Migraines, anyone?

**Julie** · 01-31-2002, 01:36 PM

Hello, all -- !

I have been enjoying this site whilst lurking in the background -- so much input and good ideas here!

I get migraines quite badly sometimes and I wonder if any of you do as well. I have been to the neurologist and have a prescription for medication, but it always leaves me feeling drained, even though it gets rid of the migraine very well. Have any of you tried any over-the-counter medication or homeopathic remedies? I understand Feverfew is supposed to be a wonder drug. Any thoughts -- input -- ?

Thanks!

Julie

**Sara Noel** · 02-02-2002, 12:47 AM

I get seasonal migraines complete with the z-like flashes of light before the pain hits hard.

What helps me is cutting out caffeine. I haven't gone to a dr about it lately, but mine are triggered by allergies. Wish I could help with info on the medications. Just wanted to say sorry, I feel your pain. I get so dizzy from mine, I practically pass out.

Sara

**Megareader** · 02-02-2002, 08:22 PM

Migraines?? You bet I get em...they started when I was 17 and I am 44 now. Been through bunches of different prescriptions for them, after so long they are not effective and then I have to get something new. Currently I take Maxalt. But I have found that Extra Strength Excedrin ( marketed also as Excedrin Migraine ) is helpful.

I remember my trip to the neurologist a few years ago...he had the nerve to tell me that my migraines should be treated by a psychiatrist! Hello!! It is physical pain, not emotional! I can still think of some real fancy words to describe that guy!

I do know that certain things will trigger migraines in me. Cheddar cheese, any alcohol ( even one sip ), and I am guaranteed to have a migraine at "that time."

Migraines are not at all fun!

**Jerseygirl** · 02-05-2002, 10:08 PM

Mine are similiar to Sara's. I went through all the drs when I was in high school and college, found nothing medication wise which helped. I find that I usually have about 1/2 hour between the onset and real pain, the vision problems etc., and if I can get somewhere dark and quiet and do some deep breathing , sometimes even laying down with my head lower then my heart, a lot of times I can head it off and it does not get too bad. Mine are generally stress related and I also find that if I begin having too much caffeine on a regular basis then cut it out I will suffer. When they get really bad-which is more than 1/2 a day-I'm likely to just take a percaset (SP?) and sleep it off.

**littlewolf** · 02-06-2002, 06:15 PM

Julie,

Hi!! I have suffered from migraines since I was 11 years old and I will be 30 this year. Right now i am taking 25 mg. of Elavil every night to help ward them off before they start. The Elavil works about 98% of the time because I still get a migraine about once every 2 months. That is a great improvememt for me because I was getting one every other week which is DEFINITELY no way to live. When the Elavil does not work, I have Maxalt as a backup. It works great BUT it leaves me feeling really disconnected from everything. I wanted to try Imitrex BUT my doctor told me no because there have been some horrible side effects with Imitrex including death. Also, I have found that the Migraine Ice patches work fantastic to help soothe and relax me. I have taken Feverfew in the past and it did not seem to work all that well for me. However, my mom takes Feverfew every day and ONLY gets migraines about ONCE EVERY 6 months compared to every other week like she used to get them. There are other herbal rememdies BUT before you try any of them, I would STRONGLY suggest that you thoroughly research them. I say that because there are some herbs that are supposed to be great for migraines and I was going to take them BUT I found out I can't because they have an aspirin base to them and I am allergic to aspirin. Hope this VERY long post helps you some!! If you have questions or just want to vent about migraines, feel free to e-mail me at CCSuterlab@aol.com.

Hugs,
Debbie