Migraine Meds
 

I know there are a few migraine sufferers here. Mine started right after Desert Storm. Was it the oil fires? The "experimental" vaccines I accepted as an ate up maggot? Who knows?

I don't know what triggers mine, but I imagine stress is a contributor. I might get one or two over the summer, but when school starts again, it's at least once a week. By the weekend, my batteries are on empty from going non-stop day and night.

My prescribed med is Maxalt, 10 mg. Sometimes, it takes awhile to kick in, maybe a couple hours or so, but at least I'm up and around again the same day. I was also on daily Altenolol (a beta-blocker) for awhile, but that played hell with my digestive system. Not good when you're trapped in a classroom for several hours at a time without a break, so I stopped taking it and haven't noticed much of a difference.

That said, what does everyone take for theirs? Naturally, I'm concerned about the availability and cost of these meds after SHTF. Kind of hard to stockpile prescription meds as they limit the quantities you can get. Can you still get around that with online pharmacies? Anyone have an organic or other treatment that works? Better yet, a preventive remedy? Acupuncture, even?

In short, do you fellow migraine sufferers have a plan for post SHTF?

Re: Migraine Meds
 

The one that works best for me is Treximet. Hands down.

Migraine plans post SHTF?.... I honestly believe I will suffer far fewer migraines when i stop drinking sodas, eating cheetos and all the other crap i currently consume.

I know, I know, don't say it.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

Just wondering, have you ever tried consuming any "Medical" Marijuana to see if it would alleviate your migraine? I know somebody in CA that has a prescription for that very ailment. It would be something available in a SHTF scenario for sure.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

I started to suffer from migraines after I came home from Iraq and so far wearing good sunglasses helps to ward them off MOST of the time. I have appointments with the VA to get evaluated and meds prescribed.

FYI a brother unit deployed at the same time as I has had 14 cancer victims since their return 18 months ago.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

CNN: What's Causing Male Breast Cancer In These Marines?

Re: Migraine Meds
 

Migraine relief using Grapes

Migraine relief can be obtained from the juice of ripe grapes and is an effective home remedy. Grind fresh ripe grapes and drink without adding any water.

Migraine relief using Niacin

Niacin has proved helpful in relieving migraine pain. Valuable sources of this vitamin are yeast, whole wheat, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, sunflower seeds, liver and fish. Vitamin I complex tablets containing 100 mg of niacin can be taken for migraine treatment.

Relieving Migraine using Cabbage Leaf Compress

Cabbage leaf compress can help relieve the pain of a migraine headache. Crush a few cabbage leaves, place in a cloth and apply on the forehead for extended period of time. Use fresh leaves when the compressed leaves dry out.

Migraine treatment using Lemon Crust

Lemon crusts can cure migraine. Grind lemon crust and apply as a paste on the forehead. Migraine cures using this remedy has been found very effective and long lasting by many.

Natural Migraine headache treatment using Vegetable Juices

Carrot juice combined with spinach, beet and cucumber juices are good for migraine treatment. Use on the 2 following mixtures as migraine therapy:
1: Mix 200 ml of spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice.
2: Mix 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices with 300 ml of carrot juice.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

Imitrex works the best on mine. The other triptans work, but not as well and not as cleanly. I tried Maxalt and had an unusual side effect: depression! You can get them online. Try SuperSaver meds.

You said you get them worse in school. Could it be the fluorescent lights? Do they have those open bulbs with the metal grid-like reflectors over them? Those things are horrible.

(I've tried just about every pharmaceutical, natural, holistic, and alternative treatment out there. None of them worked. Acupuncture reduced the severity of them for about 3 months, but then they went back to normal.)

Re: Migraine Meds
 

Imitrex really does work wonders for a full-blown migraine but it's hella expensive. I save those for puking migraines.

I know the warning signs when one is coming on and try to head it off (heh, pun) with excedrine. If that doesn't work I take 2 fioricet which is aspirin with a little bit of barbituate.

So far I've managed to keep most of them away. Still get hit usually once per season.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

Thanks! I'll look into the Imitrex and check out SuperSaver later (after I grade papers here in a minute.)

I don't think it's the bulbs. They just installed new ones this year, supposed to save energy. They've got the solid white interior and the translucent covers. I also don't get them AT school very often - they usually hit me on Saturday or Sunday morning. Just the lack of sleep and the stress of having to do more work stuff here at home catching up with me.

That's an interesting side effect on the Maxalt. I haven't noticed that - I had to take one this morning, and I felt great the rest of the day. If I get a bad one and don't take the Maxalt quick enough, I feel really worn down for the next day or so. But I don't think that's from the Maxalt.

