Menstrual Migraine

[ShootingStarsinthesky]

I have suffered from menstrual migraine for many years. I have tried Topamax and Epilium (was stupid on these), Pizotifen (did nothing), Hormones (no improvement), Codeine and Diclofenac Acid (made me sick) and a variety of Triptans (never completely removed headache). Then I was given Amitriptyline 50mg at night and a miracle occurred. I have taken this for 5 years together with Escitalopram 20mg and unfortunately have been told to come off of the Amitriptyline because of concerns about this combination.

Now I am back on the search for a replacement. I cannot take Triptans with the Escitalopram and my doctor has given me a prescription for 300mg of Gabapentin but worry drowsiness, word loss and fatigue these drugs can cause. I did suggest a beta blocker to the doctor but she was not keen. Any ideas please?

Ask for a referral to a migraine clinic (dept Neurology at the hospital) I have had a similar history to you (though in the past year the headaches have been almost constant) but finally seem to be getting better after an Occiptal Nerve Block (2 injections of steroid in the back of the head). I am coming off betablockers (propanalol) which seemed to do me more harm than good. Really is well worth seeing a specialist.

You can use Naproxen (a NSAID) on top of sumitriptan to help blitz the pain.