Compazine for a Migraine??

Published

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Wound up in the ER a couple of days ago (not at the hospital i work at) with pain throughout my entire head. I have a history of migraines, but this pain wasn't aggravated by light and sound, no nausea or vomiting either (explained all of this to the doctor and the nurse). However, it was bad enough that i was crying from it (not hysterically), and i have a pretty high tolerance for pain.

Anyway, i received Compazine (I saw the name on the vial) by IV, nothing else except a saline flush. Couldn't recall at the moment what class Compazine was, and just made a reminder to myself to look it up later.

Didn't even phase the pain.

Well, it's an antiemetic, and antipsychotic. I'm reading in my drugbook NOTHING about pain relief, just plenty about 'supression of behavioral response'. I'd said my stomach felt fine, just in a lot of pain. I wasn't asking for any drugs or any drug in particular, but i'm a little curious that after getting the sinking feeling that since i was new to that ER, since pain cannot be seen, plus the demeanor of the staff, and a remark i overheard the nurse make ("we got ANOTHER headache out there, is there some sort of special we're advertising that no one told me about?"), that i was perceived as a drug seeker, and now i'm wondering if i was given this medication just to be pastied and get discharged.

I'm looking around as i write this, and not finding anymore than what i found in the drug book. Any ideas?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Compazine is an actual tx believe it or not. I hate tho hear that you got the old drugseeker response. Gotta love that huh? Makes one want to curl up and hide.....or kick some butt. Whichever works for you. I hate snarky remarks like the one you got.

I PM'ed you with a link.

Z :icon_hug:

How's your head?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Well, that's the bad thing. She didn't say it to me, she said it to someone else in the hall, but she didn't close my door all the way. But that nurse's remark really made me wonder if it WAS actually used to treat a migraine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Well, that's the bad thing. She didn't say it to me, she said it to someone else in the hall, but she didn't close my door all the way. But that nurse's remark really made me wonder if it WAS actually used to treat a migraine.

Yeppers. Not the best thing they have but yes they use it. Usually its given with another med.

You should complain. What an ignorant thing for her to say. :angryfire :angryfire

I'm fuming.

Did you get the link?

Z

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Well, that's what i wondered, i could see it being given with something else, but not alone, since it doesn't seem to be intended for pain relief.

I already typed up a letter, it should arrive by tomorrow to their DON. Pretty much all it discusses is the importance of watching what you say and where you say it, and how it can make others feel.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Yes, i got the link, that headpack would be cool if it had eyeholes in it lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Well, that's what i wondered, i could see it being given with something else, but not alone, since it doesn't seem to be intended for pain relief.

I already typed up a letter, it should arrive by tomorrow to their DON. Pretty much all it discusses is the importance of watching what you say and where you say it, and how it can make others feel.

Excellent ! :)

Z

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

WOW marie that totally stinks. I am a migraine sufferer and your story is all too common, unfortunately. It's a big reason why I won't go to the ED unless I feel like I am about to die. I am no drug-seeker. Too bad a few bad apples out there ruin it for those of in earnest need for relief.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I didn't want to go to the ER (if i say "ED", i think of Bob Dole and Viagra commercials, yuck), but i also didn't have any medicine for a migraine, except for Excedrin Migraine, which had worked well untill the other night, when i took it, and an hour later it had gotten worse. That was the worst pain i'd ever had (though i've never experienced labor, though), and i worried it was something else.

Sad to say, i was afraid of being seen AS a drug seeker, coming in, complaining of pain, knowing that someone is going by what you tell them it is, and also knowing that what's excruciating to one person is a tingle to someone else.

I've decided to persue this (treatment) further with my regular doc, just to try and avoid having to hope someone believe you when you're hurting.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm curious as to what you said when they came to re-acess your pain? Did you just sign out and leave? Did they know you were a nurse?

Z

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work in L&D. We had a pt come in with a migraine. She was hispanic and didn't speak English. The way she was moaning we thought she was about to deliver. We phoned an interpreter, and found out she actually was c/o a migraine. Our OB docs ordered Benadryl and Reglan IM, Sorry I don't remember the dose. Anyway, within 30 minutes the pt was smiling, saying her headache was gone and was ready to go home! I was amazed. Since then, we have had a couple other pt's come in with the same complaint and it worked for them too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
I'm curious as to what you said when they came to re-acess your pain? Did you just sign out and leave? Did they know you were a nurse?

Z

When she came and asked about my pain, i'd dozed off for about 10 minutes prior, headache still around, still throbbing, just not searing like it was. And i asked to go home, partially from frustrated for spending that long there after a 12 hour workday.

They asked where i worked at the check-in desk. I told them where, but they didn't ask what my job title was, and i didn't volunteer it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion