Migraine headaches

[anor277]

Rather than derailing a current thread, I’d like to ask advice about migraines here. Migraines seem to be a common condition and bloody annoying, both as the tension headache and the classic „sick headache“ in which as well as the throbbing pain in your skull you’re puking your guts out. Tablets are therefore only useful if you take them early enough to avoid the vomiting stage (mind you, I find the commercially available Migraleve quite effective - this is the trade name in the UK, I don’t know its active ingredient; this is at least as effective as the ergotamine derivatives, that as far as I know are only available on prescription. If these don’t quite relieve the headache they do relieve the nausea to an extent – much more preferable than moaning and groaning in a dark room for 24 h.

The most effective treatment I have ever been given was a shot of pethidine (an opiate?), that (i) dealt with the pain, and (ii) knocked me right out. I imagine, given its potent narcotic effect, this drug is only reluctantly administered. Any advice gratefully received.

 

[richardm]

Tablets are therefore only useful if you take them early enough to avoid the vomiting stage (mind you, I find the commercially available Migraleve quite effective - this is the trade name in the UK, I don’t know its active ingredient; this is at least as effective as the ergotamine derivatives, that as far as I know are only available on prescription. If these don’t quite relieve the headache they do relieve the nausea to an extent – much more preferable than moaning and groaning in a dark room for 24 h.

The most effective treatment I have ever been given was a shot of pethidine (an opiate?), that (i) dealt with the pain, and (ii) knocked me right out. I imagine, given its potent narcotic effect, this drug is only reluctantly administered. Any advice gratefully received.

There are some very effective prescription treatments, which, rather than deal with the symptoms, knock the migraine on the head (so to speak) before it gets started. Most migraine sufferers have precursor symptoms that they can recognise.

A friend of mine has had her life transformed by one of these drugs; I urge you to go to your doctor and ask about them. (I can find out what she's taking if you want)

 

[Sarah-I]

The basis of Migraleve is Paracetamol and Codeine. The Migraleve Pink contains Paracetamol DC 96% 520 mg, which is the equivalent of 500 mg of Paracetamol. It also contains 8 mg of Codine phosphate and Buclizine hydrochloride 6.25 mg, which is the anti-emetic.

The Migraleve Yellow tablets contain Paracetamol and Codeine.

 

[Rolfe]

My senior partner's wife suffered badly from real migraine (hemicrania, aura, the lot) for many years, and found that a drug trade-named "Imigran" (sorry, don't know the generic name), when taken right at the very start of an episode, stopped the pain dead in its tracks. She says it has changed her life.

I believe about 80% of people suffering from the type of migraine she has respond well to this stuff.

Rolfe.

 

[Sarah-I]

Imigran is otherwise known as Sumatriptan.

That is the difference between what is known as 'Common' and 'Classical' migraine.

 

[anor277]

Many thanks folks.

I have tried the Imigran (delivered as a nasal spray); this reduces the intensity of an episode but does not stop it entirely (but I'm thankful for that small mercy).