NPR: Migraines

sarahslost

Those of you who suffer from migraines, what do you take/do to help?  I was on 3 different daily medications.  It's gotten too expensive, and one of them I would have quit anyway because it was making me loopy.

I have yet to figure out my triggers really even though I've been suffering these for years.  I honestly think I have several - some related to my cycle, some related to stress, some salt intake or lack of eating.  Regardless, I get them several times a month.

I've had tons of testing done, and they can't find a physical reason for them.  It's gotten to the point where I've been taking at least 1 day off work a month for a migraine.

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normally imitrex, but have found that Excedrin Extra Strength Express Gels take it away just as well

sarahslost

Too funny, I didn't see DandR's post until right after I posted.  Reminds me though - caffeine does not help.  Only thing that might help is going to bed, and even then I might still wake up with it.

DandR

maxalt (nice for when i'm puky because it disolves under your tongue and you don't need water....or worry about puking it up)

imitrex

 Both the maxalt and imitrex I take with an aleve..the combo works best for me.

fioricet--did nothing for me.  my mom loves it though.

there was one ohter that I've taken, but can't remember the name.....

 

 

DandR

oh and my doc has suggested I try some daily medication that is used in epilepsy patients, but the side effects were WAYYYY to scary.  I'll take my 1-2 month migraines

happ17

for me, 3 excedrin tension headache + 3 motrin + water + laying down in a cool, dark room (and if it's really bad, I put a cold washcloth over my head and eyes). Sometimes, I have to go force myself to puke (sorry TMI). And very rarely, when my head feels like it's going to explode, I have to tie something around my head very tightly (don't laugh, seriously). I am a sight for sore eyes then.

mbg8r

Mine are cycle related and they were much worse when I was on the pill. I don't remember the last prescription med I took, but now I take either 800 mg of advil or 2 excedrine (regular or migraine are the same).

shellbug79

I used to take Amitriptyline every night to prevent a headache the next day.  If I still got a headache then Excedrin Migraine, if that didn't work then Relpax b/c Imitrex makes me itchy.  After having dd the migraines became less so I stopped the Amitriptyline & went straight to Excedrin Migraine & then Relpax if needed.  Now after ds I can take Tylenol & if that doesn't work then Excedrin.  It's only been 2 months since I had ds so who knows what the future will bring.

Michelle

jnicks19

I take a daily beta blocker and then I use Treximet when I get migraines.  I was getting to the point where my 50mg of Imitrex didn't work anymore so my neurologist prescribed the Treximet.  It's a combo of imitrex and naproxen.  It's been working for me for over six months now!