Migraine Ugh :(

Megan M
Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
in Breast Cancer #1
I have had a migraine since yesterday, and, I can't seem to get rid of it. I keep taking Excedrin, and, it has helped, but, it is still here.

I feel like someone is inside my head pounding it with a hammer to get out.


What does anyone else do for these? I hate to call my doctor. I do have some strong pain pills I could take.

Thanks!


Megan
«1

Comments

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #2
    So sorry Megan. I know how
    So sorry Megan. I know how awful migraine's can be. I usually have to take a Vicodin and just lay down so it will go away.

    Try resting and if you need to, take a pain pill. A cool compress on your forehead might help to.


    Feel better,

    Lex
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #3
    Alexis F said:

    So sorry Megan. I know how
    So sorry Megan. I know how awful migraine's can be. I usually have to take a Vicodin and just lay down so it will go away.

    Try resting and if you need to, take a pain pill. A cool compress on your forehead might help to.


    Feel better,

    Lex

    Thanks Lex. I called my GP
    Thanks Lex. I called my GP and she said to go ahead and take a pain pill and to go lay down. So, I am going to. If it doesn't get better after that, she said to call her and if necessary, go to the ER for a shot. Hoping it doesn't come to that.


    Hugs, Megan
  • mollieb
    mollieb Member Posts: 148
    #4
    Migraine
    I have finally "outgrown" my migraines, but I had them for more than 40 years, and believe me, I'm glad they are gone. Migraines are vascular headaches, caused when an enlarged blood vessel in your temple presses on nearby nerves. That's why they are on the side of your head, or behind your eye. The treatment of choice is to shrink the offending blood vessel -- that's why Excedrin works for some people, it contains caffeine -- and there are a number of prescription drugs that can do that if OTC remedies don't work. I eventually ran through all the prescription drugs and ended up with a choice between Aleve and Vicodin. If Aleve didn't take care it, I took a Vicodin and went to sleep. Most of the time Vicodin didn't get rid of the pain, but it did put me to sleep, and eventually the headache would resolve itself -- sometimes after two or three days, sometimes less -- and I would be OK.

    Don't worry about bothering your doctor. Anyone who has suffered from migraines knows it's a big problem. I can remember my father, who had cluster headaches, which are similar, actually pounding his head on the table to distract himself from the pain of the headache.
  • linny b
    linny b Member Posts: 25
    #5
    migraines
    Hi, I've had migraines for years too. The only thing that helped me is imitrex, get a pers. from your doctor. It actually works within an hour and you can keep doing things, you don't have to go lay down and wait for it to start working. The only side affect I get is, a sore throat, and aching joints, but that passes quickly. Good luck, hope it works for you.
  • Cindy Bear
    Cindy Bear Member Posts: 569
    #6
    HI Megan
    I am sorry you are suffering with Migraines. I don't get those but I do get a stubborn headache, every month right before my period. They must be hormonal and they will not go away for several days. They are very annoying, a constant low grade throbbing.. Regular aspirin or advil doesn't help that much. The only thing I've found that will get rid of them is liquor.. I don't mean beer or wine, I mean hard liquor. Gin and tonic or whiskey and ginger ale is my poison. I don't know if you're a drinker or that's an option , but 2 drinks and my headache is a memory..
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #7
    I've never had a migraine but
    I've never had a migraine but almost a year ago I developed a horrenous headache around and behind my right eye. Vicodan and oxycodon did not work at all. I remembered that the gentleman I had been taking to his radiation TX had been on Dex to keep the pain from swelling/inflammation down in his brain so as I a couple of Dex leftover from Chemo I took one and in about 20 minutes the pain was gone and lasted gone for about 38 hrs. I was going to the Women's Retreat the next day and I knew that my PA would be there 'on staff' so I could talk to her then. Talked to her and got a script filled for 2 weeks of Dex (we were at Ft. Meade and the pharmacy is open 24/7 for emergencies). She had me an eye appt on Tues. and an MRI on Wed. Nothing ever showed up and after the 2 weeks the pain was gone and never came back. The concensus of opinions was that for wome unknown reason a nerve had gotten 'irritated' and the Dex took care of it. If the vicodan doesn't work you might ask your Dr about trying Dex - I only took 1 pill every 36 hrs (she had given it for one daily but I hate to take anything at all if I don't have to and I found out that I could go 36 hrs between pills without it coming back - 38 hrs and it came back with a vengence).

