What do you take for your Migraines?
By drknlvly6781
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
United States
March 28, 2008 7:17am CST
I have had migraines since I was about 15 years old. I know where they come from. I take Depo Provera birth control, and that is one of the side effects. Its a welcome trade off for me, as I only have to worry about birth control once every three months. I used to have them more often as a teen, but as my body got used to the shot as I got older, I don't have them as frequently
I had a killer one last night into this morning, and after trying to sleep it off/ride it out, I took my favorite medicine for it, Excedrin Migraine. This over-the-counter pill works very fast, it only took about 10-15 minutes to get my head back in check. I love it because I don't need a prescription, its non-narcotic, and it really doesn't cost much.
I have taken prescription drugs for my migraines as a teen, not with very good results. I tried Ibuprofen, but that only works if I catch it early. If I wait too long to take it, I might as well be taking Good'n Plenties. I also have to take about 800m just to start, else it won't work.
One time in the hospital after them giving me the ibuprofen, and it not working, I was given a compazine shot to alleviate the pain. I was told by the doctor that I would become sleepy, and they would allow me to sleep the meds off before I went home. That was as wrong as sin on Sunday. The headache did subside, but I had a new problem. I was paranoid. I jumped at everything passing my hospital door, and some of the things that didn't. I finally got tired of waiting for this so-called drowsiness I was supposed to have, and asked to be discharged. I felt like I could deal with this feeling better if I was in familiar surroundings. I will spare you the paranoid details of riding the bus home, and the nightmare I had when I did finally get a little sleep early that morning. But I will say that I didn't get any real sleep until the next day at school in the nurses office.
I have even taken imitrex. It works well too, but it made me jittery, and felt like my jaw was locked.
I discovered Excedrin Migraine when I asked my then boyfriend to get me something for a headache when he went to the store. He knew how bad my migraines were, so he brought back something especially for migraines. I took it and was overjoyed that 15 minutes later I was feeling no pain. That has been my buddy ever since.
So MyLot, do you have migraines? What do you take for them?
8 people like this
21 responses
@cortjo73 (6498)
• United States
28 Mar 08
I get them too. But, not as much anymore since getting off Birth Control. They really need to come up with a safer form of BC that women can take that won't cause such problems in their bodies. I will spare you all of the problems I had with BCs.
Usually now, if I get a migraine, it is neck related but, there is one other reason I will get them. If I have had a lot of caffeine just before my period, I will get migraines. I noticed that the frequency of my migraines came to a near stop after I cut back on my caffeine consumption. I don't know why it works but, it does. Now, I usually only drink my latte in the am and no more caffeine for me for the rest of the day. So, somehow, the combination of my hormones and too much caffeine are a bad combination.
But, on the rare occasions that I do get a migraine now, I take Advil Migraine. And, I see a Chiropractor on a regular basis. I got for an adjustment once a month now. In fact, I have my monthly appointment with him today. He helps keep my spine in alignment and that helps any back or neck related migraines.
2 people like this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
28 Mar 08
Yes, there are too many side effects with BCs. I am lucky that the only one I got is the migraines, it could be a lot worse. I won't get off the birth control until I find a doctor that will tie my tubes. I love my kids, but this parenting mess is for the birds, and I will be damned if I have another one lol.
Since you have migraines related to your neck problems, you may want to try Excedrin Tension Headache. Its supposed to work great for headaches with tension in the neck and shoulders.
2 people like this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
28 Mar 08
The problem is my insurance. The hospitals that I know of that do them don't take any form of Medicaid for it, and the hospitals that do take it are Christian hospitals, so they don't do the procedure. I have a couple of numbers for doctors that will do it, but I have to find out if they will take my insurance. I don't have the money to pay for it, so that is out altogether.
2 people like this
@cortjo73 (6498)
• United States
28 Mar 08
Thank you for your suggestion. I might try that the next time. Migraines are for the birds. I wouldn't wish one on the Devil himself.
Do try to get your procedure done asap. BCs are one of the worst things you can do for your body. I can't believe the change in my health since I have been off of them for about 2 years now.
2 people like this
@julievy (593)
• United States
28 Mar 08
I take Atenelol for them on a daily basis. (ask your doc about it) It's a blood pressure medication but it also works for some people to decrease the frequency of migraines. You can also add a Super B-Vitamin complex and Feverfew tables, which are both available OTC. With the combination of those 3 items I've gone from having almost weekly migraines to only have 3 or 4 per year.
When I do get a full blown migraine no medication will help, I've tried Excederin, Ibuprofen, Naproxyn and a few other things. Even Vicodin or Percodan won't help. The only way I can get rid of one is to go to the docs office and get a shot of Demerol. I don't do that very often because I have crappy insurance and almost always wind up paying for the visit. However, once and I while I just can't stand it and need to go get the shot anyway.
