One thing I hate about migraine disease...

I hate that migraine disease makes me dependent on medications.  Before someone mentions this, please know that I have tried a more natural approach to migraine care.  For many years I tried it.  Supplements, chiropractic care, detoxification, acupuncture.  Tried them.  A few times. 

So back to the subject at hand.  Right now, with my current chronic, severe migraine disease, I am completely dependent upon medication.  So many medications.  A nightstand drawer full of medications and supplements.  All of which I am currently using.  And sometimes I really hate each and every medication.  Today is one of those days.

These meds always bring some sort of side effects.  I've had depression, anxiety, rash, dizziness, fainting, nausea, nonexistent libido, sleepiness, insomnia, weight gain, weight loss, inability to think, heart palpitations, numbness in my extremities, blood pressure increase, blood pressure decrease--all of these side effects and many, MANY more have come from my preventive and abortive migraine meds. 

So why my current hostility toward my medications?!?  I'm currently having the toughest time I've EVER had with a med!!!  I'm trying to discontinue my Effexor XR.  This medicine is an anti-depressant that I've been using for over 4 years for migraine prevention.  Unfortunately, in all of that time, the Effexor never really did a thing to improve my migraine pattern.  I need to get rid of it. 

Staying on the Effexor was really not a problem for me.  But going off of it is like living through a nightmare!!!  I am not exaggerating, folks.  This is absolute misery. 

My current treatment plan requires that I get off of the Effexor as quickly as possible--long story, maybe for another time!  Under my doctor's supervision, I stopped the Effexor earlier this week without tapering.  Instead, I'm substituting a med called Pristiq--a sister med to Effexor.  The Pristiq is supposed to prevent withdrawal symptoms that occur when a patient abruptly stops taking Effexor. 

Unfortunately, I'm having really, really terrible withdrawal anyway!  I'm nauseated, I've got stomach cramps and diarrhea.  For four days, I did nothing but throw up!!  I've also been experiencing what some people call "Effexor brain zaps."  For me, this is a sensation that an electrical shock is running from my head, through my body, down to my feet.  I feel this EVERY TIME I move my head around!!  I also have a weird rumbly feeling in my skull, like my brain is rolling around in there!!!  And I've been fighing migraine and terrible aura. 

Despite my efforts to work through this without causing trouble for others, I'm sure I've been crabby and short with everyone. 

I asked my doc how long this rotten stuff will last.  His reply was "We really don't know!  Some people feel fine after just a few days.  Others feel strange for months!!!"