Migraine Preventative Medication

My friend gets Botox injections in her scalp for migraine prevention. She had many headaches each month... I'd say she lost 5 to 8 days each month to headaches and she'd tried everything.

Botox is not paid for by insurance, so she pays like $800 every 6 months. But for her it's worth it. If you lost 30 to 48 days of your life every 6 months, you might think about Botox injections too.

It's really worked for her.

I use maxalt for my migraines. I get auras so I know when I am getting a migraine. I take the maxalt, 2 rapid release tylenol and drink a caffienated drink. Although I still get a headache, I am able to function....Sometimes I get up to 4 a month then I will go several months without one. I have heard great things about the botox too! Keep us posted on what works for you! Good Luck

Have you tried a chiropractor? It eliminates the need for scripts. My 7 yo DD has migraines and last time we saw a neurologist (2 months ago), he wanted to put her on a low dose of Prozac to prevent the migraines. I found that that is pretty common- but we said no- that is not something we want to do with our 7 yo. So, we tried taking her to the chiro. She has not had a headache since. She normally got small headaches 2-3 times a week and a big migraine 1-2 per month. Now, none! It is worth a try. Good luck!

I second the chiropractor!! I used to have migraines once a week. I went to a friend who is a chiropractor for back problems and was telling him about my migraines. Once I started having adjustments my migraines went away. I haven't had one in about 20 years.

Good luck

I take Inderal, which is actually a blood pressure medication, but works for migraines as well. I started out on the lowest dose possible and that worked well for about 4 years, had to stop taking it while I was pregnant due to the class of medication, and after I went back on it (after 2 years off) I had to double the dose. Seems to work really well though and doesn't have a lot of the side effects as medications specifically for migraines.

i take topomax and verapamil, among other medicines in the past. i've had very good success with this combo.

I can't take any triptans for migraine relief - so when I would get migraines - I was sort of out of luck! I tried topamax (this is an anti-seizure med) - it made my fingers and toes numb - I had good luck on Nadolol (beta blocker - normally used for bp).

Chiropractic helped initially - but left me with chronic neck pain.

Mine are very hormonal - so getting a grip on my hormones has helped.

I use Paxil for daily use then take either Zomig or Amerge along with 4 advil when the headache is coming on. I have had no success with a chiropractor. This medicine combination seems to work for me.
E.

I don't take anything for preventive but I started taking the new Treximet when I feel a migraine coming on and it works great. I also make sure and drink plenty of water and I take a combination supplement of Calcium Magnesium and Potassium. Hope you find something that helps.

my sis has battled this for years. Right now, she is doing a lot, but not all at once. She takes Cymbalta, Topomax, Midrin, does Botox injections 3 times a year and uses a netti pot to help relieve any sinus congestion that could aggravate it. She has been through a lot to get to this point, obviously, and it all seems to be working pretty well.

I'm glad you asked this question. I'm very interested in all of the responses, as I'm struggling with migraines now and have been for 24 years. I took Inderol as a teenager and it worked well for me for awhile. Then I was on various medications that I can't remember the names of. My migraines went away for a few years, then came back with a vengeance about 4 years ago. I tried Zomig, and something that was in the form of a shot, but I can't remember what it was, but neither helped me. Now I'm taking Topamax, which I know doesn't work for you. It has been a lifesaver for me until recently when my headaches have gotten worse again. I went to the neurologist today and he increased the dose to 100mg 3 times a day instead of twice a day like I had been taking. It's a temporary increase to try to get my migraines under control. I'm having several a week again. I'm tempted by the chiropractor idea. I wonder if insurance would cover it? Would it matter if I am being treated by the neurologist at the same time? Maybe it's time to call the insurance company. I hope you get some relief from your migraines and from your asthma.

It depends on whats "causing" the migraines.....there are so many diff types of headaches. I use to give myself shots for migraines and later found out they were hormonal headaches. I Fioricet rx and now I do not have to go to bed with migraines. I have heard a chiro can help and there are "natural" doctors out there than might find out a certain food is triggering them.

I agree about the chiropractor. I was very skeptical at first, but then I went more than 6 months without a migraine and it was heaven! I don't have to take preventative medications now. I just have to watch out for my triggers - stress, caffeine intake, allergies/congestion, dehydration, and hormonal changes. Obviously, some of these are treated with other medications, like allergy medications or birth control pills, or just by watching my diet.