2 people like this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
28 Mar 08
I probably wouldn't have as many problems if I could take Vicodin or Percodan. I am allergic to codeine, so it wouldn't be a welcome trade off to swell up like that, or to pass out.
I don't know about the demerol either. I've never had it, but my mom is violently allergic to it.
I hate to hear about your insurance, but that is the song that most people are singing nowadays, either that or they don't have any. I am in an affiliate program that sells medical and prescription discount cards. If you are interested just let me know, and I will send you a message with the website address for you to look over, that is, after you add me as a friend of course.
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
31 Mar 08
The discount I am speaking of is national, except for a few states, and it has a flat percentage of discount for participating doctors and pharmacies for each perscription/procedure. They have a wide network, so your doctor may already be included.
@julievy (593)
• United States
29 Mar 08
The Vicodin and the Percodan make me really sick. I don't think I'm allergic to it, but it doesn't stay in my stomach long enough to find out. The Demerol is administered in a shot.
I do have health insurance, but it has a $5000 deductible. I've looked at the discount programs, but most physicians only allow one discount. I can either get the insurance program discount (the insurance company's U&C deduction) or the discount program's amount. In most cases the U&C discount is a bit better. If I was completely uninsured I would definitely go for one of the discount card though.
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
29 Mar 08
I do get headaches now and then and sometimes I think its because I haven't had my coffee fix. Usually when I get one, I have a cup of coffee and then it goes away not long after. Sometimes that doesn't work so I sleep it off. I only take advil or ibuprofen as the last resort, and your right about the ibuprofen, it works if you take it early.
I'm glad you discovered a pill that actually works for you now. That is a lot of meds to have tried since the age of 15.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
31 Mar 08
That is weird! I'm going to read the rest of your discussions, sounds like I can learn a thing or two from it as well. Thanks!
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
31 Mar 08
I've learned in this discussion that things could go either way. Either your body doesn't like more than a certain amount of caffeine in the body, or your body needs a certain amount in the body to keep from reacting. I've heard of some people being prescribed caffeine in a pill to alleviate their pain. And someone just told me that there is caffeine in Excedrin Migraine.
Weird huh?
1 person likes this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
28 Mar 08
When I get one the only thing I can do for it is to go lay down and go to sleep. Somehow while I'm sleeping it seems to ease up and sometimes goes away. I've tried different medications but they rarely help or cause other side effects that are just as bad. The laying down usually helps me alot.
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
28 Mar 08
Luckly I don't have kids so I can lay down whenever the mood hits me though I can see your problem with doing it. I have tried several over the counter types and most of them just make me really sick to my stomach. I don't know that I've tried that one specifically but maybe I will. Thanks for letting me know about it.
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
28 Mar 08
I would do the same, but that isn't always possible. When I am here with the kids, I have to stay up with them just to make sure they don't get in to anything and everything. I usually don't get to lay down until after they have gone to bed.
Have you tried the Excedrin Migraine? Its a great help for me, and I haven't experienced any side effects to it. Best of all, its over-the-counter.
2 people like this
@dataentry100 (50)
• United States
29 Mar 08
My mom got a lot of migraines when I was growing up. She was in bed for up to 3 days, lying in the dark, cold washcloth, ice water and a trashcan by the bed. I'm not sure if they had prescribed her anything or what she took during that time. But as I got older, I began to have similar migraines, although not near as long lasting. My mom recommended Excedrin Migraine and that's been my only choice. Now that I'm pregnant though, it's only Tylenol. I've had an achy head, not necessarily a headache, quite a few days a week. I found Tylenol Extra Strength and it seems to work the best, not near as fast as Excedrin, but good for now.
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
31 Mar 08
Yes, you have to think about the baby's condition as well. Its too bad that the only thing that is safe to take while pregnant is Tylenol. While I was pregnant I just refused to take anything. I knew even the extra strength wasn't going to do anything for me, I will just take a nap and ride out the pain.
I am also glad that I have never experienced migraines as bad as your mothers. I did feel nauseous from time to time. I hope that your mother has gotten over these type of migraines, or at least doesn't happen as often.
@purehoney (62)
• Philippines
28 Mar 08
oh, it is really bad to hear that you suffer from migraines ever since you were 15. how old are you now. well i really think that migraine some times will attack without reason at all. well i hope that you will be able to find some cure or relief from it. take care.
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
28 Mar 08
I will be 27 on the seventh of June. There is usually a reason why my migraines attack. Last night it was because of the sharp drop in temperature. When that happens, the barometer pressure goes down really fast, and it affects my migraines. Other reasons are not enough sleep, or too much caffeine at once. I thank you for your concern, but I don't suffer from them as often as I did when I was a teenager. Back then I used to have them at least four times a month. Now its almost one time a month, if even then.
