first using them. If you took two on an empty stomach you literally would be on wobbly legs. Take 2 and head to bed for a few hours, guaranteed to be gone when you wake.

parker kent

I joke and then proactive people make the thread actually happen!

It'll be interesting to see how many people share similar triggers.

KyussBishop

parker kent wrote: »

I joke and then proactive people make the thread actually happen!

Ya, heh; took it as a joke, but since I'm interested in the meds, figured it'd be worth a thread

ppink

was on Sanomigran now trying GON injections instead.

apart form that the best I have found is Paracetamol plus caffeine (44p in UK/NI for pack of 16) and domerid/motilium.
I have migraine daily and the migraine clinic have told me not to take the paracetamol for more than 4 days a month, which I am trying. so far the injections are working though.

magnumlady

I find imigran is the only thing that works for me and I've tried a lot of others.

I'm convinced mine are hormonal although if I'm very tired or stressed it can bring them on too.

eastbono

I dont get full blown migraine very often... i.e. numbing on one side of body and distorted vision... last major one was 2 years ago and thought my sight would never go back to normal... had to take 2 weeks off work... doc gave me mega pain killers... said once the were working that the rest of the symtoms would sort themselves out... and not to take tabs for an ordinary headache... still have the left overs in medicine box... as an aside first time I got migraine and always got them with what I now know as an aura migraine my parents doc said I had classic symtoms of a stroke ... that is how bad the migraine diagnosis was erm... 35 years ago even though my mother suffered from it.

rugbug86

Used to get migraines really bad as a child. Simultaneously, I'd get a shocking headache, gushing nosebleed and throw up. I was young so I don't know if I had any warning signs. The doctors/hospitals thought we were making it up but while in Temple Street for an unrelated matter, mum gave me a mars bar to keep me happy. Within half an hour attack came on, cleared the waiting room Doctors assessed me and did all the medical tests under the sun to rule out something wrong with my brain. I went to an allergy specialist and he put me on a very strict diet for 2 months and then we were slowly allowed to reintroduce foods. The day I was given a packet of smarties as a treat I had an attack. Adios chocolate... I've more or less grown out of the allergy, I don't eat chocolate but if I have a little bit (on a desert or whatever), it wouldn't cause an attack.

More recently though I've started getting them again. I think they're brought on by stress. I would be busy working preparing for a presentation/deadline, and when that passes I'd be crippled by a migraine. I get aura now - the most disturbing thing in the world. I feel like I've taken leave from my own body and I'm looking down on myself from above. When that happens I hit the Syndol and head to bed for a few hours. Had one a few months ago that nothing went near - got strong meds from the doctor and nothing worked. Eventually after almost a week in bed I could see straight again.

Triggers now include stress (or lack thereof :P), certain foods (jars of sauce etc) and sometimes, hormones.

I've to be really careful with what I take for them though. I can't take Syndol often because of the codeine in it - it counteracts a different tablet I'm on. So my GP has me on Lyrica for neurological pain, and touch wood, I've been on it for about 3 months and I haven't had an attack.

emzolita

Hi, I get pretty bad migraines due to epilepsy meds, nearly one everyday up until recently.

the GP put me on Zomig, but this is only for when you actually have the headache, and wasnt practical considering i had them everyday and you can only get 6tablets in a box.
then the Neurologist put me on nightly doses of amiltriptyline, and although I still get BAD migraines when it's me time of the month, all in all I have about a 70% decrease in them. I would recommend this med for anyone with pretty bad ones.

Shoe Lover

I used to get a lot of migraines, they run in the family Tried everything going to stop them, towards the end, I was getting a migraine nearly every day and was talking Solpadeine and Ponstan like they were smarties So I gave Acupuncture a go. Was a bit dubious to be honest but was in that much pain and my quality of life was going down hill rapidly. I did 8 weeks, two one hour sessions a week with a Chinese doctor and he did a combination of acupuncture and chinese massage and I have to say it was the best thing I've ever done! My migraines have cleared up 100% and now when I do get the odd headache, a couple of panadol will clear it :D:D

UCD2010

I've been getting migraines for 9 years- since I was 10 years old. Textbook chronic migraines really: loss of vision, head aches, eye aches, disorientation, numbness, difficulty breathing and vomiting then a hangover the day after. I am yet to identify one certain trigger, there's no certain pattern as I can get the attacks twice a week or once a month.. I once went 10 months without getting one only to be blitzed with attacks every week.

