I have been to 5 nuerologists for treatment for my migraines. I have now found out that my treatment for my depression is making my migraines worse. So I am trying to balance my migraines against my depression. I am still getting more than 6 migrianes a month, better than before but certainly not what I want. My depression is just under control. I have tried every drug there is for both my depression and my migraines. THey either don't work or the side effects bother my asthma or my heart. I recently found out that the soy milk I was having for breakfast was causing my estrogen to rise. Something I figured out after having menstral problems. Going off of It has also helped with the migraine I usually get before my period. I just wish I could find a good doctor that would help me work through all this stuff and not get frustrated with me. I have seen quite a few doctors and they usually through up thier hands in frustration. Those that don't tell me that I have researched the problem more than they have. I would like some support but don't know where to turn.
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Q: how do you balance your depression meds against your migraines?
Hello,
Your question has been answered in our Ask the Clinician column. Please see How do you balance your depression meds against your migraines?
Teri
you have multiple long term medical conditions. like me.
im homeless so alls gone to h in ahandbasket
but when i was in housing i did a little project made things so much easier.
get a big 3 ring binder a hole punch and some tabsheets with pockets
also some plain or lined paper.
keep all past med records of significance here.
especailly to show past meds and changes.
most should be punched and perm attached.
a pain diary
make notes on what med combos worked nad what did not.
info on drug interactions you need to avoid could go in
and/or professional articles to ask the md about could be put in there too.
on the soy - its also not reccomended if you a history of breast and certain other cancers.
vanilla enriched rice milk, raisin bran, extra raisins and throw in a combo of nuts.
or sometimes ill throw trail mix on it
or sometimes ill splurge with a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
ummm goood.
also have you monitored your depression against allergy/asthma flareups?
or migraines.
ive learned on days before heavy migraine pain hits i often have emotional or nasuea or other symptoms first. soemtimes rthey resolve wihtoufull blown migrine sometimes not.
i also have a precursor that when i close my eyes i see light movement when i'm going to get a migraine.
i have more anxiety than depression like symptoms. i have talked to several people who were treated for anxiety with anti-depressants instead of anti-anxiety agents like buspar.
and that's something to discuss if that could be true for you.
good luck.
Have you tried Petadolex? It is from the root of the butterbur or feverfew plant. You take it 3 times daily, it is a preventative. It takes about a month to build up in your system. It works by preventing your cerebral arteries from dilating, which is what causes migraine pain, whatever the trigger. I use it and it has made a huge difference in my life and allowed me to get off meds like Topamax. It has NO side effects except possibly some burping or hiccups when you first start it. You can order it on the intermet from the company in Germany that makes it but I get it through Better Health International at a better price. It is worth every dime! I hope this helps you. Christine
I have found a wonderful neurologist who did not give up on me. You need to find another one. I am on a combination of 4 different preventatives , plus Axert when I get a migraine. I also take Petadolex, Magnesium and CoQ10. I have an oxygen tank in my house to try when I get a "bad" migraine. Included in the 4 daily meds., I take Lexapro which actually helped with the migraines. I've had chronic migraines since I was 8 yrs old. I've tried countless things to try which did not work. Good Luck!
Have you ever had psychological counselling/treatment for your depression? I'm wondering if you had this treatment this (with your medication) might reduce the level of your depression to a point that it can be managed through a medication that doesn't make your migraines worse.
Good luck with it all and take care DJ
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