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
28 Mar 08
I will take Aleve if there is nothing else in the house, but my favorite is Excedrin Migraine. It gets rid of the pain really quick. If there is no Excedrin in the house, I will take 800m of Ibuprofen, but if I use that, I have to take it early on in the headache. If I don't, it won't make any difference.
1 person likes this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
26 Apr 08
i too suffer this way but nothing like i used to do when i was a child. Now it take para codol which is just paracetamol and codine, quite strong but they work for me
blessed be
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
27 Apr 08
I am glad that your migraines have eased up with time. Mine have done the same thing. I am glad that I can take over-the-counter meds and be fine with my migraines, I can't take anything with codeine in it, because I'm allergic. Thanks for the tip though!!!
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
29 Mar 08
i used to have migraines all the time when i was younger..haven't really had one in a long time.
lemme see..
they gave me caffiene pills (no kidding)
that took the edge off slightly,but largely ineffective..
then switched to fiurinol(sp?)
that worked,but zombied me out to an extent..
prescription tylenol helped greatly,but can make your stomach upset.
i was never given compazine,but instead demerol
and told to go home and sleep also.
it was about the only thing that helped when i had 4 or 5 day migraines.
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
29 Mar 08
They gave you caffeine to help your migraines??? Well, bodies are different, I guess the doctors figured out, to an extent your body was reacting to the lack of caffeine with migraines. I see where that could be possible, as they did help some.
It only took me two times to realize caffeine was a no-no. Once, when I thought I was grown at sixteen and tried to drink the grown-man coffee from White Castle. (For those who don't know, White Castle Coffee is the strongest coffee you can get from a restaurant chain in the Midwest Region) My head pounded for the rest of the day, even with all the cream and sugar I put in it!!!
The second time, I needed a pick me up at work. I had been to school all morning, and was going to work until 10 that night. I went to the store and saw this Jolt Cola. Says it has 2x the Caffeine of Mountain Dew. "This oughta work," I think to myself. Yup, sure did. Gave me a pounder that rocked me so hard that I couldn't even see the denominations on the money I was supposed to be taking. I told my boss that I had to go home, and I did leave at 8pm.
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
31 Mar 08
yea,i though treating it with caffiene was kind of odd too..in a way,it kind of peeved me because i thought "well,i could have done this myself,without paying a doctor."
i'd gotten headaches off jolt too.i think in that case it might be all the sugar in it.
i'd gotten headaches from excess sugar/corn syrup before.
1 person likes this
@marababe (2503)
• Philippines
12 Apr 08
I don't usually take medicines if I'm having migraine attacks. I just sleep, lie down and rest my eyes. When I wake up, everything's okay. No more headaches whatsoever. But when I do take in medicines, I have Dolfenal or Ponstan or whatever it is and that only happens when I have important stuff to do for that day or if I'm out of the house.
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
12 Apr 08
I wish I had migraines like yours. If I go to sleep, sometimes they will go to sleep right along with me, and be right there waiting when I wake up. There are times where the pounding won't let me sleep at all.
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
15 Apr 08
I don't get migraines thank goodness. I do get headaches sometimes and when I do ibuprofen is the only thing that works. I get caffeine withdrawal headaches sometimes and then the only think that helps them go away is to get some caffeine in my system. No amount of pain killer will do the trick.
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
15 Apr 08
Then Excedrin Migraine may help. I learned early in this discussion that a big component of that medicine is caffeine. Then again, it may just be cheaper to drink the coffee lol.
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
19 Apr 08
I usually do have a bottle on hand as well. I don't have migraines as often as I did as a teen, so a small bottle will last me a long time, as long as I am the only one in it. After I posted this discussion, a few family members hit me up for them, and now I don't have any
. As soon as I get some money, I have to restock. Hopefully I don't get one in the meantime, I'll be stuck with the ibuprofen.
. As soon as I get some money, I have to restock. Hopefully I don't get one in the meantime, I'll be stuck with the ibuprofen.
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
29 Mar 08
I had the same problem with Imitrex!! It was horrible.
I found that Excedrin Migraine does the trick for me. Works like a charm. I also use peppermint/lavender soap in the shower when I have one (I like it anyway) and that seems to take a little edge off- it's pretty relaxing. Hope yours get better hun!
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
29 Mar 08
Yeah. It like its not exactly lock jaw, but its just so tight when you talk, and itchy!!!
Don't feel bad, not too many people like lavender. Some of my friends think its an "old church lady" scent lol. But I still love it. I might have to try that one out.
And I was lucky, even though I waited all night until the wee hours of the morning, the Excedrin nipped it in the bud.
