Migraine

Hi there,

Well, thought I'd post a quick update while I'm coherent enough to do so. My lost post was I think right before my migraine (and period) started. I was desperately hoping the Topamax would stop my menstrual migraines. I'd been taking it for almost four weeks at a dose of 50 mg, which is what I think my neurologist wanted me to stay on.

Anyway, I started getting what I hoped would be just a headache, but, no, it was a migraine, so I think I waited too late (in the hopes it wouldn't be a migraine) to take my Relpax. I ended up having to take 2 Relpax, which didn't work, so I still had a migraine yesterday.

I'm sure I did the wrong thing, but my doctor wouldn't call me back, so later that morning I tried my Zomig nasal spray (I think it had been about 16 hours since the last Relpax), since my stomach shuts down and won't absorb anything. That seemed to work for a bit, but when it wore off my migraine was back, as usual.

It's still kind of lingering today, but my doctor won't return my calls about what to take with none of my meds working. I have Relpax, Frova and Zomig Nasal Spray at home. Any suggestions?

I know you shouldn't mix triptans, but what if you space them out?

Also, I'm wondering if it's possible the Topamax made this month's migraine worse or if that was because I waited so long to take something? Should I still give the Topamax another chance to work? Any advice please?
Sorry...still in a lot of pain today. Thanks a bunch!

Edited by moderator: please break up paragraphs for easier reading.

I forget how long you said you've been on topamax for now?

You are right. You shouldn't mix triptans. Usually you should wait 24 hours between triptans, if you are going to be using a different one then what you started with, unless otherwise stated by your doctor.

And if I remember correctly you said Frova doesn't work that well for you? Frova and Amerge are 2 triptans that should work well for menstrual migraines. But then again, no two people are alike, so you have to find what works for you during that time.

I can't say if the Topamax made your migraine worse. It could be that you are encountering stackable triggers. Maybe something you came in contact with (ate, allergies) on top of your period just made it worse.

I know you shouldn't mix triptans, but if my stomach won't absorb the Relpax, then is it okay to use the Zomig nasal spray?

You've already taken the Zomig spray today? And the Relpax was yesterday?

If you have already done it, what's done is done.

I personally have never mixed triptans for the whole "24 hour rule".

If you have not aborted the migraine with the triptan you were using, and have maxed out on that (I'm assuming that is your relpax) - do you have a rescue drug?

When we start new medications, it can take up to three months to see a reduction in Migraine frequency and severity, try and hang in there.

Sounds like you may need a rescue medication. Eileen is so right about not mixing triptans - not a good idea. Keep calling that doctor for further instructions.

Please remember if your pain lasts longer than 72 hours without a four-hour pain-free break while awake, seek medical attention. This could be a condition called Status Migrainous and puts us at an increase risk of stroke. Look for that information HERE

Feel better

Jodi,

Do NOT mix triptans unless your doctor tells you to do so. That meaans at least 24 hours between different triptans.

You may THINK you stomach didn't absorb the Relpax, but it may have absorbed more than you realize. A few years ago, a 17-year-old was vomiting within a couple of minutes of taking simple Tylenol. Over a 24-hour period, she took 20 tablets. She also died because her system did absorb some of it, and she overdosed.

So, please do NOT mix triptans unless your physician specifically tells you to?

As for the Topamax, it takes three months to give it a fair trial.

quote:

Originally posted by Jodi:
I know you shouldn't mix triptans, but if my stomach won't absorb the Relpax, then is it okay to use the Zomig nasal spray?

Sorry,

I guess I'm confused about the whole mixing triptans thing. I really didn't think I was when I took the Relpax on Monday and waited until Tuesday to try something different (that's when I tried the Zomig nasal spray). I'll give the Topamax and bit longer and keep trying to call my doctor's office. They never return my phone calls. I had wondered what to do when the Relpax didn't work, but nobody called me back and it gets frustrating when you're in a lot of pain. Thanks for the advice everyone. I guess I screwed up.

P.S. I'm confused about one thing. What's a "rescue drug?" I assumed that's what my Relpax was - something to take to help relieve the pain from the migraine.

Hi, Jodi. This article will explain the role of the different meds we use for our migraines:

Preventive, Abortive, and Rescue Medications - What's the Difference?

Triptans such as Relpax or Zomig are abortive meds, which means they actually stop the migraine process in the brain. Rescue meds are usually pain meds that we take only when abortives fail. Or, people who can't take abortive meds sometimes have to take pain relievers initially.