    You might ask your Dr about trying that IF what you're doing doesn't work.

    Susan
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #8
    NO advice.. ever had
    NO advice.. ever had mirgrane..nor ever a BRAIN freeze.I am odd onen out...just wanted to say I HOPE YOU FEEL better very soon.

    Denise
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #9
    disneyfan2008 said:

    NO advice.. ever had
    NO advice.. ever had mirgrane..nor ever a BRAIN freeze.I am odd onen out...just wanted to say I HOPE YOU FEEL better very soon.

    Denise

    Thank you everyone so much!
    Thank you everyone so much! I do feel better today. The Vicodin seemed to work. I am going to talk to my doctor about everything you wrote about. I went to sleep after I took it and I think the combo is what did it.


    Thanks again!
  • smalldoggroomer
    smalldoggroomer Member Posts: 1,184
    #10
    I' so sorry you have a
    I' so sorry you have a migraine. I had them for many years. vomiting, dizziness, sight loss. I use to lay in bed with my head wrapped in my pillow. So I know how bad they can be.
    I was prescribed ( finely ) Imitrex 100 mg. And I took one pill when a headache started and within 1 hour it would be gone completely.. Ask your Dr about it. It works fast I have heard that some people don't get relief from it. It is very expensive in the U.S. ( 300+ for 6 to 9 pills ) But you can get it from Canada drug mart order on Internet for about 40.00
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #11
    Maxalt
    First and foremost, if you are having migraines, see a neurologist. He/she will determine whether you are having migraines and will rule out more serious problems.

    Migraines run in my family, but I had the "headache workup" to be safe. I took maxalt as a migraine abortive drug before my heart attack. It is contraindicated after a heart attack though ;-( Darn shame because it was like a miracle drug for me. I always used the Maxalt Melt--the one that dissolves instantly under your tongue. That way, if you are nauseated or vomiting, it still works.

    If you have frequent migraines, most docs want you to take a preventive medication that helps to reduce the number of overall headaces:

    "Medications used to treat high blood pressure: beta-blockers (propranolol [Inderal], timolol), calcium channel blockers (verapamil [Covera])
    Antidepressants: amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Antiseizure medications: gabapentin (Neurontin), topiramate (Topamax), valproic acid (Depakote)"

    Here is a list of all the migraine abortive triptan drugs:

    Almotriptan (Axert)
    Eletriptan (Relpax)
    Frovatriptan (Frova)
    Naratriptan (Amerge, Naramig)
    Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet)
    Zolmitriptan (Zomig)

    "The following drugs are also used for treatment.
    Acetaminophen-isometheptene-dichloralphenazone (Midrin)
    Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45 Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray)
    Ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot)
    Over- the-counter medications such as Advil Migraine (containing ibuprofen), Excedrin Migraine (containing aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine), and Motrin Migraine Pain (containing ibuprofen)"

    From:
    http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraine-treatments
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #12
    Hi Megan :)
    I'm sorry you're
    Hi Megan :)
    I'm sorry you're suffering with a migraine. I have been getting them since I was about 10 years old. They would get so bad that they would make me throw up. A few years ago my Dr had me keep track of them for a few months so we could try and figure out what triggered them. We found out that they were triggered by my menstrual cycle, and also my allergies. During allergy season I would get sinus headaches that would "grow" into migraines.
    He prescribed a medicine called Amitriptylin. It's actually an anti depressant and an anti inflammatory medicine. I take it to prevent the migraines, and it has literally changed my life. I only take it during the times when my allergies act up. I think in the years since I've been on it, I've had maybe 3 migraines. My dr also told me to take 2 or 3 ibuprofens when I feel one coming on, that alot of times that can stop it before it even gets started, and it helps also. I have a prescription for Maxalt if I do get one, and that works very well. I've also found that laying or sitting on the couch with an ice pack on my forehead and one on the back of my neck works.
    Best of luck to you, I know first hand how awful they can be.
    *hugs*
    Heather
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #13
    Megan M said:

    Thank you everyone so much!
    Thank you everyone so much! I do feel better today. The Vicodin seemed to work. I am going to talk to my doctor about everything you wrote about. I went to sleep after I took it and I think the combo is what did it.