Again, thanks for the suggestions.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

I wouldn't smoke it (quit smoking cigars about 5 years ago - just tore up my throat), but I'd be open to other forms. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to get a medical prescription here in Florida. Doing it other than legally is out, too - at least until I get fed up enough that I decide I don't need my job anymore. :biggrin:

Re: Migraine Meds
 

Never heard of a fat person getting them, have you? That ought to clue you stupid/malinformed people right there.

The brain is about 80% omega 3 fatty acids. Take a couple grams of fish oil a day, so your brain "oil" doesn't get low on the dipstick.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

Mine are tied to stress and lack of sleep. As soon as I feel one coming on, I try to stop everything, take some ibuprofen, and take a nap. As ImaCannis said, this is about 80% effective for me.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

A relative of mine had migrane problems that were lessened by self-applied massage to trigger points in the neck/back/shoulders.
Those little knots were pinching off blood flow and/or pinching nerves.
She bought a thera-cane, located and worked the knots hard and it worked.
Of course, ymmv.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

There are many reasons that migraines come on; stress, being overly tired, poor eating habits, atmosphere, etc. However, for as many reasons there are as many cures. I loved Imitrex while I could take it but one day, what seemed out of the blue I had a bad reaction that sent me to the hospital with it.

I have basically tried what everyone has talked about on the board and each one worked for a time and then eventually stopped working or I found it works but only in some situations. The suggestion of the thera-cane is a good one and it is not medicine but a self-applied acupressure. It is not perfect but it helps some of the time.

I also have gotten a machine called a tense unit from my physical therapist that gives me electrical shocks to my muscles in my shoulders and middle back area. It helps release the tension there. It can help.

Now, what I use on a daily basis, but it is costly though is topamax. That is not what you want to hear though. It is the first thing in forever that has worked and I have not had severe side effects from. They do have a generic but I swear by the original more. That is just me.

With that said, there is still nothing like stopping what you are doing, if you can, take a nap with an ice pack, in the dark, and try to sleep it off with a dose of Tylonol or Exedrin. (sp?)

I hope that helps. Do not overlook the natural remedies that were suggested. Those can help some people. And when you are ready to forgo your job, you may want to consider the medical marijuana. I am not a big advocate for it but I live in an area that it is legal and I know many who do get benefit from it for migraines and other medical issues. I also know some that make it up as an excuse which is frustrating but that is another story.

Good luck! I know how frustrating it is to have these things stop your life. I just went through it Thursday night and had to miss my college class for it and ended up at the ER over it. Not fun!

Re: Migraine Meds
 

I have a TENS unit for lower back pain, but I was told to never use it higher up because of the risk of arrhythmia.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

Feverfew works to lessen the intensity, and the occurance, not all at once like drugs do, you need to get it into your system first but it is a natural alternative. A friend of mine put her (seriously overweight -comment for ___hoot___) daughter on it and it did work to some degree

A little more on it
http://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/feverfew-1

Re: Migraine Meds
 

Hello.
I have suffered from migraines headaches my entire life. As some of you know I develop lasers, and several years ago I was in a hospital training the surgeons on a prototype laser sys. I over heard some of the nurses talking about a study that was being conducted there at the hospital and they were amazed at the results. They were testing the link between MSG and headaches. I have tried to stop all intake of MSG although it is not easy it is in just about everything.

I can honestly tell you that it has worked for me.

Migraines are a terrible thing and I wish you all the best, good luck finding what works for you. But for God sake stop eating MSG it will help I promise.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

I've had hypertensive incidences with Imitrex that were very frightening. I really thought I was about to die! (I didn't go to the hospital. Once you do that, they'll never prescribe Imitrex for you again. My headaches were horrendous, and nothing else has ever worked on them. I won't go back to that. I'll take my chances with the Imitrex. I was at the end of my rope when it finally came out, and if it kills me, well, I've had almost 15 "bonus" years because of it.)

Concerning the post about massaging the neck: I wanted to add that migraine sufferers need to be very careful about that. There are nerve ganglia in the back of the neck that can trigger migraines when irritated, and neck massage/accupressure can sometimes quickly trigger a migraine.

Re: Migraine Meds
 

I dont get migraines, but a buddy of mine gets them very badly a few times a year.
He's had mose of the perscription meds, but has found that breathing oxygen for 5-10 minutes at the onset of symptoms will 90% prevent the mgirate... Excedrine will then work OK for the remaining 10%


Good luck!