Patient Comments: Migraine Headache - Effective Treatments

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your migraine headache?

Comment from: Laura C., 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: October 09

I have suffered from chronic daily migraines for the last 10 years. At one point, I was on six daily medications to keep them under control. I have gone through Zomig, Imitrex (pills, nasal inhaler, and shots) Axert, Amerge, and have now settled in with Maxalt (quick dissolving). The best thing I have done for treating my migraines is to have Botox injections. Since my first set of injections, I am down to only one daily medication, and my headache frequency is down an estimated 75%, even when eating "trigger" foods. I am due for another round of Botox next week, and I would love to wean off the remaining beta blocker after this set of injections, and be medicine-free, except for the injections.

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Comment from: 25-34 Female (Patient) Published: October 09

After 20 years and what seemed like endless drug combinations, my doctor decided to try Imitrex. At first I was skeptical, at this point I had all but given up. To my surprise, it worked! It takes away all traces of the migraine with none of the side effects that I had experienced with other medications. While it is very pricey, I find that it is well worth it just to be able to have my life back. I would recommend that all migraine sufferers discuss Imitrex with their doctor.

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Comment from: ken12cher, 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: September 17

I have been "dealing" with Migraines for over 30 years. Originally the doctors tried to medicate me with Fiorinal and Valium which left me unable to function properly so I stopped taking them and took BC Powders, Excedrin, Tylenol, and Advil not at the same time but each helped to dull the pain so that I could go on with daily life. Over the past few years my doctors have prescribed Inderal for daily use in hopes of minimizing the pain or frequency. This did not work but did slow down by ability to think, so I weaned myself off of the Inderal. Zomig helps but causes my joints to hurt and my scalp to be sensitive for about 12 hours. Axert works pretty well. I've recently been prescribed Topamax however I had to discontinue due to excessive headaches and nausea that were a side effect. So, I guess I'll stick with Advil, Tylenol and Axert.

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Comment from: critical.bill, 35-44 Male (Patient) Published: August 12

I've been getting migraines off and on for about 15 years and as you have probably heard before they were really bad. They would come and go over the course of 2 years. I would get them almost daily 20-15 Advil per day, blew an entire settlement to try and find the cause and 26mg Imitrex per day, that stuff is great, anyway my doctor prescribed me amitriptyline 10mg 1 per night before I go to bed, now remember I was very skeptical because I had done everything for treatment for 10+ years that either didn't work or was too expensive. That's my story I haven't had a migraine for over 4 years. I hope this story can help.

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Related Medications: amitriptyline

Published: July 31

I used to suffer about 30 excruciating migraines a month. I was placed on Inderal and Topamax. I now suffer about 12 to18 per month. When the actual migraine hits, I usually take two Midrin and lie down in a dark room. If that doesn't work, I take one more Midrin and drink a Mountain Dew and continue to lie down. Usually that works. While in bed, I try to think of something soothing and relaxing that takes my mind away from the pain. About 50% of the time this works. I also take Zofran for nausea.

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Published: July 30

I suffered from Cluster headaches excruciating pain everyday. I had 3 small arteries cauterized which took 20 minutes and that has put an end to my migraines which I suffered with for over 10 years. I am no longer on pain killers, or anti-depressants etc. I now have a wonderful quality of life and feel wonderful. Lots of energy and very motivated.

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Published: July 24

I have had migraines of differing severity for 15 years. Recently, I was put on Nortriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) and it is working better than anything previously. I take 20mg every night at bedtime and I take Midrin whenever I get a headache. Also, I lay down if possible with a cold pack across my forehead and eyes.

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Related Medications: Nortriptyline


Patient Comments

Viewers share their comments

Migraine Headache - Symptoms Question: Do you experience an "aura" prior to your migraine headache?
Migraine Headache - Medicine Question: Which medications have you taken for migraines? What works, and what doesn't?
Migraine Headache - Causes Question: Discuss the triggers for your migraine headaches.

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