    Thanks again!

    I'm glad you are better
    I'm glad you are better Megan. I get them every now and then and take a pain pill and go to bed. It is the only way I can get relief from them.


    Hugs, Jan
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #14
    Heatherbelle said:

    Hi Megan :)
    I'm sorry you're
    Hi Megan :)
    I'm sorry you're suffering with a migraine. I have been getting them since I was about 10 years old. They would get so bad that they would make me throw up. A few years ago my Dr had me keep track of them for a few months so we could try and figure out what triggered them. We found out that they were triggered by my menstrual cycle, and also my allergies. During allergy season I would get sinus headaches that would "grow" into migraines.
    He prescribed a medicine called Amitriptylin. It's actually an anti depressant and an anti inflammatory medicine. I take it to prevent the migraines, and it has literally changed my life. I only take it during the times when my allergies act up. I think in the years since I've been on it, I've had maybe 3 migraines. My dr also told me to take 2 or 3 ibuprofens when I feel one coming on, that alot of times that can stop it before it even gets started, and it helps also. I have a prescription for Maxalt if I do get one, and that works very well. I've also found that laying or sitting on the couch with an ice pack on my forehead and one on the back of my neck works.
    Best of luck to you, I know first hand how awful they can be.
    *hugs*
    Heather

    I am so sorry Heather that
    I am so sorry Heather that you have had these since you were 10. I have talked to my doctor again and she did mention Amitriptylin to me. I have got an appointment to go in and see her to talk about options for me.

    Thank you and I hope you never have another one!


    Hugs, Megan
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #15
    CypressCynthia said:

    Maxalt
    First and foremost, if you are having migraines, see a neurologist. He/she will determine whether you are having migraines and will rule out more serious problems.

    Migraines run in my family, but I had the "headache workup" to be safe. I took maxalt as a migraine abortive drug before my heart attack. It is contraindicated after a heart attack though ;-( Darn shame because it was like a miracle drug for me. I always used the Maxalt Melt--the one that dissolves instantly under your tongue. That way, if you are nauseated or vomiting, it still works.

    If you have frequent migraines, most docs want you to take a preventive medication that helps to reduce the number of overall headaces:

    "Medications used to treat high blood pressure: beta-blockers (propranolol [Inderal], timolol), calcium channel blockers (verapamil [Covera])
    Antidepressants: amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Antiseizure medications: gabapentin (Neurontin), topiramate (Topamax), valproic acid (Depakote)"

    Here is a list of all the migraine abortive triptan drugs:

    Almotriptan (Axert)
    Eletriptan (Relpax)
    Frovatriptan (Frova)
    Naratriptan (Amerge, Naramig)
    Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet)
    Zolmitriptan (Zomig)

    "The following drugs are also used for treatment.
    Acetaminophen-isometheptene-dichloralphenazone (Midrin)
    Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45 Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray)
    Ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot)
    Over- the-counter medications such as Advil Migraine (containing ibuprofen), Excedrin Migraine (containing aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine), and Motrin Migraine Pain (containing ibuprofen)"

    From:
    http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraine-treatments

    When I get a really bad
    When I get a really bad headache, not sure if it is a migraine, I take Excedrin migraine tablets and they help me Megan. Hoping you have no more migraines.


    Hugs,

    Debby
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #16
    linny b said:

    migraines
    Hi, I've had migraines for years too. The only thing that helped me is imitrex, get a pers. from your doctor. It actually works within an hour and you can keep doing things, you don't have to go lay down and wait for it to start working. The only side affect I get is, a sore throat, and aching joints, but that passes quickly. Good luck, hope it works for you.

    I've never heard of most of
    I've never heard of most of the meds you have written about, so, thank you so much everyone. I usually just try to fight these headaches off with a lot of excedrin, but sometimes even that doesn't help.

