Migraine

Hi everyone, my name is Natalie, I am 24 and have had around 2 migraines a week for about 3+ years. I finally worked up the guts to see a neurologist, isn't it funny how you think these things will eventually just stop... Anyhow, they have actually gotten worse in the last year, and I now have the full effects of vomiting EVERY migraine.

After a few bouts with the ER in the last month, my neurologist has decided to put me on Topamax and we are working up to 100mg (25mg a week). I will keep you posted on all of my side effects, hopefully nothing to bad.

I don't know about others, but the thought of having to take a pill everyday is not what I really wanted to do. Also, my husband and I have begun discussing children, but I have to calmly explain to him, I just can't go down that path until I get a little relief from this things. I know that pregnancy can help with migraines, however, I have also read they can get worse...what a strange illness to suffer from with no cure.

Anyhow, I figure at this point I have to be surrounded with other who go through migraines also, it is tuff explaining myself to those who have never had one. It almost plays out to them that you are a drug addict, when they get see "1/2" the meds it takes to control a single headache. I have been on relpax for the last 3 years and was planning to switch to immitrex nasal spray, but I have found it is not strong enough to kick the migraine like relpax, so I will have to try and hold down a relpax pill if vomiting is not to bad, and if so I am trying the immitrex shot...which I will post about if and when I may have to inject myself (which I am not so thrilled about, but it is better then being in so much pain you are vomiting your way to the er). wish me luck!!

Welcome Natalie,

Congradulations for seeing a neurlogist. It's a great first step. I'm sure there are others, much younger than I who can share their experience with migraines and pregancy. I had little trouble in my younger years as long as I avoided birth control pills. My problems started in ernest with menopause.

Routine medicaitons are a pain, I admit. But if you gain control of your life back it can be worth it. It's a cost benefit analysis if you will. Also abortives can only be taken so often.

As with any prevenative you start on, keep careful track of the side effects you might start to see. You don't want to invent them, as you want the medication to work. But you also need to be practical as the medication cannot do more harm than good. If you feel something is going on that might not be right, contact your pharmicist or doctor for clarification as to what's going on.

Good luck with the Topamax and take care,

Cindy

Hello, Natalie, welcome to the forum. We're glad you found us.

Different triptans work better for different people. Zomig also comes in a nasal spray, if you want to discuss that possibility with your doctor.

I really hope the Topamax works for you. If it doesn't, or you can't tolerate it, know there are plenty of other options. See this article:

Migraine Preventive Medications - Too Many Options To Give Up!

Here's another article, to help you with those people who don't understand your disease:

Migraine and Headache Education for Those Who "Don't Get It"

And some information on Topamax:

TOPAMAX Oral

Now that I've completely overwhelmed you, let me say how glad we are to have you on the forum (although very sorry you need to be here.) Take care. We're here for you.

Hi Natalie, and welcome! I'm one of the younger members here, also 24. I've suffered from migraines most of my life, but they became chronic around puberty. You've done the right thing in seeking medical attention and trying preventive medication! I think most of us would rather not take daily medication, but it really can make a huge difference in quality of life. Migraine is a genetic neurological disease that requires proper care and management, just like diabetes or arthritis would.

It looks like the others have already given you links to some great information. I'll also add this one, an article about the basics of migraine: Anatomy of a Migraine

Take a look around this site and let us know if you have any questions. You won't find a better source of reliable information on the internet than what's here. So let us know how we can help you - and welcome again!

Hi, Natalie!

I'll add my welcome. This is a great site, with incredible information and support.

I've been on preventives for 18 years, so I'm used to taking meds every day. But you'd take meds for other conditions, right? I'll NEVER give up my Prevacid for my GERD.

I've got the Imitrex injection in my arsenal. It's VERY easy to use. A couple of twists and pushing a button. Not at all like an injection with a regular syringe. You don't even see the needle until after the injection is over! The needle is small, and the Imitrex doesn't sting much. It's so easy that I did two shots last night, at 1:30 and 3:00, in the dark, without waking up DH. I keep my meds in the bedroom and didn't want to wake DH up by turning on the lights.

I hope the Topamax works well for you. If not, there are at least 100 (literally!) things to try, and thousands of combinations.

Gretchen in Mississippi