If Topomax can't touch a migraine...then what next???

sunstarmoon777 · 05-21-2004, 05:37 AM

I have been taking Topomax to try and relieve my migraines but its not working. I am also taking Trileptal (for bipolar disorder) but it's also supposed to help with headaches. Not working. My headaches sometimes last days at a time...and I rarely ever go a day without getting one. My doc. just keeps upping the dosage but it's just not working...is there anything else???

Megan

KiwiKitten · 05-21-2004, 07:57 AM

I used to have the same problem with migraines. Note the *used to*. Mine always start behind one eye. I was reading an article once that related to that, and thought i would try what they said. What they were saying was to take a mild anti-inflammatory (like asprin!) as soon as the pain started, even if it was just a little ache at that point. My first thought that it was b/s, but with those migraines you will try anything. Well, guess what? It works! i was completely blown away. I guess you are sitting there thinking b/s, anyway it won't work for me. Just try it, can't hurt, will probably help. All the heavy painkiller i used to use, and this mild stuff works, if taken at the right time. Good luck

iloveben · 05-21-2004, 08:44 AM

Sun....

I used a couple of things for my migraines. I don't know if any of them will help you, but it's worth a try. First of all, like Kiwi, mine usually start behind my right eye. As soon as I feel the smallest of aches, I whip out the Excedrin (I've used both Excedrin Migraine, and Excedrin Tension Headache... they both work for me). A lot of times, if I catch it soon enough, that will work for me. If things don't get any better within about 45 minutes, I have a prescription for Imitrex (you can get either pills or injections) that I use. Youl might ask your doctor about it... It might help.

I hope you find something that helps.... There's nothing worse that a migraine!

SmileBug · 05-21-2004, 05:09 PM

My previous doc suggested Maxalt disolvable tablets for migraines. They work! But they also put me to sleep, so I have to be very careful when I take them. You put it on your tongue and it disolves immediately, supposedly gets into the blood stream much faster than a regular oral pill. However, when I got my prescription a few years ago it was still relatively new and my health insurance wouldn't cover it. The doc wrote a letter saying we'd already tried everything else available, including narcotics, and this was the only medication that would take care of the migraines. They approved it grudgingly, and thank goodness, at that time each pill was approximately $60!!

One other thought for you, my doc and I discovered that BCPs cause migraines for me. I am now very careful to only take BCPs for one month at a time (use them to reduce/eliminate cysts prior to being cleared for clomid each cycle.) Other pills that introduce hormones into your system could be having a similar effect. It may be worth checking into.

Good luck to you - hope this info helps.

BeetleGirl · 05-21-2004, 11:41 PM

I was in a bad roll over car accident 2 years ago and have been battling migraines ever since.
I have tried anti seizure meds, narcotics, antidepressants and every other migraine medication under the sun. Nothing seem to work as well as the anesthetic needles (Same anesthesia they use for epidurals.) I used to get in my head and neck 3+ times a week for my migraines. Since they have found the source of what is causing the migraines I only get anesthetic needles in my shoulder and back to numb the pain a few times a week. That with deep muscle massage seems to be helping.
I am even able to continue with the shots while I am ttc.

nicnac26 · 05-22-2004, 12:12 AM

I have been fighting migrains since I was 7 years old, just reciently I learned that mine were actually tension headaches. They appear to have the same symptoms....but migrain meds wouldn't always work...now I go to the doc when I am at the begining and he gives be a pain killer and muscle relaxients...they worked wonders. I also see a chiropractor and that helps keep them away as well.
Nicnac