Migraine
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Migraine Community MyMigraineConnection New Info on MyMigraineConnection Namenda for Migraine and Chronic Headache PreventionRelated Content: Medications & Treatments
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MMC Lead Expert Supreme Guru  |
 There are no medications available that were developed for the purpose of Migraine and headache prevention. However, there are over 100 medications that are now successfully being used for that purpose. We now have both anecdotal and clinical evidence that Namenda can be effective in the prevention of Migraine and headache.Namenda (memantine HCL, Forest Pharmaceuticals) was approved for use in the United States in October, 2003, more than a decade after its use began in Europe under the brand names Ebixa and Axura. It's classified as an orally active NMDA receptor antagonist. Namenda (memantine hydrochloride) is approved for the treatment of "moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type." Continue reading Namenda for Migraine and Chronic Headache Prevention.  Teri Robert Lead Expert, MyMigraineConnection terimmc@helpforheadaches.com
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Master |
Thanks Teri.... That was an interesting read. I'lll be looking forward to learning more on it.
bim  Migraine is a potentially debilitating genetic neurological disease that affects 36 million Americans. Migraine is underdiagnosed and undertreated. There is no known cure. The American Headache Society supports research and education. Please help us? Please specify that donations be made to headache on the hill http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?badgeId=102755 |
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Maven |
I was really excited when my doctor let me try Namenda because of an article I read here. It sounded like it might really be something that could help me given the nature of my migraines/headaches. It didn't work out though. I had to stop the med early due to side effects. I was so bummed. I tried to convince my doctor to let me try again at an even slower titration schedule, but he felt it would probably happen again. Too bad, it sounds like a good med
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Master |
I just got back from the doctor. My migraines have gotten really bad again and the side effects from the topamax, relpax, and frova have overwhelmed me. He was wonderful. I explained how difficult teaching has become for me. He totally agreed and put me on leave for the rest of the school year.
Then he listened to the many side effects I was having and agreed that the topamax was a goner! After talking about the patterns my migraines were taking he decided he wanted to give Namenda a try. He wants me to email him every two weeks to let him know how things are going and to come back and see him in six weeks. What was amazing was that I talked to him about long term disability. He said he is not for long term disability and that initially gave me a scare. I explained that my income on my short term disability insurance runs out at the end of summer and that I was concerned that we may not have this worked out or under control by then. I further explained that I would need to be on long term disability after that to have a continued income of some sort. He listened and he understood. I explained that I needed to start the paperwork now to have it approved by fall (I'm on the teacher's retirement system, not social security) and that if we did have my migraines under control by chance I could still pull the papers. I also explained that if they approve my long term disability it would probably be on a year by year basis as was explained to me by the disability advisor. He said he would help me with that even though he is not in favor of long term disability. I was very relieved. It is my hope that I don't need it but I want to have that option available in case things continue as they have been for the last few years. I am not trying to take advantage of anything but I have had a horrendous time these last few years. He agreed that there is no way I can work while my migraines are as bad as they are. I have never used my disability insurance even though I have paid into it for 20 years. Having a supportive doctor is soooooo important. Now if I could just find something that would help the migraines! Namenda is yet another ray of Hope! |
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Grand Wizard |
Hoopsky, sounds like you had a great visit with your doc. Hopefully
 the Namenda works for you - keep us updated, ok?-MJ my blog: http://rhymeswithmigraine.blogspot.com/ “HOPE CAN GROW FROM THE SOIL OF ILLNESS!” This is the theme of 2008’s National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week in September. Drop by and find out ways to encourage a friend, be encouraged yourself, and spread the word. http://www.InvisibleIllness.com "What will you do, if it does not turn out how you expect?" "I do not know. Nor shall I worry about it until it happens. I still have an action left to take; until I have exhausted it, I shall not despair." - Robin Hobb, Assassin's Quest  |
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MMC Lead Expert Supreme Guru |
Valid point. Small studies such as this one must be done before larger studies are funded. If the results of the small studies aren't good, the larger studies aren't done. This was one of the first studies of Namenda for Migraine prevention.
Anecdotally, I know a few people it works quite well for. One advantage to it is that it has a low potential side effects profile. Oh, and welcome to the forum, Millsy!
Teri Robert Lead Expert, MyMigraineConnection terimmc@helpforheadaches.com
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Novice |
What are your migraines like? And how often do you get them? I feel like I can't function anymore. I always hated taking new drugs, but now I am alost willing to try anything to get my life back!
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Maven |
I've always been told that the minimum sample size per treatment group is 20, but that's if you're doing a highly controlled internal validity study. The less control you have, the more subjects you need in order to see effects that are really there.
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Sage |
Teri ---
Who would fund a double-blind study of Namenda for migraine/TTH prevention? The manufacturer? I know that the NIH gets very little funding for headache/migraine research. Is a double-blind trial of a potentially effective headache/migraine preventive the kind of trial NIH would fund if it had the money? Big plug for the Headache on the Hill project! Gretchen in Mississippi |
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Master |
Miriam, My migraines are almost daily right now. I'm having horrible side effects from the topamax, relpax, and frova I'm on too. I don't know if that's why my doctor is having me try namenda or not but I'm giving it a try nonetheless. I'll keep you posted. Teri
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MMC Lead Expert Supreme Guru |
Gretchen,
Yes, it's the manufacturers who generally fund this type of study. Yes, we need more NIH funding, but even then, it will probably still be the pharma companies that fund this type of study. NIH funding is almost always for more basic research that must be done before specific drug research can even begin.
Teri Robert Lead Expert, MyMigraineConnection terimmc@helpforheadaches.com
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Grasshopper |
Namenda has been a big help for my migraines. I've been taking it for a couple of years now.
Abi |
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Community Moderator Grand Wizard  |
Good to hear that the Namenda is working for you Abi!!
  Eileen Gray Community Moderator eileen@helpforheadaches.com "The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to over come, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater then our suffering." - Ben Okri Please donate!!! Click below to donate to the AHDA - THANK YOU!!! http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?badgeId=102755 my blog: http://fireinmybrain.blogspot.com |
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Master |
Yes, Abi, it's nice to hear that someone is having long term success with namenda. There isn't many people out there who have used it long term or who have had success with it. It makes me hopeful. Thanks.
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Migraine Community MyMigraineConnection New Info on MyMigraineConnection Namenda for Migraine and Chronic Headache Prevention