In the past 2 years Ive started getting panic attacks if there's any flaw in my vision (reflection from light etc.) I went to a cognitive behavioral therapist for a while last year to help with them with minor success.

I've began attending the migraine clinic in Beaumont where the consultant prescribed amytriptaline which I have been taking every night for the past 3 months or so. Ive gotten 5 migraines in this time so it doesn't seem to be working. I was also prescribed zomig for when I do get an attack and I have taken it 3 times so far. The first 2 times it did nothing but the last time my attack wasn't as bad as usual.

I feel so alone. When you mention migraine people think "bad headache" when really it is so much worse. In my eyes (and many others) it is a disability. I fear going anywhere alone because if I do get an attack I can literally do nothing.. I can't even see! Do I just get strangers to help me?
Migraines are affecting my college work, my work life and some relationships too. I've had to give up football, one of my favourite things in the world, as it seemed to trigger attacks alot. I fear the future and cannot imagine living with migraines for the rest of my life..

I'm sorry for the long post I just need a big rant :pac: I've never shared my experiences of migraines before but now that I have I feel alot better I know there's thousands of people out there like me feeling complete frustration and fear on a daily basis. I think there should be more awareness promoted of this debilitating disease.

CardBordWindow

I find the only thing that helps is 3 paracetamol along with a Motilium. Then lie down in a dark room, sleep if possible.
So far have not found a trigger.

Shoe Lover

Likewise, I have not found a definite trigger yet. Somethings I know will trigger one, the smell of raw onions for example but I've kept all the diaries and everything and still have not found anything. I went to a neurologist in the Bons Secours, had MRI scans, the works and after all that, the only advice he could give me, other than to put me on anti-depressants (which I refused), was to break open two solopadeine capsules and pour the contents into a can of coke to drink.
Luckily my boss also gets migraines so she understands if I have one and have to go home or can't come in. But I have encountered the ppl who think "it's just a headache get over it". They drive me nuts because they have no idea! There have been times when I have literally not been able to make it home and have had to pull in on the side of the road and get someone to come and collect me :(:(

Stargal

UCD2010 wrote: »

I feel so alone. When you mention migraine people think "bad headache" when really it is so much worse. In my eyes (and many others) it is a disability. I fear going anywhere alone because if I do get an attack I can literally do nothing.. I can't even see! Do I just get strangers to help me? Migraines are affecting my college work, my work life and some relationships too. I've had to give up football, one of my favourite things in the world, as it seemed to trigger attacks alot. I fear the future and cannot imagine living with migraines for the rest of my life..

God, I know exactly what you mean. Migraines are so much more than just the actual attack, they completely affect your life, your behaviour and your ability to function as a normal person -something that non-sufferers never seem to realise.

When mine were at my worst in my final year of college, I felt like a complete freak. I was getting one every ten days or so, knocking me out of action for at least 36 hours each time. When I felt them coming on I'd try to fight it for as long as I could and keep doing what I was doing, which inevitably just made me sicker when it actually hit. Aside from the nausea and the aversion to lights/strong smells, the worst thing was the actual pain. There were times I wanted to gauge out one side of my head just to make it stop. I tried lying different ways in bed, putting my hands on my head, counting to really high numbers - anything that would just give the tiniest bit of relief.

Stress was one of my main triggers, both from academic/work stuff and social situations. The latter used to kill me - I did loads of stuff in college, but going into rooms/situations that were new to me or where there'd be people I didn't know well was a huge trigger. I started to deal with it by just *not* going to things, which in hindsight was a total mistake. It made me feel really isolated and low, and took ages to get over. Really affected my confidence.

