Migraine Headaches Support Group
Migraine is a neurological disease, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head and are often accompanied by photophobia (hypersensitivity to light), phonophobia (hypersensitivity to sound) and nausea.
Hi All ~
I have a new neurologist who is trying to help me manage my migraines.
I have had migraines for about 25 years ~ I have yet to find any migraine meds to help, besides going to the ER and getting a cocktail of toradol, benydrl, decadron and reglan which will take the edge off.
I have weekly migraines that range from a 6+.
Can you guys give me some suggestions of the best meds that have helped you?
Also, we were just about to start botox shots then I was dx with Myasthenia Gravis, a neuro muscular disease, which knocked the botox out of the running.
Thanks for all your input!!
I have a new neurologist who is trying to help me manage my migraines.
I have had migraines for about 25 years ~ I have yet to find any migraine meds to help, besides going to the ER and getting a cocktail of toradol, benydrl, decadron and reglan which will take the edge off.
I have weekly migraines that range from a 6+.
Can you guys give me some suggestions of the best meds that have helped you?
Also, we were just about to start botox shots then I was dx with Myasthenia Gravis, a neuro muscular disease, which knocked the botox out of the running.
Thanks for all your input!!
Many of the people in this group have also been dealing with migraines for many, many years. I myself have been dealing with them for 30 years. I have an amazing headache specialist, but it's such a complex disorder that I still have them daily.
The only way to know what cocktail of medicine is going to work for you is try them all. I know that is a very generic answer, but it's really the truth. And it's really at this point that I recommend everyone who comes to this group to find specifically a headache specialist, and not just a neurologist.
My cocktail includes Topamax, lisinopril, elavil, and zanaflex. So, an anti-seizure, ACE-inhibitor, anti-depressant, and muscle relaxant. On top of that, if I get a migraine, I have relpax as an abortive. I also have thorazine to help with the nausea and pain. If I have one that lasts three or more days that is a 8+, I have a steroid taper of decadron.
I still have migraines everyday. But if I didn't take all that medicine, I would have a 10+ everyday. Now my average is about a 5. It's just a trial and error to find what works for you.
For me, regular sleep patterns are a must, and the best I have ever felt with my headaches was when I was very regular with my exercise and vitamins / supplements. Vitamin D was a big help for me. When I was feeling my best I was taking a bunch of different supplements I had never taken before. It's hard to tell exactly what made the difference, but they included magnesium and CoQ10. I think both of these were also on his list.
In terms of medicine, I don't take a preventive. I just take Axert when I get a headache. Unfortunately, my insurance company doesn't like me taking that one. I need special permission and extra special forms to fill out if I want more than 6 pills in a month. It can be very frustrating. I just don't get why they stick their nose into what I should be taking and how often.