what to do when meds dont help?
 

been taking many diffrent head hurt meds an none seem to work dose any one know of a certain brand that works good?

That's a complex question that cannot be answered easily, as there are many different kinds of headaches and migraines, and medications that work for one kind usually don't work for other kinds. If your current meds aren't working, you need to have a discussion with your doctor to try to find one that will work for you.

Do you have a specific diagnosis of what kind of headaches you get/have?

Doc

Hi

I know it is hard when you are in pain all the time, but... do you keep a headache diary?

If not, you might try -- you should note in it what you eat, as well. After a while, see if there are patterns. Some people find that certain foods trigger headaches. There are "risky" foods (and drinks!) that migraineurs are warned against, but each individual has to see which things affect them. Some of the "typical' things may not affect you, while some other foods that aren't on the warning lists might.

Just an idea... to see if you can maybe prevent at least some of your headaches.

I agree with Doc though, that you do need to speak to your physician or preferably a headache specialist. If you can keep a diary with dietary notes as well as headache incidence, duration, and specific symptoms, this may also help your doctors to help you.

waves

Here is an article from WebMD that tells you the more frequent triggers... foods high in certain substances like tyramine, or nitrates. Some migraineurs are sensitive to these substances.

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-heada...specific-foods

Another possibility is a food allergy, such as to wheat, or to yeast. If you suspect a food allergy or sensitivities you'd need to eliminate all possible sources for a while, and see if the headache situation improves. If it does, you can try re-introducing things gradually to try to narrow down the culprits.

waves

One of the biggest triggers for me is the MSG in so many foods. Many Chinese Restaurants use this in their cooking. Look on the ingredients of even cans of soup, etc. Some products are now putting on their lables (NO MSG added).

I have been quite fortunate because Imitrex 25mg's really has helped me tremendously. For years I had used Midrin which eventually taking too many caused "rebound" headaches. When Imitrex came on the market some years ago....it was/is a "godsend". I am careful not to overdo.


Gerry

My short story
 

Several years ago I went to a neurologist who had been recommended for treating migraines. He had put me on a regimen of Inderal and Elavil to take daily as a preventative. i had done this for a few years. It had helped; but when Imitrex came on the market as was to be used at onset of migraine, I discontinued the Inderal and Elavil.

This sounds similiar to what you using (blood pressure med) except for the Elavil. Glad this is working for you.


Gerry

Hey Gerry :)
 

That may not necessarily be true. I was told the same thing. I was on it (atenolol) for several years; it never worked, but I had to be on it (a case of insurance companies playing doctor) just in order to get the override amount of abortive triptan that I needed (and that did work). I finally just stopped taking the atenolol after learning & experiencing some of the adverse effects it can have long term—in fact, it's on the short list of possible causes of my PN and other medical conditions.

Have you ever tried discontinuing it for a time to see if you still need it?

Doc

Dang Dr Smith...thanks for ruining my day :)