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General health

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Original poster

Migraine help!

26 replies

Earlgrey19 · 09/10/2019 13:43

Struggling with migraines, which are sometimes really debilitating. I’ve had 4 in the last two weeks (though that’s more than usual - it’s usually more like 2x a month, though they can be nasty when they strike and cause me to miss work, which is stressful). Seeing GP next week. I sometimes take sumatriptan as a pill. But the sumatriptan makes me feel awful and I don’t like it. Gives me heavy feeling in chest, breathing feels strange, jaw tingles if I eat, and I feel spaced out (and nauseous if I’m not already feeling nauseous). Yesterday I also got the shivers. So I tend to not take it at the first sign of headache, as some headaches I have don’t build into bad migraines. But then others do. The last several times I’ve taken it it’s been too late and made me feel worse. Wondering about acupuncture, though I’m a bit sceptical. Also about drug alternatives with less side effects. Thanks.

OP posts:

HawthornLantern · 09/10/2019 13:47

I have used acupuncture and so does a work colleague. We have both had great results. I sometimes need medication - luckily I don't seem to have the side effects from sumitriptan that you do. My colleagues doesn't need anything at all. I was getting 3 migraine a week at one point. Definitely worth a try I think.

loveyoutothemoon · 09/10/2019 13:55

I suffer with the worst migraines, and after all these years I've just realised that a max dose of asprin, paracetamol and a strong caffeine drink stops it in it's tracks very quickly, and also lessons the after effects of the migraine hugely.

PoohBearsHole · 09/10/2019 14:01

Have you been to the dentist? Stupid question but my mums migraines were made worse by a tooth.

eternallybaffled · 09/10/2019 14:24

I found my daith piercing worked wonders- it's on an acupuncture spot. I used to get them at least weekly until I had the piercing done 3 years ago. Since then I've only ever have the beginnings of 2 migraines, both stopped in their tracks with codeine

Original poster

Earlgrey19 · 09/10/2019 14:29

loveyoutofthemoon that’s great aspirin helps you. I think I need to try that.

HawthornLantern That’s good to hear too. I think I’ll try it. Would be amazing if it helps.

PoohBearsHole - interesting! Have just been to dentist, though

OP posts:

Windydaysuponus · 09/10/2019 14:38

Have you tried the nasal spray? When I vomited the pills my Dr gave me a spray.
Magic ime. Imigran nasal spray.
Within half an hour I can get on with my day.
Do feel a bit weak the next day but small price to pay imo.

Chocolatethief · 09/10/2019 14:45

Have you tried migraleve (not sure that's the correct name but its close) it works really well for me and you can buy it over the counter. It even has something in that is suppose to help with the nausea but I find if i take it when i feel it coming on it stops it in its tracks

wonkylegs · 09/10/2019 15:03

I was going to suggest the Immgran nasal spray it's the only thing that worked for me at the height of my worst migraine period.
Do you know what triggers your migraines
I used to have horrendously bad ones but I managed to work out my triggers and reduce them or at least see one coming so I could take medication early enough to stop it fully developing.
Unfortunately one of my triggers is hormonal so now I'm 'too old' for the pill I've had a bit of a return however I know when they are coming so can lessen the effects
It doesn't stop them but cold pack or cold back of the spoon on the eyes (closed) gives me some real relief from the pain when lying down, doesn't stop me puking but it's a start.

TwattingDog · 09/10/2019 15:29

There are 7 different triptans, so if you're not getting on with sumatriptan you can ask for a different one. I've been through 6 of them so far due to them wearing off efficacy 🙄 and each had different side effects for me. I've only found zolmitriptan to be one without any side effects, but it's very individual.

You can also take daily vitamins and supplements to prevent migraine - there is a huge amount of clinical research into high dose vitamin B2 (riboflavin - 400mg daily), feverfew, magnesium (600mg daily), co-enzyme Q10 and others. My neurologist put me on the B2 and took me off my preventatives.

PoohBearsHole · 09/10/2019 16:05

Mine are hormonal induced and I’m going to look into that spray - the following couple of days are like hangovers - I feel for you op!

FranklySonImTheGaffer · 09/10/2019 16:08

Another vote for high dose aspirin here. I get dissolvable 300mg tablets (tesco / Sainsbury's sell them). I take 3 in a small glass of squash (add flavour, just them in water is disgusting).
If you try this, make sure you've eaten or they will upset your stomach. Take it as early as possible.

