Migraine Sufferers

Just wondering what you guys use to help your migraines.
I have started to get them again recently and they're killer! Tried Excedrin Migraine which helped to keep it more bearable.
Anyone use Immitrex? Or any other tips to help with the suffering?

My dr. told me that Immetrex is one of the best meds on the market for migraines... but, I'm afraid of taking it because the amount of side effects linked to it.
I just take 3-4 Migraine Excedrins and then take a nap... I usually wake up headache free, if I do it the moment I feel one coming on.

Oh Jen, we have more and more in common! I get migraines to the point that I throw up and just want to die. You name it, I tried it. I even tried a spoonful of espresso coffee (uncooked) and the only thing that did was make me nauseous! Anyway, I've been using Imitrex for years, both tablet and needle. The needle is my last resort after laying with my head in the bowl and my mother used to give it to me. But since I got married and the 2 migraines I've had since, my wonderful husband almost passed out when he took it out of the case and then almost threw up, so I had to give them to myself.

The funny thing, I used to get them ALL THE TIME because of the stress I had at work in dealing with a certain wicked witch of the west who flew back home to be with her cauldron, I digress, that I thought for SURE during the whole wedding thing I would be in bed with them constantly. I didn't have ONE headache the whole time! I started hyperventilating instead (only me). I didn't get a migraine until the day AFTER we came home from our honeymoon -- WTF? How much more relaxed could I have been?

Geez, I'm sorry I go off on tangents! So sorry. Migraines -- the Excedrin Migraine worked for me, but if it's REALLY bad, you need a strong medicine. I put a cold compress on my head, shut the lights, must be pitch black, must have the ceiling fan on (and if it's summer, a/c too) and must be really cold and SLEEP FOR HOURS!!!! They knock you out for a couple of days, and I totally sympathize with all of you!!!

I am a HUGE migraine sufferer but stay away from the above b/c of the side effects. I take 2-3 ALEVE and knock out. It works

Whenever I get a headache I take some advil and drink some sode. Sometime regular old caffinated coke does the trick.

Some of your posts made me a little paranoid, so sorry for going overboard, but I feel like I need to give you a warning. Persistant and painful migrain headaches could be a sign of MS. Other overlooked symptoms are stabbing pain behind one eye and blurred vision. Typically overlooked becuase you can blame the eye pain and vision on the headache if it is bad enough. Just an FYI. Don't keep taking medicine from a dr who is not referring you to a neurologist to see what the heck is going on

(jump) - me getting off my soapbox.

Becky that's excellent info. My headaches are definitely inherited ~ both of my grandmothers are sufferers ~ but I have an MRI every few years just to make sure everything in my head is status quo. I suggest all migraine sufferers do the same.

Debbie, I'm so sad that we have THIS in common! I get them pretty frequently (about 1 a month, and it usually lastsd about a week... my record was one loooong a$$ migraine that lasted for the entire month of August, 2000). I wish everyone I know could say 'Migraines? Nope, never had one'.

I was (and still am occasionally) a horrible migraine sufferer.

The best advice I ever got from my Dr was to keep a food journal. Certain foods trigger migraines in people. For me - I noticed a really, really bad migraine 24-36 hours after chinese food and products with nitrates (sausage, smoked meats, etc). I've learned to stay away from those foods. For my occasional migraines, I also take Excederin for Migraines.

Good Luck ladie!!!

Aaaaah, Migraines, my biggest challenge

I used to get migraines way too often, sometimes 2-7 days a week, all day. I've had Cat Scans, the whole nine yards. My sis also suffers the same way I do. If I even had the slightest bit of stress, I could be home for days. I could have a migraine that lasts a whole month. I almost got into a car accident once due to a blasted migraine.
Anyway, after years of trial and error, I am better now, and am down to 1-2 per month, which to me is a blessing.

The drugs I stay AWAY from

Excedrin Migraine -- I cannot tolerate the aspirin, plus it's not strong enough to kill a really bad one, but if for some reason I am out of the house w/o my medicine, I will take one out of desperation -- and always regret it.

Immitrex - I know this should be good, and it is worth a try, b/c many sufferers get relief from this. Unfortunatley, I cannot take it w/o throwing up.

I have tried so many things, and my migraines are very stubborn and strong, it is my ONE fear for the Wedding Day. But anyway, I finally found something that works for me.

