Migraine

Caffeine seems to be one of my food triggers. It is a little more then a stackable trigger, but not usually trigger where I need to take an abortive either. After many trials, I do think it is best that I stay away from it; even teas, soda and decaffeinated coffee affect me different ways.

I'm not really sure what to do on those mornings when I need a little something extra to get going. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Angelb,
I drink decaf coffee. Just the smell & taste seem to be enough to get me going. Oh, I know there is still a wee bit of caffeine in my coffee, but not enough to trigger anything, as long as I don't drink a whole pot.

Maybe this will help you?

Rebecca

I stayed away from caffeine for about 15 years. Though half of law school and for 10 years of law practice. After 3 weeks of withdrawal at the beginning, my head improved. About three months later, at finals time, I was sleepy but didn't want to have to take a nap. So I drank a Tab. This was years before Diet Coke.

I had a headache for a week. I decided that I could stand a little sleepiness. I used to get really nasty when someone at work made a pot of real coffee in the decaf pot.

I started using caffeine again at my neurologist's suggestion, to go along with my pain meds. His exact words were, "Take your meds and drink a Coke." I now have a cup of coffee in the morning. I get a withdrawal headache if I don't have it. I sometimes have a diet cola in the afternoon, if my head is cranking up.

It wasn't hard to give up caffeine. I drank decaf in the mornings, or just water. Sometimes Diet Sprite. I like the taste of coffee in the morning, and DH and I drink a cup together before he gets out of bed.

I found that when I was off caffeine, I didn't need it in the morning. When the alarm went off, I woke up completely. I sometimes put my head down on my desk and took a ten-minute nap, just like first grade.

Gretchen

Thanks Rebecca and Gretchen for your feedback and suggestions.

I will try decaf again only this time a small cup instead of medium on the days I need the extra boost. I do enjoy the smell and taste of a good cup of coffee too and hopefully this will be ok.

Coffee headaches are no fun. I don't drink enough coffee for that to be a problem right now, but coffee is a definite help on those mornings when I need that little something extra, but now I have to weigh the after effects.

I know what you mean about feeling like a first grader. I ended up closing my door and blinds at work earlier this year and did the exact same thing. It was like being in grammar school again at nap time, but unfortunately this is not something I can do very often while at work.

Pam

Hi Pam,

I guess my only suggestion would be to mix decaf with reg coffee to start, heavy on the decaf then progress from there as needed....not much help, uh?

Hi Pam,

This is a tough one. Caffeine is such a wonderful boost-giver and, in our society, it is THE choice for a morning pick-me-up.

I guess the main thing that really helps me out is to get a proper amount of sleep each night. I need between 6-9 hours every night to be well-rested each day of the week. If I sleep right, I find I don't need anything extra to give me a boost in the morning. The downside to this is that I can't get a good night's sleep when I am having a migraine. Is it the same for you?

For those times when I don't get enough sleep, I have had a minimum of an 8-ounce can of V-8 juice. That seems to help. Even eating the right thing in the morning - say something with protein in it, like a couple of hard boiled eggs - they have helped to give me some extra energy first thing in the morning. And then, there is always the cold shower. As much as I hate it, it can really give me a jolt first thing in the morning. Oh, and drinking ice water helps, too. I always pour myself an ice cold cup of water in the morning, and I sip on it while I am getting ready for work.

One of the other posters mentioned that she had been prescribed coffee and coke. I used to take ergotamine suppositories with caffeine and they helped with my migraines. I know caffeine is often prescribed to help treat migraines. It is too bad that, in your case, it has turned out to be a trigger for them.

I hope that any of this is helpful for you. One of the awful realities of migraines is the experience you have once the migraine is gone. Most people who don't have migraines don't understand that, once your migraine is gone, you are not "all better" and ready to bounce off the walls. Migraines are a real energy zapper for me, and it can take a couple of days for me to get over one.