I don't know why but I find something menthol also helps so I use one of the Olbas oil / Vicks inhalers.
I also have some gel eye masks (bought off Amazon really cheaply) which live in my fridge. Put one on your eyes and one on the back of your neck.

It might also be worth trying to push pressure points ( put your thumbs at the top of your nose where your eyebrows start and push for a count of 30. Push your temples with the palms of your hands for 30. Put the heel of your hand on the centre of your forehead and push for 15 ).
I've also read about a pressure point between your thumb and index finger and a tip to put a peg there but this hasn't helped me.

Also thanks to pp's - I have an appointment to discuss my migraines soon as they're getting worse and I'm going to ask about Imigran and will look at acupuncture.

Lagatha · 09/10/2019 16:16

Try taking magnesium supplements, my neurologist recommended 600mg a day which is above the RDA.
I take sumatriptan but it's really most effective if you take it at the first sign. I don't seem to have side effects, though migraines make me feel very sick.
Second a pp suggestion of trying other triptans.
I used to find migralieve effective but not anymore sadly which is why I'm on the triptans after exhausting all the other options.
I just try to avoid triggers so no alcohol and try not to get overtired. Unfortunately mine are mostly hormonal so I can't completely avoid.

Original poster

Earlgrey19 · 09/10/2019 20:13

Thanks all. They might be hormonal as I’m 39 and my mum got migraines at exactly my age (I’ve hardly had them before), then she went through menopause in mid-forties. Poor sleep and stress are triggers and it really seems like cold viruses trigger it too. This time of year my kids are constantly sniffing and coughing and if I’m feeling a bit under the weather fighting a virus off, not even coming down properly with it, it triggers a migraine...

OP posts:

vgoel922 · 10/10/2019 07:34

Hi Everyone,

I am mentioning some tips to treat Migraine:

Place a cold pack on your Forehead.

Ease any kind of pressure from your scalp and head.

Try Dimming the lights.

Don't chew much in migraine. Prefer small bites.

Give your body some caffeine intake.

managedmis · 10/10/2019 20:21

Ice cold coke.
Sinus flu pills

PeninsulaPanic · 11/10/2019 20:13

@managedmis which pills in particular do you take? thanks for the ice cold coke tip, will get some in and try it!

TwattingDog · 11/10/2019 21:06

It needs to be full fat coke. It's nowhere near as effective as it was because of the reduced sugar 😭

CMOTDibbler · 11/10/2019 21:15

If I take paracetamol and codeine at the very first sign of a migraine (which for me is an urge to crick my neck) then I can often avert it. If I miss that stage and get into the start of the headache and blurry vision then I have a migraleve pink which will stop me vomming esp if I have a flat coke.
Triggers for me are getting dehydrated, sugary drinks (hot chocolate of the Starbucks type is particularly bad) and anything that presses close to my neck

Tronkmanton · 11/10/2019 21:23

If you suspect they’re hormone related try going on the mini pill. It has changed my life. No migraines since I started on it 9 months ago. Has the added bonus of no periods either

AliciaMayEmory · 11/10/2019 21:29

I take dissolvable tablets called Zomig. They are one of the triptans and work really well sometimes I get the side effect of my skin being really sensitive to heat, so taking a shower or washing my hands feels weird, but is so much more bearable than a migraine. You can get this in a nasal spray too which might suit you better if you get bad sickness. I take domperidone for any sickness which work well if you can keep them down. I used to have dissolvable ones, but they seem to have stopped those, so have the normal tablets now. This combo seems to work well for me. Hope you find something that works for you, OP.

Rachele1994 · 11/10/2019 21:33

I would visit the opticians migraine can be caused by weakened eyesight x

northernstars · 11/10/2019 21:48

I take Zomig and brufen as soon as it starts. GP told me to not be a hero and not wait til it gets bad!
My triggers are hormones, hunger, temperature and dehydration (I can't take alcohol anymore - guaranteed migraine). Mine have got a wee bit better since giving up smoking.

SouthWestmom · 11/10/2019 22:08

My daith piercing has reduced the intensity of mine. Used to have to lie in the floor at work and hope migraleve kicked in.

I use nurofen express and some ant sickness that dissolves in your cheek.

mineofuselessinformation · 11/10/2019 22:10

Dc2 finds aspirin and an ice pack very helpful.

Original poster

Earlgrey19 · 11/10/2019 22:14

So many helpful suggestions, thank you.

OP posts:

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