My doctor prescribed Midrin for chronic H/A and Migraines

[LilRedRN1973]

I'm curious to know if there is any history of people misusing Midrin? I have had chronic migraines and tension headaches since I was about 13 and they've only gotten worse as I get older. My mother passed away in August from a ruptured aneurysm and I've recently gone through CT scans, MRI/MRA's, etc. to r/o that being the cause of my headaches. I don't have an existing aneurysms but the blood vessels in my brain are what the radiologist called "tortuous" and have a higher risk of developing aneurysms later in life. I will have to have repeat scans throughout my life. I'm happy that everything came back clear in my head but am still having the headaches.

My doctor tried giving me Imitrex/Treximet and I had a horrible reaction. I was violently ill and my head felt like it was on fire. I will never take that stuff again. I wanted to die, that's how horrible the reaction was. He put me on a daily dose of Propanolol to help prevent the headaches and gave me a prescription for Midrin. He filled out the necessary paperwork and faxed it to the BON. My doctor has a list of all the meds that not only show up in drug screens but also that may be habit-forming/addictive. He didn't see that one on there and was okay with giving me the RX. I have done my own research and can't really find out specifics on the potential for abuse (I would rather not take a med if the potential for abuse is there...I've got 19 months of sobriety I'd like to keep, thank you!). Does anyone know anything about this med and how it affects a recovering addict? And I would also like to know if it would show up on a drug screen. Even though the BON has the form my doctor filled out, I try to stay away from anything that would be a red flag (hand sanitizer, cold medicine, poppy seed muffins, etc).

I would appreciate any input from those on the forum (not medical advice, mind you:D). And if Jack has anything to say on the subject, I'd love to hear it. Thanks in advance!!!

[lifeistweet]

Congrats on your license. The HPRP in Michigan is pretty much zero tolerance for any drugs. I think if your addictionists approves your prescription they will allow some medications for pain and anxiety. My addictionists definately prefers nonnarcotics. Good luck and again congrats. In Michigan it's very hard to get your license reinstated.

[jackstem]

i just went befor the board and they reccomended me getting my license reinstated yea for me. i haven't received the paperwork yet. they want me to be in a board monitered drug program, not tpapn. i'm kinda concerned about this, any ideas on what it is? i also have migraine has and am taking topamax; so far with no releif. anyway let me know if any advise on preventive and or the board monitered program. thanks

according to drugs.com, topamax is:

from "drugs.com" - topamax: generic name: topiramate: is used alone or in combination with other medications to prevent seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches. topiramate will only prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks. it will not treat a headache that has already begun.

congrats on the license!

according to the talbott recovery campus medication guide, topamax is in category "c":

class c medications are generally safe from the point of view of addiction recovery. however, overuse of any medication, even the common over-the-counter remedies, can result in unwanted side effects. people who have struggled with drug addiction or alcoholism must remain aware of the tendency to look for external solutions for internal problems and should avoid taking any of these medications on their own in order to medicate emotions and feelings. the tools of recovery, including participation at 12-step fellowship meetings, working the steps, or talking with a sponsor, counselor or doctor, provide safe and healthy ways to deal with the strong feelings that can come up at any time in early sobriety.

michigan's program is called hprp: click on the link to go to the hprp web site.

jack

[LilRedRN1973]

So after voicing my concerns with my doctor, I am now on Topamax in an effort to prevent my migraines. The propanolol seemed like it was working okay but I was having horrible fits of coughing that I think were related to the med. So I'm starting the titration of Topamax and fingers crossed it will keep the migraines at bay. We'll see how it goes. Thanks to everyone who contributed their suggestions, opinions, and concerns! I ordered a book called Safe Medicine for Sober People in an effort to keep myself educated as well as printing out the chart on that Talbot Recovery link Jack posted (the one with med substiutions).

[elprup, BSN, RN]

Life is good - wow, I just wanted to say congrats on getting through everything you have been through. I've had mirgraines/chronic pain since I was 13. At 28 I went in patient at Stanford (yes the pain got that bad). I had tried everything. It's a very long road trying to find what works and what doesn't, and getting off the narcotics. What seemed to help me was my pain management doctor (who never gave up on me...even when stanford did!) and a chiropractor that did more body/energy/muscle work then typical chiropracter stuff. I am on a combo of meds, and am stable with maybe 1 migraine (in my bed, no sound, no lights, no food) several times a year! I eat organic, try not to eat stuff out of a box, or fast food, which is difficult. I know what most of my triggers are, the weather is a biggie for me. When I continue my education I'd love to do research on chronic pain and living situations/environments because for me I think my pain was trying to tell me to get the heck out of dodge. Best of luck to you. PM me if you want to ask me any questions...

take care