Migraines (triptans) - personal experience?

[Strix]

I am looking for information/experience on the variety of triptans on the (UK) market. I have taken naratriptan for some time (anoub 5 years I suppose). I switched to naratriptan because it lasted longer than sumatritan. But, I am not finding it doesn't really do the trich so am considering firnding a new triptan.

I am actually pondering as the GP for combination of eletriptan (for when it really hurts and I just need it gone NOW) and frovatriptan (for when the immediate pain is bearable but I want it not to come back).

So, any experience with these... or possibly other triptans which I might want to consider.

The naratriptan I take now is 2.5 mg dose. I thought it came in a stronger one, but the GP told me it doesn't.

I have tried a variety of preventative medicines (e.g. betablockers). Either they didn't work, or I didn't get past the list of horrific side effects and declined to even try.

Oh, I should really take the time to proof. Sorry...

I am looking for information/experience on the variety of triptans on the (UK) market. I have taken naratriptan for some time (about 5 years I suppose). I switched to naratriptan because it lasted longer than sumatritan. But, I am now finding it doesn't really do the trick so am considering finding a new triptan.

I am actually pondering asking the GP for a combination of eletriptan (for when it really hurts and I just need it gone NOW) and frovatriptan (for when the immediate pain is bearable but I want it not to come back).

So, any experience with these... or possibly other triptans which I might want to consider?

The naratriptan I take now is 2.5 mg dose. I thought it came in a stronger one, but the GP told me it doesn't.

I have tried a variety of preventative medicines (e.g. betablockers). Either they didn't work, or I didn't get past the list of horrific side effects and declined to even try

Bump

Hey
I used to take sumatriptan but they were frankly useless even in the injectable form. Now I take topiramate and rizatriptans and it has tramsformed my life (albeit a little bit). I would strongly recommend not taking any advice from the gp and getting a referral to an expert neuro- not only was mine able to narrow down my diagnosis but prescribe bang on meds that really made a difference. For what it's worth the gp has been trying to make me ditch these new meds for ages due to the cost

I find the triptans work great. But have to get the balance right between side effects, how long the drug lasts, and how quickly it takes effect.

I haven't tried topiramate. But would be interested in your experience with it. Effectiveness? Side effects? How long have you been taking it?

The topiramate side effects can be harsh I have had the pins and needles, appetite problems and a bit of hair loss but I can say that the benefits outweighed the side effects. I can work and travel now without any problems and the pain is so much better in fact migraines have been reduced to less than 2/3 a month when I take care of myself and follow all of the other rules.
It is however personal choice and not for everyone

Topiramate didn't work for me, just made me feel ill, slowed down my thinking and I continued to get regular migraines. Amitriptyline and betablockers also didn't help me but the rizatriptans worked for a time on minimising the pain. I went to see a neurologist who told me that different treatments work for different people, it's just a matter of working through them until you find the one that helps. I eventually found that surprisingly the best for me was the alternative treatment that is hated on here (homeopathy - woooo!) but I don't want to fire up that debate, that is just my honest experience. I hope that you find something that helps you as migraine is so difficult to live with and there are so many treatments out there that can give you some of your life back.

What homeopathy worked for you?

Not sure I fancy hair loss and reduced thinking... and tiredness.

I went to see a homepath about 5 years ago and she gave me kali bich. which I take everytime I get the auras. I still get migraine attacks when tired, dehydrated or stressed but not the intense pain or numbness in my face and hands and I very rarely take any painkillers now, the odd paracetamol once or twice a year. It may be brainwashing or placebo but I really don't give a stuff as my quality of life is so much better than when I was throwing up twice a week with pain from migraine attacks. Good luck!

Gosh who cares why. If dancing backwards in the street naked at 3 am made my migraines go away I'd do it and not care why it worked.

Great that you find something that helps.

Have you ever tried acupunture?

Yes I tried accupuncture, hopi ear candles, indian head massage, no alcohol and some weird diet that a doctor said would definately work but the only thing that had any major effect was homeopathy.

The thing that works for me is magnesium. I spent days - weeks even on the floor as the heat from under floor heating and relaxation helped then tried supplement with magnesium,that was 2 years ago and although I have slight aura and numbness sometimes if I take minimum dose, if I up it in those times its fine, I haven't had pain for two years.

The thing that works for me is magnesium. I spent days - weeks even on the floor as the heat from under floor heating and relaxation helped then tried supplement with magnesium,that was 2 years ago and although I have slight aura and numbness sometimes if I take minimum dose, if I up it in those times its fine, I haven't had pain for two years.

I have the frovatriptan one ( I get long lasting migraine with aura).

It is a miracle in a tablet form for me.

I can feel the headache going away like a fist unclenching.Brilliant!

I think I tried magnesium once before. I don't recall it doing much. But, funny enough, I bought some last night and giving it a go again.

How much do you take?

I take a multi vit and minerals has 50mg per tablet and I take up to 3 a day.