Migraine

Hi Teri and Nancy,

I hate to bother you as I know you are super busy. But I need some direction. I've mentioned a couple places on this forum that I'm having some problems with my insurance company covering meds but of even greater concern to me is my growing sense of depression. I have talked about this with Dr. K and with my psychologist. My psych has reminded me of how terribly depressed I got on Topamax and another anti-convulsant - can't remember which one. He suggested that I go off of them at the time. Dr. K has suggested Keppra (who knows if insurance will cover that) but my reading is showing that all of the anti-convulsants have warnings about worsening depression and suicidal ideation.

I feel like I'm looking a gift horse in the mouth - I LOVE not having horrible migraines, but also know I can't function with the increasing depression. Stayed home a couple of days this week just because I couldn't deal with getting out and about. Yuck, I hate it when I get that way! My psychologist suggested that I speak with my doctor about adding abilify to my prozac to help with the depressant symptoms, but it has weight gain issues and I'm already very overweight which, of course, addes to the depression.

I feel just awful complaining about all of this. I am so blessed in so many ways! What I'm hoping to do is to come up with a solution before things become really bleak! The reason I'm writing y'all is that there is so much JUNK on the internet that it's hard to know how to make an informed and educated decision when you aren't sure of the quality of what you're reading.

My psychologist said there is a site associated with the FDA where people report side effects after the clinical trials, but he doesn't know it's address. Are y'all familiar with this or have any other reliable sources that you can point me toward?

Thanks so much for your help - sorry for the long email! Please feel free to answer me here or to send something to the email you have for me. You're the best!

Cyn

Hey there,

First, please don't feel like we are too busy to help, that is what we are here for. I have lots of trouble with depression and this whole divorce thing isn't making is any easier.

Zonegran has been ok for my Migraines - but here's the catch, it is better when I use more of it but the depression shoots WAY up- so big NO to that. A similar situation to what you are experiencing. This is what I take, not that you should but what seems to help the "issues" at the moment: Zonegran- head pain, Wellburtrin AND Celexa. The Celexa seems to help "tweek" Wellbutrin. But boy if I miss Welbutrin, I get depressed.

My doctor wants me to try Pretiq, no weight issues with it....haven't done so yet. Have the sameles,,,,,not sure what I'm waiting for.

Here is the information you asked for about reporting:


FDA MedWatch Program by phone (1-800-FDA-1088), by fax (1-800-FDA-0178), by mail (using postage-paid form to MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787) or via /www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch.

Thanks Nancy!

I appreciate having the FDA information, but really treasure your support even more. My (our) emotions are just so closely tied into this whole chronic pain thing and then the medicines sometimes just add to that.

I've thought about going to see someone here about the meds for the depression, but hate to have more than one doctor handling my medicines when I'm taking so many different things for migraines. I have had several things suggested to me which I may try but if those don't work I just might fly back down to Texas and meet with Dr. Krusz on plan B. He has been so wonderful about talking to me on the phone and I trust him, so a face to face may help me if things don't even out in a few weeks. We'll see.

BTW, I'm so sorry to hear that you are going through a divorce. I can only imagine how difficult that must be. I will certainly be praying for you and thinking about you!

Cyn