Hi Cari. I understand your predicament. I use hydrocodone for my migraines now. It was the last straw for me. I had tried all of the preventative and abortive medicines over the last several years. After I had a surgery and used this med for the pain, I noticed that it took the migraines away. I understand why physicians are hesitant about pain meds. But you have to be the one in charge of your life and your own health care. If you feel you are not addicted to the med, and truely need it for pain relief...look for a doctor that will listen to you. I finally found one that took the time to understand me, not just my disease. I have a wonderful physician now.
Cari,
I just visited a migraine specialist today. I have struggled with finding the right regimen for my migraines. It's a very long road sometimes. Another muscle relaxer instead of Flexeril is Zanaflex. It's very good and will help with your migraines. It helps me. But, the Naproxen, which is similiar to Aleive and Motrin, and Vicodin, and all these pain killers will help you at first. But.......you will start to see they are not helping you. Because your body gets use to it. Then you get the rebound headaches. So.......you have to find a preventive medicine. I'm starting Depakote back again because it did help me a little. My dosage is being doubled this time, so I'm hoping this helps. I also take Midrin, as an abortive medicine. It doesn't work everytime. .......but about 50% of the time it does. It's kind of hit and miss with these migraines. You can't take anything more than a few times a week for the pain, because you get use to it, but then what do you do for the pain when you have one? Well, you have to be your best judge, and decide that's my opinion. God bless, and I hope you find something to help you. I know what you are going through. Hang in there.
Denise