5 Classes of Drugs Used to Treat Migraines

different treatments for different people

I agree that there are many treatments for Migraines and you have to find the right treatment for you. There are many triggers and everyone reacts differently. I have tried everything over the years. From accupuncture to Many differnet catergories of meds. This last year I have had an average of 4 migraines a week. I just recieved my first botox treatment last week and I am hopeful that this will help. The best advice I can give anyone suffering with this is to keep trying different things and don't give up. You are not alone! Also I think having a good Neruologist is important. Preferably someone who specailizes in headaches.

Aura

I am not sure if I am correct in my thinking but when an aura begins, I immediately take 3 of my 0.25 mg of Xanax. This causes the aura to resolve within 20-30 minutes. How long to others auras last?

Then the headache comes! It usually lasts for 3-5 days. It is quite disabling. My employer has treated me fairly so far but I am always concerned the day will come when I will receive disciplinary action for my missed days.

I have a history of an intercerebral bleed in 2003 due to arteriovenous malformation. My migraines began in 1996. I still have one aneurysm (4 initially) and am quite frightened of undergoing additional brain surgery. The risks are much higher an additional surgery vs. the previous surgery and interventional radiology I had in 2003. I am also afraid to use the new migraine meds due to potential side effects...any ideas? I too am a registered nurse.

Try using heat and cold at the same time.

Use a cold pack on your neck and a bedbuddy on your forhead, and wrap it around your head if you have a long one. Much relief will be noticed. Then change the cold pack to the forhead, and the bedbuddy to the neck.

The best pill on the market I have used is Excedrin Migraine. I had headaches for yrs. and this is what helped me the most, as it does my 2 daughters too.

Imatrax was great too. But if you have not Imatrad, to the above. And always take the pill as soon as you notice you are getting a migraine.

Try cutting down on your salt too.

I make my own bedbuddies, heat them for 2 min.

Kellye Copas

I hate to tell you Kellye, but Chiropractic intervention can be very helpful for migraine sufferers. Perhaps, massage is for some people, as well, though this has never worked for me. I have suffered from severe migraines for over 16 years, and yes, they run in my family, as well. My grandfather had them, my mother has them, as well as both sisters, though mine seem to be the worst. I have multiple triggers, not just one. I am an RN...I have lost 2 different jobs due to absences related to migraines. I never really get sick, I tend to only miss work when I have a migraine. I have had intermittent FMLA at my last two jobs. So, I do know the misery of migraines. But, there are all different types of migraines, and all different types of treatments. The most frustrating thing about migraines can be trying to find a treatment plan that works for you, because unfortunately it isn't a one-size fits all, and it can be trial and error. You say Imitrex is a miracle drug, but it made my migraines worse. In fact, Triptans do not work for me, really at all. Massage has never really worked. But, I am now on Topamax, and I use Indomethacin when I get one. Chiropractic and Accupuncture have also helped as part of the overall plan. Not by themselves. I was getting Botox injections, which helped tremendously, but then I moved to another area of the country where we don't get as much rain and have as many fluctuations in barometric pressure, so that has greatly reduced the frequency and severity of my migraines, where I don't need the Botox at this time. I also take a daily supplement called Migrelief...a combination of Vitamin B, magnesium, and feverfew. But, to say "I get really frustrated when people claim that chiropractic procedures and massage can stop their migraines. If you suffered from a headache, and there are many kinds, yours was not a migraine if those procedures stopped your pain." is just ignorance. We face enough discrimination and ignorance from people who have never had a migraine, we certainly don't need to face it among other migraineurs. Just because one treatment doesn't work for one person doesn't mean it doesn't work for another, and doesn't mean if it does help someone that what they had wasn't a true migraine. I can't say it enough...Migraines come in all forms, and it takes all kinds of treatments to control them. Quit being judgmental and Thank God you have Imitrex. May we all find our treatment that works and may the world start to understand that migraines are real, we need understanding and compassion, not judgment and condemnation!

