Chronic migraines - Has anyone given their child Propranolol?

[dinkydoodah]

DS is 9. Last October he had what we thought was an inner ear virus but turned out to be chronic migraines. He has always been really healthy - eats well, does lots of exercise, happy etc. This really knocked him for six and we got referred to a neurologist. He prescribed Pizotifen which didnt have much effect. MRI scan clear. He had a lot of time off school and missed all his clubs so he was fairly miserable. The migraines gradually subsided with the occasional one now and again. Fast forward to the beginning of May and they are back. He wakes up with one most days and it waxes and wanes throughout the day. They are very unpredictable and he is starting to have more time off school. Neuro wants to try Propranolol at 16mg a day.

Does anyone have any experience of this with children?
Any tips on when to take it and what dosage?
Any side effectes?

Sorry for all the questions but I am really scared of giving this drug to him but cannot watch him be so miserable and in pain for much longer. Thanks

I do not have a DC on propranolol but I take it myself for my migraines. It's excellent for me.

I have no side effects. I take the dosage prescribed by my GP 80mg so much higher dosage than your GP wants your DS to take.

Your BP is supposed to be monitored regularly on it as it may give you low BP, but I already had low BP and it has not lowered it anymore.

I would say if your GP thinks it is a good idea, go for it. If your DS gets the results I do (reducing aprox 15 migraines a month to aprox 3) it is more than worth it!!

Thanks, 4goingon14

I get migraines myself and found some limited success with amitryptiline but my doc has suggested Propranolol would be good for me to try next. I am getting 3-4 a week. I just want to get DS sorted first and have given him his first dose tonight so fingers crossed it works with no side effects.