Best wishes and good luck to you. There is a relatively new medication called Provigil, which is used to treat excessive sleepiness, but it is only prescribed for three very specific problems: 1) ES (excessive sleepiness) due to sleep apnea; 2) ES due to narcolepsy and; 3) ES due to shift work disorder. My doctor just prescribed it to me for ES due to medications that I take. So far, my insurance won't pay for it, but my doctor is appealing their decision. I am very hopeful, because Provigil (or Modafinil) is very expensive.

Take good care of yourself, first, and everything else will fall into place, afterwards,

Kay

Caffeine doesn't do anything for me, even though I drink it in hopes it will anyway. I guess it's more of an emotional addiction. I try to consume less during my period/couple days before it, because everything irritates me then- the bad thing is I am more sleepy during that time & more likely to mentally crash.

When I was in college, at one point I drank 10 cups of coffee w/chocolate syrup to stay awake...I was still out of it, but my arms were shaking & was a wreck...needless to say, it was a bad idea.

In grad school, I drank 40-70 oz a day...I still fell asleep in the one non-hands on classes. Now, I try to limit to 1-3 cups a day, esp . since my migraine specialist recommended to be careful of my use.

I am extra sensitive to chemicals & additives so I avoid diet soda (aspirtine) & decaf coffee.

No amount of sleep makes me well rested, but that's another story.
One thing that has helped me is taking primrose oil & magnesium (well, I notice the difference when I don't take primrose oil) to improve energy level. You want to consult with your doc before doing suppliments because some people can have weird reactions.


My energy level is still low, but I'm not working now. Of course, when I'm working or very stressed out, all good intentions go out the window.

Alex

Well, I tried the small cup of decaf this morning and before I even finished it (I did drank it slowly trying to savor it), I could feel it start to come on. So, I've been off all day and decaf is now out too.

I wish I could be well rested every night, but that doesn't always happen. The V8 juice sounds very interesting. That will have to be something I add in so I will need to wait and probably add it in next week to try it out. In the meantime, I can try the ice water. I will need to check with my doctor about the primrose oil, magnesium and any other supplements when I finally go to see my new doc.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I really appreciate them!

Pam

Caffeine seems to be a trigger for me, so I don't touch it anymore either. Unfortunately, that leaves a big gap in my "morning ritual." On days when I need a little go, I like to drink ice cold "Smart Water" by Glaceau. It's an electrolyte enhanced water I find at the grocery store. It's perfect for me because it doesn't have any artificial sweeteners or citric acid from flavorings (both triggers). I don't know if it's actually healthier for me or if I just think it's healthier for me, but I do tend to feel more perked up on those mornings. I also grab a bottle on days when I'm feeling really nauseated from the migraines and drink some with my Compazine and abortive and seem to do better.

Smart Water sounds like it's worth trying too. I'll have to look at the ingredients, but I like that it doesn't have any artificial sweeteners or citric acid from flavorings. I haven't added back any of the sweeteners yet, which I know I'll have to do soon, but this means that I can try the Smart Water before I add those back in.

Thanks for another alternative to try!
Pam

quote:

usually trigger where I need to take an abortive either. After many trials, I do think it is best that I stay away from it; even teas, soda and decaffeinated coffee affect me different ways.

have you tried Yerba Mate? ive never had a problem with drinking that. it is an acquired taste though

quote:

Originally posted by SamArizona:

quote:

usually trigger where I need to take an abortive either. After many trials, I do think it is best that I stay away from it; even teas, soda and decaffeinated coffee affect me different ways.

have you tried Yerba Mate? ive never had a problem with drinking that. it is an acquired taste though

Hi Sam!
I don't think I've had a chance to say "hi" yet! Glad you found us... sorry you have the need to be here though. Welcome to our little forum family!

thanks very much, so glad i stumbled on this website

I don't have any suggestions, just a confession: I love Coke!! I am down to the mini-me size; one per day but boy, I miss my biggie size. Although, I can let it sit on my desk all day, get warm and stil love it!

Caffeine doesn't seem to be a trigger for me, but one thing that always makes me feel better when I have a migraine is Vitamin Water. They have a couple "energy" versions that have caffeine, but most are just vitamin-fortified. I don't like really sweet stuff, so it's just right. I don't know if it will help pick you up, but it always makes me feel better, even if it is just psychological