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Wednesday, November, 25, 2009
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Diamox "as needed" or daily?

Katinthecorner
Katinthecorner
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I have had migraines sporadically for about the last 7 years, but...

06/08/09

I am on Elavil, and 90% of the migraines I get now are directly related to weather (thunderstorms, barometric pressure shifts, etc). 

 

I want to try Diamox because I have heard that it is effective in preventing weather migraines. 

 

My question is can I take Diamox on an "as needed" basis?  Or is it only effective taken every day?

 

My neuro is hesitant to put me on Diamox because of the side effect profile, and if I could take it only "as needed" he might be more willing to try it.

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Answers (3)
Nancy Harris Bonk
Nancy Harris Bonk
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Community Manager


My first real experience with chronic head pain...

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Hi Katinthecorner,

 

Weather triggered Migraines can be troublesome for many Migraineurs, myself included. In case you haven't seen this article on the topic, here it is: Migraines Often Triggered By Change In the Weather.

 

In addition to regular Migraine preventive medication, Diamox is sometimes prescribed to take before a weather front moves in, or when flying. Here is an Ask the Clincian question that may be helpful to start a conversation with your doctor: Preventing Migraines triggered by weather changes.

 

I hope this helps.

Nancy

re: Diamox "as needed" or daily?
Katinthecorner
Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 08:58 AM

Thanks Nancy! I'm going to print out the Ask the Clinician and take it for my next doctors appointment. =)

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Megan Oltman
Megan Oltman
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Megan Oltman is living a purposeful life with Migraine, and helping others do the same.
Migraine Management Coach, Lawyer, Writer

Visit me at http://www.freemybrain.com I coach Migraine sufferers...

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Hi Kat -

 

Nancy gave you some great links.  Also remember that you can review the side effect profile, and if it is acceptable to you, it's really your decision, not his!

 

- Megan

jgtilove
Tuesday, August 04, 2009

I have an AVM and Pseudo tumor. I was on Diamox for many months, yes it helped my headaches alot. Relieved them fully as well as took care of overall pressure and eye pain. Although I decided to go off the meds, due to the side effects. I had major pain in feet up to my knees. The tingling in my hands up to my elbows. Not to mention I felt as if a zombie. I was so tired.  I was also on a very high dose of it as well.. My doc told me that the medicne would not do that even though it was part of the side effects he listed. I just got a bad case of the effects I guess. I did try to take a smaller dose and even went to every other day.. Side effects still just did me in. So Diamax was really great to get rid of the headaches, which I still battle day to day w/ not much relieve. Side effects won in this case. I wish you well and good luck with your headaches.

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This animation shows one of the key causes of pain during a migraine--changes to the blood flow within the brain.

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