Migraine sufferers who take long term medication tell me your experiences

[AtheneNoctua]

I have sworn by my triptans for quite a few years now. I like Naramig (naratriptan), but I just seem to be taking more and more of it. My GP has suggested beta blockers in the past. But since sine I have fairly low blood pressure (although it has increased over the years but still well in the normal range) I'm not so keen on beta blockers. I know they make you cold, and I am already always cold so that certainly doesn't appeal to me. Also, I like to run and am afraid that a beata blocker might restrict the blood flow and cause me to pass out.

Anyway, if anyone out there has had long term success with preventative drug treatment for frwuent migraines, I really appreciate you sharing your experience...

Thanks!

I take Metaclopramide plus nurofen/pain relief when it hits - the meta keeps the system ticking over so the pain relief can work... if I take them early enough, the migraine is "only" a headache.

The other day I couldn't find them and I ended up with a full blown in-bed-by-6pm-and-spewing migraine so they must work because I've not had one of them since taking them.

They aren't preventative, but as I say - if you take them the moment you get the hint of a migraine, they work well

Idris - does he take amitriptyline in a small dose? I was prescribed it to help me sleep and stop spasms/ pain at night.

It is an anti-depressant in high doses (250mg) which works by relaxing nerves and muscles but in small doses (10-50g) can be used for a plethora of things. It is a wonderful drug but if it makes him sleepy/ groggy in the morning it helps to take it a lot earlier than they recommend in the evening

Does anyone know why the aspirin is soluble and not a pill? I suppopse the logic is that aspirin thins the blood....

Thanks again everyone for your input.

I think he has 10mg - definitely a small dose. He is always sleepy and groggy in the mornings - I am the morning person in the Dragon household, but I will suggest he takes it earlier .

Athene - I think because it hits the blood stream more quickly.

Idris - I was told to take it an hour before I wanted to go to sleep but found taking it after dinner at about 7.30 (usually go to bed around 11/12) worked much better!

Has anyone tried feverfew? I'm not really a big fan of herbal remedies, but it might be worth a try (heck, anything is worth a try when it comes to a migraine).

Hiya, I saw the link on the other thread. I don't have a problem getting Imigran from my Gp but was referred back to consultant just before xmas to see if they could suggest anything else. In the past I have been on beta blockers etc but when TTC then PG wasn't taking much other than paracetamol. I'm now taking a preventative called Topaxax/Topiramate. It's also used for recovering alcoholics and epilepsy..

It takes abt a month to build the dose up but has def worked for me in reducing the frequency and severity of the attacks when I get them.

HTH