I've suffered from migraines for over 20 years, as has my mother and my sister. The only thing that ever helped us was imitrex. It is our miracle. It sounds like a lot of people here think they are suffering from migraines but if touching your head stops the pain, you're not haveing a real migraine. And if you take imitrex on the very onset (typically you get signs that you are about to experience a migraine versus some other kind of headache)it can be alleviated before any naseau symptoms hit. If I take it at the first sign, within 30 minutes I am completely fine. If I take it after it has gotten a hold on me, it may take just a bit longer.

Sinus pressure can actually be your trigger for a migraine, just like chocolate, perfume or other better known triggers. Sinus pressure is my trigger and no amount of sinus medication helps. In fact I've had MRIs during high pressure pain going into a migrain and doctors are surprised to find clear nasal passages and no swelling.

Stress is not a common factor of migraines. Stress headaches, though quite painful do not have the physical aspects that migraines do. During a migraine your veins actually constrict blood flow, creating a painful pounding sensation.

As someone who suffered terribly for years, I get really frustrated when people claim that chiropractic procedures and massage can stop their migraines. If you suffered from a headache, and there are many kinds, yours was not a migraine if those procedures stopped your pain.

Cindy of MI

Dear Cindy,

I am also a migraine surferer, not as severe as yours but I do get them monthly if not twice/month.

The only personal advice I can give you if your faith on God.

Perhaps giving all your suffering and pain to God can release you from it.

May God bless you.

maxalt

I CAN NO LONGERAFFORD INSURANCE AND NEED HELP WITH BUYING

It's about time (kind of old news)

hand held Magnetic pulsing has been used to treat many ailments for a quite some time. (at least back to the 80's that i know of) if you do a search on google patents you'll see even more.) -it's been around (and accepted ) in parts of Europe for a very long time.

My cousin has been using one to good effect for headaches

and healing wounds for a few years now. (they esp accelerate bone healing) -it would be nice to see it actually accepted by the FDA, but I have serious doubts (unless they price it about $1000+ and make it prescription only) -several of the people sitting in the FDA are Ex-pharma employees and something like this would put a big dent in their business.

Learn to make one yourself or buy one of the well made ones sold outside the states. no need waiting for the FDA to to dance around the rosemary bush with the highest bidder. -while your at it, learn about bioelectric medicine in general, you'll be amazed at the amount of ailments (and how well) low volt/amp electricity can help. there are just a few (three or four) devices that cover a myriad of problems that us Americans have always been told only a drug can cure. -yet its widely used in other countries for decades.. -(russia helped alot n this regard as well)

-google and ye shall find..all one needs to know on the subject. -and get/make one that outputs at least 10,000 gauss (20k+ is preferred) expect to pay about $270-$350 for a good one. (action electronics is a great electronic parts source)

to start you on your learning journey, pick up a book called

"The Body Electric" by robert o. becker

-and if you get very angry about what you learn in your exploration, just be happy that your not in the dark anymore.

-s

Migraine Headaches

I have suffered from migraine headaches for over 20 years. I still get daily headaches, but nothing helps, neither preventative nor abortive. I have tried (1) all kinds of abortive medications, such as Over-the-counter painkillers, Triptans, injections, etc. (2) all kinds of preventative medications, such as antidepressants, bypolar meds, anticonvulsives, blood pressure meds, etc. (3) all kinds of diets to exclude types foods that could be trigers. (4) spinal blocks, (5) lumbar puncture, (6) resolving TMJ/TMD problems with 2 jaw surgeries, (7) chiropractors...

About five years ago I had to go on disability because of it. I am still searching for an effective treatment . I am on the fourth specialist to attempt to return to the work force and live a normal life. I welcome any research that may be able to help.

cluster headaches

Re: Oxygen therapy..David..questions: How did you get a prescription and from whom? Did your insurance cover this and, can I be so personal to ask what kind of insurance you have? Medicare doesn't pay for Oxygen therapy for Cluster Headaches (I don't think). Do you now have an Oxygen tank with you to help ward off these headaches?

I checked out the Mayo Clinic and they do provide O. therapy but I am still unclear if Medicare will approve this therapy...they should.

Thanks for your post.