You've probably tried this already but I kept Nurofen Plus with me at all times so when I felt one coming on I'd take them with a fizzy drink and then at least I'd be able to make it back to bed before the pain really kicked in. Was prescribed Paramax and something else I can't remember but they were useless.

Identifying the trigger really is crucial. I'd been getting them since I was a kid but had never identified them. Always thought they were just bad headaches (even when I was crying with the pain every week or so, avoiding meeting friends, panicking, puking, and generally freaking out. Needless to say: I am not a doctor). When I went on the pill, they went from once or twice a year to an all-singing, all-dancing constant. Unfortunately, it was almost two painful years before my doctor or I made that connection. Doh. Changed pill and I rarely get them now, but am always aware that they could come back and completely mess me up again.

Hope you get sorted soon.

darragh o meara

I've been suffering migraines for a good few years now and I've tried lots of different meds over the years but one I've found is quiet goodie neurofen migraine tablets ( not available in ROI but stock up each time in over on the UK) I've found one of my triggers but I have more I'm still waiting to find more.

ChewChew

I get migraines too, but only started getting them last October after I got viral meningitis! So I take tradol for them. My symptoms are the blurred vision and pains right behind the eyes so I need the lights out and curtain pulled. But to date, my migraines have lasted 3 days!

star-pants

darragh o meara wrote: »

.. but one I've found is quiet goodie neurofen migraine tablets

+1 came across them myself and they take the edge of my headache/migraine (whatever it is)
I can get bad headache/migraines on/off for a few weeks at a time, so it's nice to have found something that makes it bearable.

Nooni

Not sure if this should be a separate thread, merge if needs be.

I have suffered from migraines for 14 years now, started off with the normal migraines with aura but as I got older the neurological symptoms worsened. I now only get the neurological symptoms, without the headache (past 3 or 4 years). My doctor has tried me on some triptans but I had quite a bad reaction to them.

I went to see the consultant neurologist in St Vincent's last week my suspicions of acephalgic migraines were confirmed. I have to get an MRI to rule out something else and then they're going to look at medication - but my MRI appointment isn't until next February

When I get an attack I get aura, blindness or peripheral-only vision, nausea, slurred speech, numbness in my face (left side - which was my headache side), loss of coordination, sensitivity to noise, light and smell and spontaneous dyslexia. I am completely unable to work or function in general and an attack can last anywhere from 4 hours to 10 days. I find these attacks worse than when I got the headaches as my headaches could be resolved with painkillers and a couple of hours sleep.

I get quite down over it because I never know if an attack will last for hours or days, and I miss a lot of work. People (family, co-workers) keep telling me to take painkillers but there's no pain and no one seems understand how I can have a migraine without a headache.

Just wondering if anyone else suffers from this? Anyone had success with amitriptyline?

UCD2010

I suffer from the exact same symptoms as you but with a headache too. My MRI isn't until next year as well! I've been on a daily 25mg dosage of amitriptyline for the past 3 months and they don't seem to be working too well. Zomig definitely reduces the pain during an attack but it certainly doesn't get rid of it! But thats just me I've heard of great success stories with amitriptyline. I have no side effects, except for drowsiness so I just take it an hour or so before I go to bed. Best of luck finding what works for you

UCD2010

Thanks Stargal. It's great to find people to relate to. Wishing you all the best and hope you find relief soon

Nooni

UCD2010 wrote: »

I suffer from the exact same symptoms as you but with a headache too. My MRI isn't until next year as well! I've been on a daily 25mg dosage of amitriptyline for the past 3 months and they don't seem to be working too well. Zomig definitely reduces the pain during an attack but it certainly doesn't get rid of it! But thats just me I've heard of great success stories with amitriptyline. I have no side effects, except for drowsiness so I just take it an hour or so before I go to bed. Best of luck finding what works for you

They have suggested amitryptyline, but the consultant said he wanted to wait until after my MRI before I started taking them. I've taken Zomig before but it caused severe pain in the back of my head and neck and stroke-like symptoms (more so than normal) - so I won't be taking that again!

