Beta blockers for migraines -- does anyone take them?

[Eleusis]

I've always been reluctant to go down this road because I have fairly low blood pressure, and I don't want it to go lower. My migraines are mild but frequent. They occur every 1 to 2 weeks and last for 3 or days. I get by with triptans. They do help, but I seem to be taking an awful lot of them, and so am reconsidering the GPs suggestion of beta blockers.

Does anyone else take them, and what has the effect been on your blood pressure? Any other side effects?

THANKS!

[plummymummy]

Hello. My mum takes vasodilators for severe cluster headaches. Consequently she has to have monthly ECGs. The main side effect she gets is feeling tired. She has low blood pressure as well but hasn't reported it dropping further, but then that might be why she is tired.

[Eleusis]

I don't know if I want to be more tired. Idefinitely have no more time for sleep. But thanks for the response.

Anyone else?

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

I take them (when not pg or bf) for essential tremor.
The only annoying side-effect is that I tend to get chilblains very easily in winter.

Mind you, I still got migraines even though I was already taking beta blockers. Have found feverfew much more effective for the migraines.

[Eleusis]

What is feverfew? And what are chilblains?

[iota]

I took Propranolol for a few weeks, but it affected my asthma.

[mosschops30]

I was prescribed Propranolol for migraines/headache. They did send my BP very low and I was eventually taken off them because they didnt help. They also tried Amitryptiline for the same thing, didnt work either.
Think they can also try Gabapentin for nerve disorders too.

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

chilblains

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

feverfew

[plummymummy]

My mum didn't want that side effect either especially as she has an underactive thyroid as well, the problem is nothing else has worked and the headaches are very debilitating.

[Eleusis]

Thanks every one. Anyone else have any experience?

[elbarto]

I was prescribed beta blockers for migraines, made me very spaced and had terrifying moment when running for the train one morning, sprinted up staircase and threw myself on then promptly blacked out - artificially slowed heart rate couldnt keep up with the extra effort.

came off them after that and was put on amitriptyline which was brilliant (but is also an anti depressant so you may not want to take them)

[Eleusis]

That is exactly the sort of thing I think will happen to me.

What are the side effects of amitriptyline?

[elbarto]

this may be TMI - but I was a bit "runny" when i went to the loo for the first two or three weeks and that was about it.

started on 10 mg and then dose was increased to 50mg, taken every day before bedtime as the can make you quite sleepy initially. didnt find that myself though.

I was on them for about 4 years until I discovered I was pregnant so came off them.

hope they work for you

[lisad123]

My heart rate went too slow after i started taking beta blockers, nothing they could do, just had to wait for effects to wear off, it was scary!
Good Luck
L

[tigersmum]

Propranolol made me feel very cold all the time which was horrible and amitriptyline made my mouth dry all the time and made me feel very tired. Imigran tablet and injection worked best for me.