Hey Doc!
It is funny how we are all so different. I have so many allergies and intolerances which limits what I can take. Topamax was a Godsend for me for years, until my brain figured a way around it

Have you tired Amerge before? It comes in a generic form, naratriptan, which would cost less and it is just as effective (for me). I have been taking that one for a while too, NO side effects!! I can take it and still function, drive home from work...

It's worth checking out.
Nanc

Thanks, I did while reading your post. Wiki says it's not as effective as maxalt or imitrex, which gives me a little pause, but I've gotta find something soon. I've got a list going to discuss w/ my doc...

Doc

of course I meant "tried" not "tired" Amerge...

It's funny how Wiki says that Amerge is not as effective as Maxalt and Imitrex, when they did NOTHING for me at all. They didn't even take the edge off. A co-worker who suffers from migraines tried everything and Amerge is the only thing that helps her. She is the one who turned me on to it.

Anyway, I sure hope you find relief soon!!
Nanc

Hadn't even noticed. Dyslexics have more fnu. (I'm not - it's just a good moldie oldie... )

Yeah, but you also swear by Dopamax/Stupamax, which puts you in the minority; many/most cannot tolerate the S/E or the strain on kdneys/renal system.

I've seen enough differences/variation in folks' responses to meds/treatments that it's uncommon to phase me anymore. Less with every year.

Us weirdos gotta stick together.

Doc

I get it! There are so few meds/treatments that I can tolerate that it was amazing that I found something(s) that actually worked.

Doc, your not as weird as you think. I can't tolerate anticonvulsants, tried altenolol and it wasn't preventing my migraines. I'm back on inderal and I'm having side effects that are not getting better so will be talking with doc at next visit about something else, if there is anything else, and I'm still tracking my headaches, with no success in finding a culprit. My rheumatologist says they can start at any time so theres no telling what the deal is with any of them, at least so I'm told. I had to beg my doc to stop altenolol and go back to inderal but the fatigue, numbness, increase in neuropathy pain, tightness in my chest, and my arms going number(er) is driving me nuts. I think the migraines drive me nuttier, but who knows at this point.

Wanna bet?

I took atenelol for years because my insurance required it; didn't do a thing for me either. My migraines were finally tracked to reactivation of Epstein Barr virus, but it took finding a migraine specialist (that's all his practice consists of) to find that out.

I got some relief from the cervicogenic headaches with some physical therapy, but that took finding the right therapist who knew headaches as well (after various courses with other therapists).

I learned that general neuros & PTs just don't know enough, even though they think they do. Some can even be opthamological, though I don't know what a rheumy would have to do with migraines/headaches(?)

Have you got a good template for your journal/log? (Comprehensive enough?) Stick with it, expand the scope if necessary, and review it often. Something may jump out at you at some point, even if it only accounts for some it's worth it.

Doc

I was seeing my rheumy for something else and the subject was brought up by me, thats all. If all else fails with my current neuro who is a headache specialist, I may try to track down a migraine specialist if my insurance allows it.

FWIW, vallium acts as a muscle relaxer too.[/QUOTE]

That is why I mentioned the Vallium is to help with anxiety; but also muscle problems.
(Ger)

Preventative medications do not work the same for everyone. It often takes a lot of trial and error to find the right one. I have been unsuccessful in finding a migraine preventative medication that doesn't cause intolerable side effects. I have been on topamax, inderol and lamictal. Couldn't tolerate the side effects of any of them so for now, I am dealing with the headaches as they come and taking a rescue medication as needed. Honestly, I am burnt out dealing with this health condition. It is really hard to accept that I have to live with it. I hope someday I can find something that will actually work to prevent the headaches that will also allow me to be functional. Side effects such as severe drowsiness, memory impairment, and diahrea are not what I would consider 'tolerable'. I could not continue to work and function while on these meds.

I will be starting a new job next week and I am fearful of how my employer will react when I miss work due to migraines. It's inevitable that absences will occur so I will have to tell my boss at some point. I will not be eligible to use FMLA protection until I have worked there for a year. I pray that the stress that comes with starting a new job will not trigger too many migraines.