Which Migraine medication?

[FatBettyintheCoop]

I usually get Almogran on prescription from my GP for my migraines which I’ve suffered from for more than 20 years.

I tried Immigran years ago but didn’t appreciate the side effects so I was switched to Almogran which has suited me well. In 9 times out of 10, it will take away the pain within about 40 minutes or so and leave me feeling slightly dopey for around 6 hours, but I can happily live with that. It means I can function and look after my children even if I’m not operating at full power.

I live in Ireland and was informed by my Pharmacist last week that Almogran is no longer approved by the Health Service so it’s only a available to buy at full price so about €100+ a pack.

I need to find a replacement drug that is subsidised by the HSE that is comparable. He suggested the following alternative drugs are approved and I’m wondering if anyone here has experience of them?

Zomig
Relpax,
Frovex
Naraverg

I need to find something that is as effective as Almogran to suggest to my GP to prescribe. I’ve read about Maxalt but that’s not approved either.

If you have any links to any good online advice too, that will be appreciated. Thank you.

I have frovatiptan, which has been the best for me. Sumatriptan was not for me. Sorry yours is no longer available, it's awful when you have something that works for you X hope you find something else that works.

I've just checked on the the independent pharmacy website and they do a pack of 3 for £18.99. and there packs for around £50.

I don’t have any links, but wanted to share that I also take frovatriptan ( frovex on your list). I didn’t get on with sumatriptan either, but frova has been fine for me.

The added bonus of frova is that it has the longest half-life of all the triptans, meaning it lasts the longest. It is therefore often recommended for patients who have long-lasting or clusters of migraines. It can also be used as a mini prophylactic treatment for menstrual migraine - if your migraine predictably coincides with your period, frova can be taken before the migraine even begins. If you google the above you’ll find lots of information to discuss with your doctor. Good luck op!

Thank you both.
I'll do some more googling and bear in mind your advice.

Thank you for your recommendations. I collected my prescription today and they've given me the Frovex so we'll see how I get on with it.

Interesting - I loathe sumatriptan and have stopped using it, rizatriptan wasn't much better. Hadn't heard of Frovex.

GP has suggested Topiramate, but the effects appear to suck so for now I'm keeping a headache diary and waiting on a consultation with the Migraine Centre. Hoping to score some of those occipital nerve blocks or botox...

I was a long time migraine meds user (20 years) . In the last ten years it was mostly Relpax and Zomig as both suited me, although I did try and change brand every five years or so as they became less effective.
Can I just say my headaches disappeared after the menopause!
I don't get any any more and haven't needed meds for three years. At some stages I was on over seven pills a month and virtually addicted.
The occipital nerve block didn't do it for me so after three treatments I stopped so someone else could benefit. It did help others.

The headaches nurse gave me this advice as well as apologising profusely for advocating a dull, dull life
Go to bed at same time every night, even weekends
Get up at same time every day,
Never skip meals
Never binge drink
Don't overdo the sugar

Wish you'd use the generic names. No idea what these are!

Sumatriptan (think immigran) was horrible

Frovatriptan ineffective.

Zolmitriptan horrible until I worked out I could half the tablet if I took it soon though and it got rid of the pain and dispensed with the horrible sicknesses/ side effects from triptans in general.

Also a good preventative along side. I've tried them all. Currently on a BP med. no idea if it helps really but don't want to stop in case it makes it worse !

I had topiramate and it was fantastic! However after a few months I developed an allergy to it and struggled with breathing. I was devastated as it's the first time in my life I was down to one or two migraine a month (approx 40 years -had them since being little) I now eat paleo and that has helped significantly was around 14 a month down to about 4 so that has worked fantastic for me, the first week I felt like I was going to die with withdrawal of"normal" foods.

I am cautiously planning a low-carb, no sugar diet (I'm a lifelong calorie counter and yo-yo dieter, all ineffective now I've hit menopause and I've put more weight on than ever) - fully expecting a reduction in sugar to help.

I also didn't get on with Sumatriptan but Narameg (Naratriptan) has been a godsend for me.

See how you get on with the Frovex but there are other good options.

@Mum5net I absolutely need sugar when I feel a migraine coming on. One or two cans of full sugar coke is part of my fix! I am just going into Meno - it's shit but if the migraines stop, it will be a good pay off.

@Balonziaga

I also didn't get on with Sumatriptan but Narameg (Naratriptan) has been a godsend for me.

See how you get on with the Frovex but there are other good options.

@Mum5net I absolutely need sugar when I feel a migraine coming on. One or two cans of full sugar coke is part of my fix! I am just going into Meno - it's shit but if the migraines stop, it will be a good pay off.

Same on the coke. I keep real coke in my fridge only for this purpose.