Oh, my aching head!

Dave ARNP · Jan 23, 2004

I CANNOT eat nuts. Less than an ounce of nuts will assure me a migraine within about 12-14hrs. I tried all of the OTC's before I figured out what was causing them, even tried Zomig.

I still get them occasionally, but more than 3-4 a year. Zomig is no longer effective for me, now I use Relpax which nocks them out flat!

Other than the occasional headache I get when stress spikes my BP, I don't have any problems with them.

Dave

fab4fan · Jan 24, 2004

How does Relpax differ that much from Zomg, Maxalt, Imitrex, etc.? They all look pretty much the same to me...

gwenith, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2004

Fab I might be way off base here but I was talking to one of our ED docs the other day and she maintained they were getting very good results from rehydration. I litre N/S straight up and then some NSAID's I would have to check back to get the full story and this might only apply here where we are chronically (statistically) dehydrated from not drinking enough for our climate. Other than that I would love to help but sorry no other suggestions.

Dave ARNP · Jan 24, 2004

Fab,

All of the anti-migraine drugs are basically the same.

It been my exp. though, that Relpax is a little bit stronger than the others.

Had a chronic migrainer that was migraining 3-4x a week. Was considering Oxycontin for her, but started her on Relpax. She's doing GREAT and is actually cut her epsiodes down to 2-3 per MONTH ::does a dance::

Samples abound on this drug, so if get interested... ask your doc about it :)

Take care!

Dave

fab4fan · Jan 24, 2004

Thanks, Dave...unfortunately, I cannot take any of the "triptans" due to borderline BP's (which go way, way up when I take Imitrex et al). I'm a little confused; don't you have to wait to take these meds until you actually have a migraine? How would taking them cut down on frequency? That's great that it seems to be working for your patient. Thanks for the info on Relpax.

Gwenith: I had heard that theory about chronic underhydration causing migraines. Thanks!

Dave ARNP · Jan 24, 2004

I had the same question Fab and broached it to our staff neurologist.

He said that by cutting down on the intensity of the migraines, it could (in some cases) cut down on the frequency. You're not "fixing" anything, but when you properly treat something, it does sorta get better.

Medically I don't think it makes much sense, but personally I can completly understand it.

Ever have one of those moments ?

Dave

fab4fan · Jan 24, 2004

Moment(s)?

Medically I don't think it makes much sense, but personally I can completly understand it.

My understanding was that frequent use of these meds can cause "rebound" effect, and that frequent use also decreases the effectiveness of the medication over time.

Ideas? Comments?

Gldngrl · Jan 28, 2004

I've had migraines since childhood, very little helps...the triptans cause chest pressure and hypotension so it's Topamax BID and then Motrin high dose and alternate with Fiorinal prn for the actual migraine. My neurologist thinks some of it has to do with my poor sleep pattern. I hate medication, I do the best I can when it happens at work and when I get home, get into the hottest bath I can and crawl into bed in my very dark room and pray for death:eek: Usually, they dissipate when I awaken, although when I'm sick with any sort of cold, sinus problems, they last for days. I dread when they come on at work, b/c I know there's no stopping the pain and then it hits faster and harder.

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Jan 28, 2004

I have migraines, called in to work yesterday as a matter of fact. I know that some cheese dips set me off. Went to the movies Monday night to see LOTR 3 again, and had pretzels with cheese dip. The kind they had at this theatre did not set off my migraines before, but they must have changed brands, because it started hurting before we got home.

I hurt all night and most of the day yesterday. Took Advil, Tylenol, Imitrex, Lortab and Phenergan. Finally got rid of most of it by 5 pm, still lingered til about noon today.

Stress, sunlight and cheese dips set mine off. I occasionally have had to go to the dr and get a shot of Phenergan and Stadol to knock it out, although it's been a few years since I've had to do that. Yesterday was the worst one in quite a long time.

If I'd just had the headache, I might have gone to work, but it was snowing a blue streak and just the THOUGHT of headlights on snow made my feel like it would crack wide open.

smk1, LPN · Jan 29, 2004

not getting into the medical discussion as im just a prenursing student still, but i used to get migraines when i was a kid about 1x a month now its more like 2-3 per year. i found that i can't eat apples or things flavored apple when i have a normal headache or it can turn very fast into a debilitating migraine: naseua senstitvity to light motion and sound, the whole works:rolleyes: anyway for me i drink about 120 oz of watera day and eat plenty of protein and keep my blood sugar stable by eating on time and no sugar this has helped me a lot. ive read a lot of your posts fab and you seem like a really knowledgeable nurse so im sure you've tried all the dietary things so no new thoughts from me just hugs. im sorry youhave to deal with this i used to get them so back that i would pass out and my heartrate would accelerate from the pain so i know how you feel. heres to hoping for a day to come when we will all be free of pain!

Gldngrl · Jan 29, 2004

If apples triggered my migraines, I think I would die, that's so sad! :bluecry1: In autumn, I make apple pies, apple crisp, drink apple cider, eat apples with caramel, I even burn Yankee MacIntosh apple candles year round.

This reminds me too of those who have chemical sensitivity reactions that develop migraines or respiratory issues; I worked at a hospital where we had a "fragrance free policy", no perfume, scented lotions, etc b/c so many people had problems of this sort.