So this is my regimen:
I am on a 'preventitive' medication that is extremely mild w/NO side effects. I must take this every day to decrease the frequency and strength of my migraines. It is called Effexor- 75mg per day. You can ask your doc, this medication is harmless and works great. Keep in mind though, that this one takes a couple of weeks before you notice results. Once the results start, you'll love it.

Sidebar:
Another pretty decent preventive that I was on before and is quite popular among the world of Migraines is 'Corgard' Unfortunately after taking it for about 2 years, it started giving me heart palputations, so off that medication I went. LOL

Another one again is Amitriptyline HCL 25MG. This is GREAT !!!! It will virtually wipe your migraines away forever. It is also a very mild anti-depressant (antidepressents are commonly used for migraine prevention) This one is a MIRACLE, and works like a charm. Anyone who is a severe sufferer should try this. However, side effects are not nice.
Drowsiness and Constipation. UGH. In my case, I could take the first, but the 2nd was unbearable.

Back to my regimen :
When I do have a migraine, I take a prescription medicine called 'FIORICET'
This is my lifesaver. Non-irratating to my sensitive stomach, and quite effective.
In the olden days, when I used to get a migraine (complete w/aura and nausea) I used to take a few of these, and within an hour feel some relief. Thanks to Effexor, I take only 1 and feel relief within 15 minutes.

Some over the counter drugs that may do some good, and actually help me when the migraine is not so strong are:
Aleve (although prescription strength Aleve - Naproxen works much better)
Advil - 600 mg (3 pills should knock it out if you're not a bad sufferer like me)
Exedrin Migraine - IF your stomach can take the aspirin

HERBAL TEAS
Green tea is full of caffeine, and helps the migraines. Works best if you put some Rosemary(yes - the spice !!) in it and brew the tea in the water. Don't just get hot water and dip the tea bag in. Actually brew the tea bag in boiling water. You can get one of those sifters for the Rosemary. Rosemary has a natural 'calming' effect and will ease your nerves as well as help you to sleep and relax.
LIPTON green tea taste nasty, but there is BIGELOW that makes green tea varieties such as Green Tea w/Jasmine, etc. .. .
Just be sure NOT to get any green tea caffeine free. If it doesnt say caffeine free -- great it is full of cafffeine.

NON-drug relief

Sharper Image has Magnetic Therapy eye mask. It has a gel insert that can be used hot or cold. This is excellent and will also help you rest when used.
I suggest anyone suffering from Migraines go to Sharper Image and get one of these - $19.99

Turn off all lights and TVs, radios, etc. . . Light a candle, blue preferably, and close your eyes, and try your best to relax, this is done best w/the sharper image eye mask

Words of Caution
Take note if your migraines occur on days like today, rainy, etc. . . . You may be mistaking migraines for sinus headaches, which are just as bad. (preventatives and common migraine meds do not work that well a case of a Sinus Headache which feels just like a migraine, so don't be fooled and wondering why your medicine is not kicking in.
In the case of a Sinus headache, Sudafed 12 hour (nondrowsy) Nasal & Sinus Congestion Tablets works wonders. Take one in the morning of a day like today, and you will find to be much better off. You can also combine it w/some tylenol or advil for extra relief. Don't buy the one that has pain relief in it, b/c the sinus medicine in it is dramatically reduced. (Unfortunately I suffer from BOTH migraines and SINUS headaches -- what a life !!!!!!!!

Also take note that your migraines are not menstrual related. You doctor can give you something specifically for that type of migraine. I forgot the name of it though.


I hope this very long lecture has helped and will help all of you migraine sufferers out there. Good Luck !!!!!!!!!!!

Lizabeth

MISHY,
yeah, I forgot to mention the pain medicine you take. Pherenol, it's excellent, it is the same thing as the one I take (FIORICET) except yours has aspirin in it and mine has acetaminophen (tylenol) Other than that, they are the same. Pherenol is excellent and quite effective. Definitely worth a try.

And how could I forget to stay away from that darn MSG!!!!!!!
And believe it or not, citrus, especially GRAPEFRUIT.

Wow! you guys are a wealth of information! I am planning on going to the doctor soon.
I had gone 2 years ago when they were bad and had an MRI/catscan on my head, but then my insurance ran out and couldn't go back to the neurologist!
Then I didn't have them for the longest time. The neurologist had initially said they were seasonal since I only had them in the summer. WEll, that theory is shot as I had 2 in Dec./Jan.
They're not menstrual related or food related, not that I can tell anyway. I think they're stress, but apparently, only certain kinds of stress will give them to me. I studied for and took the NY Bar w/out having one!
Thanks for the info.