I have a migraine coming on today - nothing I can do or take, makes me feel pretty helpless.

SATSUMA

I tried loads of meds for migraine over many years and nothing worked. Then i came across a doctor who suffered himself. He gave me cataflam. They are not specifically for migraine and are basically an anti inflammatory maybe just stronger than neurofen (which dont work at all for me). They are marvellous and ive been taking them for a couple of years, they are cheap too. Worth a try.

(I believe that migraines can often represent a strong resistance to something that's happening often subconciously. Just thought i'd add that in. Someone said it to me and everytime i get one now, i can think of something imtrying to resist)

Justask

As a migraine victim :rolleyes: For years and I've tried everything I mean everything... went for the MRI scan. After many years and many visits to my GP he put me on Beta Blockers.....which work. now I get maybe 3 attacks a year as before it was one a month.

The only thing that helps with the 3 a year are Solbadol, they just knock you out :cool: which is relief in its self.

viota

i suffer from migranes too.Ive had them for years haven't told the doctor.When i get them they last for at least three days.I currently have one and im on the 4th day i think possibly longer.Ive taken solpadeine as i have other issues.It hasn't worked at all.I normally get an aura but not this time.I have a throbbing headache light sensivity nausea trouble seeing as in very blurred vision and tunnel vision.

Justask

A friend of mine swears by 'femix' the period pain relief...

Get off the computer it wont be helping Get well soon

KyussBishop

Getting one myself today; there has been the threat of it since I got up, but it's only blooming now.

I started rock climbing a while ago, which has kept me somewhat physically active, and I think that has helped reduce the frequency with which I get migraines.
The last week I have had a cold though, and skipped climbing, so I think that may be factoring in to why I'm getting them.

May go to doc and look at med options if it becomes (semi) regular again; each time I get one of these migraines, I effectively lose an entire day having to prevent and/or manage them.

Susie564

Nooni wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone else suffers from this? Anyone had success with amitriptyline?

UCD2010 wrote: »

I've been on a daily 25mg dosage of amitriptyline for the past 3 months and they don't seem to be working too well.

I don't suffer with migraines, but with a different type of chronic pain (long story....). I was on amitriptyline for a little while and they didn't work, was switched to prothiaden and they worked much much better. I'm not sure how many TCA's there are to treat this kind of pain but maybe you could ask to try something else?

SATSUMA wrote: »

He gave me cataflam. They are not specifically for migraine and are basically an anti inflammatory maybe just stronger than neurofen (which dont work at all for me). They are marvellous and ive been taking them for a couple of years, they are cheap too. Worth a try.

Was on cataflam for a while too, they were good but they made me sooooo sick Now on Arcoxia, very expensive but good and working.....mostly.

mattjack

I,ve suffered with migraine since I was a teenager,now early early fourties..over the years I,ve taken differant types of medication beta blockers,paracetamol with motillium and always tried to work to a diary eliminating what I thought caused the problem.
I,ve learned to stay away rich chocolate..yorkie bars,strong cheese and only drink really weak coffee.
My father suffers from a type of dementia and I noticed over a period of time whenever there was a full moon he seemed more agitated than usual...and I either had or was taking painkillers to stop migraine.
I mentioned it to his doctor and one or two of nurses bout the migraine and they suggested taking a magnesium supplement around the time of the full moon.
I know it sounds crazy...but it does work if the migraine is not too severe.

Susie564

I tried magnesium supplements, it didn't work for me in terms of pain relief or helping me to sleep better, which is what I wanted from them at the time. But apparently the body uses magnesium for lots of functions, so it's no harm to you to take them (see link from The Irish Times http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2011/0208/1224289248600.html). I make sure now that whatever multi-vit I'm taking has it included.

viota

it went away yesterday on the 5th day.I took solpadeine melfen and paramax im going to go back to the doctor and get it sorted.

Justask

viota wrote: »

it went away yesterday on the 5th day.I took solpadeine melfen and paramax im going to go back to the doctor and get it sorted.

Ask him about Beta Blockers. 5 days :eek: you poor pet