Friday, July 18, 2008 haley113 asks

Q: Alternatives to abortive medications?

I stopped taking all of my medications three weeks ago due to suspected MOH headaches, with the exception of Topamax. I've done really well with the Aleve, but in the past week, I have have had three major migraines (some of my worst ever) that have hurt so badly that I thought I was going to pass out. So, I eventually took my Imitrex. Per my doctor's orders, I'm not supposed to take even the Imitrex, but I'd rather do that than faint. I feel worse than I did before I stopped taking my medications.

I should also mention that I had an occipital nerve block which has eliminated all pain in the back of my neck, but now I am having pain from my ear to behind my eye, typically on the left side. It has even woken me up at night.

Are there any alternatives to abortive medications? Or should I just continue to wait it out? Could it be that my Topamax isn't working (I've been on it for over a year now)?

Thanks,

Haley

Answers (2)

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Nancy Harris Bonk

7/23/08 9:31pm

Hi haley,

Are you still taking Aleve? Even using OTC medications two or more days a week can cause MOH. An important difference between MOH and a Migraine is a Migraine gets worse with activity, MOH does not; MOH usually doesn't have nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sound, sensitivity to light, or chills. Are you able to tell the difference in your head pain?

Is the pain behind your eye new? Topamax does have a potentially serious side effect that effects vision. For more information click HERE. Vision issues with topamax typically happen in the first months of use, but that doesn't mean it can't happen any time. Please read this information carefully and discuss it with your doctor if it seems applicable.

Topamax may not be the Migraine preventive medication for you any longer. Many times Migraineurs need to switch drugs. I recently changed from lamictal to zonegran. I've tried quite a few, and will keep trying! Don't lose hope, there are plenty to try. Migraine Preventive Medications - Too Many Options To Give Up!

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure you are ok.

KRAZYKAT

7/21/08 3:51am

um...not a Dr..but I would wait it out..I am in the process of stopping my pain meds too..kinda sounds like you did it cold turkey. You are brave if you did. I went to every 8 hours for the last week..4 migraines and counting.....then I am supposed to go to 12 hours. This is hard!! We have to wait it out. You can't tell if the other meds are working..so don't stop the main ones.

Q: Alternatives to abortive medications?

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