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
30 Mar 08
Holy crap, the itchy! I know that was sh1tty.
That's funny what you said about the Lavender how true is that?? I love it too though.
The Excedrin is definitely my go to stuff for my headaches. Sometimes I have to take 2 doses but heck that is better than itchy lcokjaw. You described that perfectly!
1 person likes this
@drkimble05 (191)
• United States
26 Apr 08
Yes i to have migranes.(yes me and my sister are alot alike)
I dont remember when i started getting them, but mine didnt start with depo. I started getting migranes when i was aroung smokers. Every time i am aroung some smoking ciggs i get a headache. The thing is when i am around multiple people smoking is whn i get a migrane.
\
This is the main reason i dont go to bars and clubs because before ohio past the no smoking in public businesses law i would always come hopme with a migrane.
I have always had to make sure i am up wind from smokers so make sure i do not inhale the smoke from them.
Now i just tell people i am allergic to cig smoke. I really can only take 1 person smoking aound me at a time.
Does any one else suffer from the second hand smokers migrane? what do you do to try to avoid them? Do I need help?
@jesbellaine (4139)
• Philippines
23 Apr 08
Hi There. If my migraine is still tolerable I often take a nap or sleep the whole day and drink of plenty of water. I stay out of the television and computer so that my eyes can rest. IF it is not tolerable I take biogesic or advil. It helps a lot.
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Biogesic? I've never heard of that. Is that over the counter or prescription?
@jesbellaine (4139)
• Philippines
23 Apr 08
Yes, it is an over the counter medicine. No need for the doctor's prescription.
1 person likes this
@rogue13xmen13 (14402)
• United States
29 Mar 08
Advil and sleep are the only two things that do it for me.
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
29 Mar 08
Coated Ibuprofen, I remember those days lol. Yeah, I can take that and have it work along with sleep, but I have to take four off rip, (In the OTC, that's 800 milligrams) and it better be early on, or else no matter how many more I take, (you can take up to 2400 milligrams in a 24 hr period) its not going to help. Excedrin can nip it in the bud if I get to it within 24 hrs of the initial pain.
Also with the ibuprofen, I have what I have dubbed as peek-a-boo migraines lol. Those are when I take the Advil or other ibuprofen a little late into it, it goes away for then, and then a few hours later comes back.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
29 Mar 08
nice to know that something works for you,
I don't have migraines I have tension headaches also known as stress headaches and nothing works for them, at least I have not found anything that works yet.
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
29 Mar 08
Here I go again, singing the praises of Excedrin!!! You should try the Excedrin Tension Headache. Its made just to relieve headaches with tension in the back and shoulders. Their migraine version works wonders for me, you should give it a try!
@mbs730 (2147)
• Canada
29 Mar 08
I am sorry to hear that you get migraines like that and that you have had them since you were a teen. It's extremely rare for me to get them but I have gotten some REALLY bad headaches. Sometimes tylonel 3 helps but from what I have heard that in some cases feverfew from a health food store helps over a period of time of taking them. My sister in law gets them a lot too, and she is trying acupunture, hopefully that will help. I am sorry you are dealing with this!
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
31 Mar 08
Don't feel too sorry. I don't deal with them as much as I used to. I rarely have migraine headaches, because I know which triggers to stay away from, and what not to eat too much of. I am better now than I was when I first started getting them.
@alamode (3071)
• United States
29 Mar 08
You're trying to get over them once they start... how about not having them ever again? I know people think this is too easy, but IT WORKS!!! I didn't have little ones... I was hospitalized for them twice... and had to go for injections every couple of weeks... the Drs agreed these were extreme migraine, and they're shocked that I don't have them any more... my daughters don't have any, either!
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1254209.aspx
The money you are putting out on pain relievers a month will probably cover these supplements for a year... isn't it at least worth a try???
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
31 Mar 08
It would be back in the days that I was getting them frequently. But now, a small bottle of Excedrin Migraine really lasts me all year, if not longer.
Mine have only qualified for being extreme once, maybe twice in my life. I have only had one injection for them, and that gave me an adverse reaction to them.
It would be worth it if I was having migraines more often. But as of right now, I am barely spending $10 a year on medication for them. Thanks anyway ala
@zydecokitten (451)
• United States
29 Mar 08
I have chronic migraines and take a lot of medication for them on a prophylactic basis. I want to mention to you that if you ever have to go to the hospital again ask for Tordal shot and a Phenergan shot. That should be much easier for you than the shot you had. Good luck
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
29 Mar 08
That man that you speak of as my Boyfriend is no longer. He is the father of my kids, we both take care of them, and we speak civilly, that is the extent of our relationship now.
No hard feelings for your well wishes though lishiwei, I just needed to make that known. If you made that mistake, there are others that have too.
