Look for THE one preventive or add a second?
Hello,
Verapamil has reduced my hemiplegic migraines quite a bit. From a two or three a week down to one a week. Teri Robert's article about migraines and brain damage is much appreciated, especially since it reinforces what my doctor said about being down to one migraine a week not being good enough.
I've now been taking verapamil for over six months, so it's probably doing as well as it's going to do for me. Unfortunately, my blood pressure will not stand adding more verapamil. When I see my doctor soon, we're going to discuss what to do next. Here's my thinking: Since the verapamil IS helping, it seems logical to add something to it rather than stopping it to try something else that might not work at all. Is that a reasonable approach? Also, with the verapamil working, would it make sense to try something like CoQ10, with few possible side effects, rather than another prescription?
Thanks for any guidance you can give me. I want to be prepared for this doctor's appointment.
Barbara
hi barb, i take gabapentin(neurontin), indomethacin(indocid)and elavil on a daily preventative regime. i still get aura with no headache and the occasional ice pick headache but not migraine headache..........thank goodness. this works for me and i hope it's helpful for you.
i was atypical in that i begain getting migraines and ice pick headaches in my 50's, i'm now 65.
jennifer in canada
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Hi, Barb,
I'm pleased to see that verapamil is working for you. It's purported to be one of the best choices for hemiplegic Migraines.
Your thinking is quite sound and right in line with many Migraine specialists. Many of us find that it's a preventive "cocktail" that works best for us rather than a single medication. Many of us never find a single medication that's effective enough by itself.
It seems reasonable to try CoQ10 next. It has as good a track record as many of the prescription medications and, as you said, relatively few potential side effects. Check and see what your doctor says. If he agrees, be sure to get the softgels. CoQ10 is less effective once it's powdered to make tablets or capsules.
I'm glad you found the article helpful. 
Best wishes,
Teri
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Hello,
What is the dosage for CoQ10? How about Butterbur? would it make sense to add that too?
tks
anna