Are there any new medication available for daily migraines?
I've been sick with chronic daily migraines since 1997. To name a "few", I've been on Imitrex, zomig, topamax, inderal, depakote, midrin, prozac, amitriptyline, desipramine, pamelor, vivactil, remeron, tegretol, neurotin, lamictal, atenolol, pregabalin, verapamil (currently using), mirtazipine (currently using), magnesium, and vitamin B2 over the years. All with side affects or the meds just did not work. My emergency meds have consisted of nubain (sever reaction), codeine and anything containing codeine(rebound migraines),Tylenol #3 and 4, percocet, vicodin, oxycodone, and butalbital (currently taking). A toradol shot helped with my migraine attacks over a level 8 (pain level) but the last time I got one, the shot did not work and I had to ride-it-out for a couple of weeks. I've learned to function with a level 5 and below (level of pain. 10 being the worst).
My question is, are there any other medications on the market for me to try. I'm tired of suffering and I have 2 little kids to take care of. I don't have warnings/auras. Foods do not set off my migraines. Although my pain is located at my temples, this year I started getting a sharp pain shooting down the left side of my head. Now, my left eye quivers. If I stroke my hair on the top left side of my head, I will set off a migraine almost instantly. I have a good Neurologist but he can no longer help. He is trying to send me to California to see other specialists.
I've had 2 Spinal taps, MRIs (normal), CT scans (normal), herbal treatment, and acupuncture. Are there other people that have daily migraines like me? A few of the medications listed above worked but my body got use to it and stopped working. When I say the meds worked, I mean only having an attack once a month for 10-12 days. I work with pain everyday because I have bills to pay. This pain is so unfair.
Hi, I am so sorry to hear of your migraine problems. My daughter who will be 20 this month also suffers from daily migraines. She has had daily migraines since she was 10. We have tried everything also. She has had all the MRI's, CAT SCANS, and more. She has been on most the meds you listed, Chiropractors, neurologists, we are now doing homeopathic treatments. She has only been doing them for 10 days so too soon to tell. She has been told to go totally Organic, but that is hard to do in the polluted, chemical world we live in. She has been detoxing her body and it has made her very sick. She also functions daily with a pain tolerance of about a 5 every day. No one can give us any answers or help. It is effecting her quality of life. She is married but they live with me right now because of her medical bills and inability to hold a job for long periods of time. Most employers are not willing to work with this debilitating ailment. She is a fun person to be around and works very hard but she puts on an act for everyone around her as not to bring them down with her. My heart breaks for her and you both as we know what you are going through. I am sure having 2 little one to take care of makes it even harder to function. I will let you know how this Organic Homepathic treatment goes for her. It is nice to talk to others who have been going through the same thing and understand. Most the time when you tell people you have migraines they say oh yeh I get those too. I dont think they realize how much those with daily headaches actually suffer. My daughter and you both im sure would love to only have a migraine once or twice a month. My prayers are with you. Thank you. Sheryl
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I have been a migraine sufferer for over 30 years. I started when I was in elementary school. I have tried them all. The most effective one for me has been verapmil. The others did not work. I have had a 90% reduction in aura and other symptons as well. It took me several years to find someone who knew how to treat migraine. I had aura, dizziness, nausea, and would even pass out at times.
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Hi 1prnics,
Like most of us, it sounds like you have tried many, many different medications and doctors to stop the Migraine pain. Here's the thing, the right doctor and Migraine prevention plan just hasn't been found yet for you - please don't lose hope.
Have you ever tried keep a Migraine diary? This is a great tool for you and your doctor to see what is and isn't working for you head. To download our free diary click HERE. And our Migraine triggers page has lots of good information on what triggers a Migraine attack. Click HERE for that.
At this point it may be the best thing to see a Migraine specialist. This doctor is an expert in Migraine disease and headache disorders, devoting their entire practice to these conditions. Neurologists may be fine doctors but treat so many different conditions (stroke, MS, epilepsy) it is hard for them to be experts in any one area.
Think of it this way, when a pipe under your kitchen sink breaks you call a plumber, the expert. You could call a carpenter who can fix the pipe, then fix the cabinet, paint the room and so forth. It is the expert you want. Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special will fill you in.
Good luck
Nancy
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I have had migraines all my life. For me, the medication that eliminates the symptoms and pain within a 15 -30 mins is Imitrex. I use the injections, but have yet to try the nasal spray. I have heard it is just as effective. I no longer have to leave work or end up in Emergency
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