Migraines...

[Kat Stokes]

Talk to me. What do you take? Side effects? Weight gain/loss?

I am starting to get them again :( (so far this one is mild). I haven't had one since before I got preggo with Rhett and I used to be on Immitrex but I didn't like the hangover feeling I got from it.

Any advice is appreciated... :)

[ditzyscrap]

I've only gotten migraines when I was coming off caffeine, and I didn't take anything for them. Now that I'm going to have to do it - AGAIN - I may go talk to my doctor before cutting it out, lol...I don't want to go through that hell again!

[Laura_A]

Try some Excedrin Migraine. I'm sorry you're having trouble... ick!

[jessica31876]

I take tylenol extra strength or advil. Drink alot of fluids and lay down with a cold compress on my head in a very dark room with the air on high. I dont get them alot but often enough (even once in awhile is too much LOL) and usually around the time I am starting my period. So Im thinking mine is hormonal. They can get pretty bad pain-wise though and I have had them last up to a day or a day and a half.

[lauren grier]

I take tylenol extra strength or advil. Drink alot of fluids and lay down with a cold compress on my head in a very dark room with the air on high. I dont get them alot but often enough (even once in awhile is too much LOL) and usually around the time I am starting my period. So Im thinking mine is hormonal. They can get pretty bad pain-wise though and I have had them last up to a day or a day and a half.

you can try a regiment of evening primrose oil if you think it might be hormonal



my mom makes herbal crap.. that tastes like poo, but works really well LOL I am just stubborn and end up whammed with one because I refused to take her nasty stuff LOL. Migraine meds really scare the crap outa me tbh.

[Jennifer]

I use Imitrex Nasal Spray. I've had migraines since I was 4 years old...if it's out there, I've tried it. Imitrex is the only thing that comes close to helping, but yes, I have the hangover afterwards, too.

[NettieB]

Yikes, Kathi! That hangover feeling seems to be a common side effect. Right now I'm ramping up on Topomax for maintenance -- add tongue and bottom of feet that feel like fuzzy berber fleece. But, yay, less migraines!

And now for my soapbox.

One: educate yourself. WAY too much mis-information about. Tension headaches, headaches brought on by fluctuations in hormones - these need to be treated differently for any lasting results. You need to go armed with the right lingo to any doctor appointment to actively participate in your treatment plan for it to work for you - you live in your skin, s/he sees you for what, 15 minutes? sorry, but no amount of schooling makes up for that!

Good sites: www.headaches.org (http://www.headaches.org), www.achenet.org (http://www.achenet.org) , www.migraines.org (http://www.migraines.org)

Two: listen to yourself. If you are tired, try to rest. Drink lots of water. Exhaustion, over-exertion, depression are prime "feeding" for migraines, no matter what your triggers.

Hope you find a good treatment plan that helps you manage well soon!

[pbumbaca]

I used to take Topomax for prevention and Relpax for the actual Migraines when I got them. I got headaches all the time that lasted 5 days and tried every med out there to help them. Until I saw the neuro and he put me on Topomax nothing helped. I took it for 2 years and now I only get migraines at that TOM. The Relpax usually helps. Oh and Topomax side effect - Weight Loss. I would love to go back on it but the neuro said it was time to get off. I guess long term it can do liver damage or something.

Good luck whatever you do, migraines BITE!

[BrattyMeg]

I take Topamax as well and yes it's liver but my dr checks my liver enzymes every 6 months when I go to my appt. I've had absolutely no side effects with it and have been on it for yearrrs. When I do get a migraine (knock on wood haven't had one in awhile) I take Imitrex or Maxalt. Depends which one I have handy..I normally keep the Maxalt in my purse b/c I can take it w/out water or anything (the one I have dissolves) I have found no way around the hangover feeling except sleeping it off..I almost always have to take a pill and go to sleep to get any relief

[mcardall]

Mine are sinus related. So, the only thing that helps me is a combination of Sudafed, Tylenol Arthritis (higher does of acetaminaphin), ocean mist nasal spray & a nap. good luck!

[Laura_A]

I've had migraines since I was 4 years old...

Holy cow Jennifer... how in the world did they figure out that you were having migraines at 4? My DD complains that her head hurts now and then, but I didn't think little kids really got headaches. Uh oh!

[flattsgurl]

I wouldn't wish migraines on my worst enemey. :( I get them waay to frequently. I have tried to pin point some of my triggers and that has helped a little. If I think I might be getting one I take Excedrine Migraine or if I am too stubborn and don't take it and get one or if the Excedrine doesn't work I take my imitrex. I have recently started thinking about trying Topamax thought. I get these headaches waaay to often and the only thing that helps is the imitrex. I get that weird hangover feeling about an hour or so after taking the imitrex but it only last for alittle bit and that is how I know it is working at getting rid of my migraine.

[laura mcgee]

i use excedrin migrain and love it. works quick and takes away the problem... i get them alot ug

[Kat Stokes]

Thanks girls! I took an 800 Ibuprofen and 2 extra-strength Tylenol for now. It's helping. I've had this darn thing since Saturday night. Blinding, painful headache, nauseous, neck pain. I tossed my Imitrex a while back because it was expired. Guess I'll talk to the doc the next time I go back if I get anymore between now and then. I don't think it's related to TOM because I haven't had that since I got my IUD in March and I'm not depressed. Maybe it's just stress...