Seeking advice - unable to break the cycle

04/30/08

minnie mouse

HI, I am currently suffering from daily pain, it lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks a month and then I can have a week free from any symptoms.

I am 46 and also having hot flushes so think it may be related, I have also always had a lot of headaches ( they type where you take 2 over the counter tablets and it goes )

Now however i start with a headache, take 2 ibuprofen and then 2 hours later take 2 paracetamol and it usually does no good, the headache then builds in intensity and i end up having to go to bed and seek quiet and darkness, sometimes I am sick and my words are garbled. This can last between 3 days and 7 days without a break.

I have seen a GP and he gave me beta blockers, they made me feel all dried up, he then gave me an anti convulsant which made me feel drugged and sleepy, now i have a 50mg sumatriptan. This works but is it safe to take one every day ? and can anyone offer me any light at the end of the tunnel for an end to his pain. Im not even sure what type of headache or migraine I am suffering from......any ideas ?

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Answers (2)

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Lillo

Hi, I am not a doctor but in my experience medicines and painkillers sometimes prolong the headaches. (giving you an underlying un-wellness and reoccurring Try some massage, hot or cold pack to relive the pain. Bath with oils might help. You can experiment with lavender or peppermint oil... Hope you fill better.

Thank you for your input
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Thursday, May 01, 2008

Eileen Gray

Hi Minnie!

First step, find out from your doctor what kind of headaches or migraines you have. Then, maybe seek out a neurologist or Migraine Specialist.

There are over 100 medications currently being used as prevtives for migraine. So although one or two may not have worked for you, please don't give up hope!

Taking a triptan everyday is not safe. It could give you Medication Overuse Headache, which can sometimes be more painful then a migraine!!! Breaking the "MOH" cycle can only be done by stopping all medications being taken for pain (triptans, narcotics, OTC's) and you can always call your doctor for help.

It would be very beneficial for you to seek out a migraine specialist at this point to get a clear diagnosis of what you are dealing with.

Migraines: Where to Start

Good luck to you!