    You are all great for helping me!
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #17
    Cindy Bear said:

    HI Megan
    I am sorry you are suffering with Migraines. I don't get those but I do get a stubborn headache, every month right before my period. They must be hormonal and they will not go away for several days. They are very annoying, a constant low grade throbbing.. Regular aspirin or advil doesn't help that much. The only thing I've found that will get rid of them is liquor.. I don't mean beer or wine, I mean hard liquor. Gin and tonic or whiskey and ginger ale is my poison. I don't know if you're a drinker or that's an option , but 2 drinks and my headache is a memory..

    It is looking like many
    It is looking like many sisters suffer with migraines as you do Megan. You've gotten good advice and I am happy to read that you are better now. Just don't suffer thru these headaches. Get some help from your doctor.


    ♠♣ Love, Susie ♠♣
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #18
    Megan M said:

    I am so sorry Heather that
    I am so sorry Heather that you have had these since you were 10. I have talked to my doctor again and she did mention Amitriptylin to me. I have got an appointment to go in and see her to talk about options for me.

    Thank you and I hope you never have another one!


    Hugs, Megan

    Good luck Megan with your
    Good luck Megan with your doctor's appt. I hope your doctor can help you. Let us know what they prescribe for you.


    Hugs,

    Leeza
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #19
    Megan M said:

    I am so sorry Heather that
    I am so sorry Heather that you have had these since you were 10. I have talked to my doctor again and she did mention Amitriptylin to me. I have got an appointment to go in and see her to talk about options for me.

    Thank you and I hope you never have another one!


    Hugs, Megan

    Thanks, Megan, and the
    Thanks, Megan, and the amitriptylin is like a miracle drug for me. The only side effects I get from it are - it makes me SUPER tired about 3 hours after taking it. So I usually take mine around 7 at night, since I usually go to bed aroudn 10. Also, it gives me weird dreams. Not nightmares, just strange, vivid ones. Small price to pay for getting my life back free from headaches!
    *hugs*
    Heather
    ps - let me know how your appointment goes!
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #20
    CypressCynthia said:

    Maxalt
    First and foremost, if you are having migraines, see a neurologist. He/she will determine whether you are having migraines and will rule out more serious problems.

    Migraines run in my family, but I had the "headache workup" to be safe. I took maxalt as a migraine abortive drug before my heart attack. It is contraindicated after a heart attack though ;-( Darn shame because it was like a miracle drug for me. I always used the Maxalt Melt--the one that dissolves instantly under your tongue. That way, if you are nauseated or vomiting, it still works.

    If you have frequent migraines, most docs want you to take a preventive medication that helps to reduce the number of overall headaces:

    "Medications used to treat high blood pressure: beta-blockers (propranolol [Inderal], timolol), calcium channel blockers (verapamil [Covera])
    Antidepressants: amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Antiseizure medications: gabapentin (Neurontin), topiramate (Topamax), valproic acid (Depakote)"

    Here is a list of all the migraine abortive triptan drugs:

    Almotriptan (Axert)
    Eletriptan (Relpax)
    Frovatriptan (Frova)
    Naratriptan (Amerge, Naramig)
    Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet)
    Zolmitriptan (Zomig)

    "The following drugs are also used for treatment.
    Acetaminophen-isometheptene-dichloralphenazone (Midrin)
    Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45 Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray)
    Ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot)
    Over- the-counter medications such as Advil Migraine (containing ibuprofen), Excedrin Migraine (containing aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine), and Motrin Migraine Pain (containing ibuprofen)"

    From:
    http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraine-treatments

    Thanks for all of this info
    Thanks for all of this info Cynthia. And, I hope your doctor can help you Megan with your migraine.


    Hugs, Noel
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #21
    smalldoggroomer said:

    I' so sorry you have a
    I' so sorry you have a migraine. I had them for many years. vomiting, dizziness, sight loss. I use to lay in bed with my head wrapped in my pillow. So I know how bad they can be.
    I was prescribed ( finely ) Imitrex 100 mg. And I took one pill when a headache started and within 1 hour it would be gone completely.. Ask your Dr about it. It works fast I have heard that some people don't get relief from it. It is very expensive in the U.S. ( 300+ for 6 to 9 pills ) But you can get it from Canada drug mart order on Internet for about 40.00

    Megan, what did your doctor
    Megan, what did your doctor say or have you gone yet?


    Hugs, Debby

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