Propranolol and amitriptylene preventives for migraines

[Happydaze2]

After years of struggling and resisting taking a preventative medication for my migraines, GP I spoke to on Friday is keen for me to try and I’m seeing them tomorrow to discuss further; meanwhile I’m doing some research into all the different types and their pros and cons. Propranolol seems the most common - GP mentioned this and amytriptyline specifically as options - and whilst I am aware of both these for other health conditions, I don’t know anyone who has taken either of them for migraine. If you have experience of either I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts.

@CC222 I went through a period of time where this method of managing my migraines work for me to. But unfortunately migraines change especially if your a women and they a linked to your hormones. You mat very well find that you will need to take preventative drugs again in the future so don't rule them out. I held out a long time and just had to give in as I had no other choice but to go back on them. It's a disease that changes over time especially for women.

@Happydaze2 another thing you can do is take the supplements which they recommend. My neurologist insisted I take magnesium and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) which have been proven to help also Q10. You need to take high dose, this link has the doses
https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/healthcare/treatments/supplements/

I di find magnesium helpful, I've never been sure about the others. But they do have scientific studies to back there use. So maybe give them a go and see if they help.

@MigGril I tried the supplements for several months and nothing changed for me unfortunately. It really is an individual experience re migraines - these posts have highlighted that fact. @cryinglaughing i am post- menopause and there has been no let-up, if anything my migraines are worse now than ever. I lead an active and “healthy “ lifestyle and do as much as I can to take care of myself. I have been logging my episodes for years and have no identifiable triggers. @NewtGuineaPig I run and do dumbbell workouts and hydration is something I’m vigilant about. I’ve just seen GP and they have booked me in for CT scan this Friday!! My worst nightmare - I’m v claustrophobic and always dreaded having one. GP suggested we discuss preventative medication again after the scan so I’m no clearer about that atm

@Happydaze2 glad your GP is taking it seriously, even if it does mean braving the CT scanner 🫣

@Happydaze2
CT Scanner is a lot more open than MRI and can be over in minutes so try not to worry too much.

I couldn't stay awake on 20mg Amitriptyline. Topiramate was just awful. Currently on Pitzotofien which seems to be ok.

I've tried Propanolol, twice with a gap of a few years in between. Although the last time helped me feel less anxious, it had no impact on my migraines. I've also tried nortriptyline and amitriptyline. Both made me feel so groggy in the mornings, it was awful. I slept through the night, but felt like a zombie next day. No noticeable impact on my migraines so I take sumatriptan.

For me, it's definitely stress-related so I'm thinking of using the EAP at work to get help with dealing with stress - most of it's work-related as I have a large workload.

I have experience of propanalol for me and DD. I was prescribed 5mg of propanalol on the off chance that it worked. It did, straight away and I've not really had my migraines back. My DD was prescribed 40mg of it and she felt dizzy and spaced and her migraines reduced a little in regularity. She stopped the meds. I'd like her to try the 5mg as it has zero side effects past the migraine cessation.

I agree - I suffered for 20 years before triptans and tried everything.