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Monday, November, 23, 2009
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Winter Holiday GuideEnjoying the Holidays Despite Migraines and Headaches --> Info for you...

Lupus, and migraine.

Trisha
11/09/09
Trisha
Topics:Lupus and migraine

What other medication works like lyrica without the weight gain side affects? I was recently diagnoised with lupus systemic. Besides the tissue pain that I experience, I am now experiencing nerve pain. Pins and needles in my hands and feet. Numbness, and dizziness have also started. Even my wrist hurts when I move it while doing things in around the house and my secretarial work. I am a little overweight so I do not wish to take something that will cause weight gain. Yet, I am searching for some relief of the nerve problems. I also suffer from migraines. They are not as many as they were before since, I started watching some of the foods I ate. However, when they do come, it happens in the middle of the night when I am sleeping. I am totally incompacitated at that time. I can not even get up to use the bathroom until it passes. If there were a fire in the house when my migraines occur I would be certainly be lost forever.

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Nancy Harris Bonk
Nancy Harris Bonk
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Community Manager


My first real experience with chronic head pain...

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Hi Trisha,

 

 I don't know what other medications work like lyrica, but I do know it is important to see a doctor who will work with you as a partner in your health care. Do you see a rheumatologist for your Lupus? Have you been taking Lyrica for a while, or even started it yet? Some people have success with this medication for Fibromyalgia (the FDA recently approved it for this condition) and /or Migraine prevention. It can take up to three months to see a reduction in our Migraine frequency and severity when we start new medications. During this side we may have potential side effects that may lessen.

 

Lyrica is an antiseizure medication. There are other medications this class besides Lyrica that may be something you 'd want to talk to your doctor about. I take Zonegran, and have tried Lamictal and Topamax. Unfortunately it seems to be a trial and error method before we come to the right combinations of meds. But don't lose hope, there are over 100 medications you can use for Migraine prevention. Really! Take a look at this article: Migraine Preventive Medications - Too Many Options To Give Up!

 

Having other chronic health issues, I understand how frustrating it can be. Some weeks it feels like that's all I do is go to the doctor! But on another proactive note, have you tried keeping a Migraine diary to see what your triggers are (in addition to the ones you mentioned) and  how long it takes your medication to work? We have a great free Migraine diary you can download that is easy to use and you can bring to your doctor and show him how you are doing, what patterns are developing and what medications are and are not working. Look here for our Migraine diary.

 

I hope this helps,

Nancy

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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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