How can I treat a current migraine?

Question

I have a migraine as I type. I have so many different types of pain relievers I don't know what to use--- and I'm worried about just taking a vicodin and it not going away-- (or that a vicodin is too much for a headache like mine). I'm not even sure it's a migraine... because I'm not nauseated and I don't think I'm sensitive to lights... but it hurts so bad it's all I can think about and all I can do not to cry. What should I take? Are there any remedies and how long will it take to go away? (the last part isn't important, really...)

Answer 1

I'm sorry for your pain -- I understand. Migraines do not always come with nausea or light sensitivity, believe me! I am a 10 year sufferer with constant migraines, about 40 years total sporadically. The severe ones started when I was perimenopausal and I was assured that they would get better when I was postmenopausal. Not so much!

Excedrin migraine and extra strength Excedrin are the same product -- read the label. They are useful, but only if taken early on. If you get this type of headache regularly, go to a neurologist and get some advice and medication. In the meantime, what I have found often works is a hot bath with an ice pack on my head, sitting in the dark. But in the long-term, my neurologist and I found better answers.

What finally worked for me was two-fold. I was on a daily medication of 500 mg. depakote and 50 mg topamax. The doctor said this SHOULD NOT WORK -- cocktails like that don't usually for migraines. But the depakote alone was no longer working for me and I could not tolerate the topamax and it was not working.

Turns out that cocktail worked JUST FINE for me, for about 1 year. Then, we discovered (by pure accident!!) that many, if not most, of my migraines were no longer coming from my hormones, as they had been before. It seems I had developed a severe reaction to sulfites and phosphates that I'd never had before or even known about! The surprise was WHERE I was getting them from -- the salad bars at restaurants, salads at fast food places, chicken -- both fresh (check the labels to be sure!!) and from fast food places, fresh pork (again, check the labels), balsamic vinegar, most salad dressings, etc. etc.

Since we began scrupulously watching my diet, my migraines are down to about 1 every 6 weeks -- TOTALLY tolerable with Axert to knock it out!! One tablet does the job. It means a little extra work picking out food and watching what I eat when I go out, but it it SO worth it.

Anyway, maybe this information may be of some help to you. I know that being on pills a lot is a trouble -- it was for me. But I found my answer, it seems. Hopefully, you will be able to find yours. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have suffered from migraines since I was 10 years old-I am now 50 so I have had 40 years experience. I do know a bit about them. First, you can have a migraine at any time. There is no set pattern-I have gone months and even years without having a single migraine. There are many migraine triggers. Hormones play a big part. That is why women suffer from migraines 3 times more than men. A week before your period is the worst time. I found that birth control pills helped me. Also, sinus problems and allergies as well as hot weather can trigger migraines. Certain foods can also be a trigger-chocolate and sugar are the number 1 offenders. Cheese can also do it. Watch your stress level too. Ask your Doctor about the triptan drugs such as imitrex and maxalt. These are very effective-they are expensive though. I have found that 2 regular excedrin works pretty good most of the time-the trick is to take medicine before your headache gets to bad. Good luck.

Answer 3

Vicodan does absolutely nothing for my headaches. I take 3 -325 mg aspirin and if it does not go away within 3 hours I take 3 more. If that doesn't work then I consider it a true migraine. I had a Dr. Prescribe a pill called Maxalt 10 mg. and it worked like a charm. I just tried it this year because that was the first time I could not get rid of the headache with aspirin. Maxalt is good for 24 hours. It goes away within 1 to 2 hours after taking that pill. I have only had to take one about 4 times this year.

Answer 4

It sounds like a really bad tension headache. For migraine relief for us that have crappy health insurance. Excedrine Migraine rocks, or even regular excedrine extra strength. They say not to go to sleep, screw them if you are sleepy, sleep! go to a dark quiet place and sleep. Reflexology on the hands. (which is simple as rolling a pencil on the palm of your hands can relax you). As for your current situation, use excedrine it is the best. Vicodin does not work on headaches and it makes you nausues.

Answer 5

Breathe, then take another deep breath, and take a walk....Get your positive momentum back.

Can you get some online cd's with relaxation ocean waves and such?

It's not about the right medication. It's medication and a change in lifestyle. Get the right doctors to help you....and remember you can fire any doctor if you are not getting proper relief. You can go online and get some knowledge from the health sections of yahoo and others.

Can you please stop stressing yourself out...can you see that you need to stop.....when you reread your explaination, it stresses me out! Please count your blessings, and slow down and remember you are human.
I have no instant answers, but check your diet also, sometimes too much caffeine or in some cases too little caffeine in coffee/tea can cause caffeine withdrawal....big headaches.

Are you drinking too much soda, or too much sugar...again just suggestins to look at the complete health solutions...
I have no instant answers.

Answer 6

Headache is a pain in the head, scalp or neck. Headaches can be
caused by minor problems like eyestrain, lack of coffee or more
serious reasons like head injury, brain tumors, encephalitis and
meningitis. Taking painkillers continuously can have harmful side
effects, so it is better to modify your lifestyle. More information
available at http://tinyurl.com/q8696

Answer 7

Lie down in a dark, quiet room with a cold wet washcloth on your forehead.

Answer 8

Try a product called "HEAD ON". It looks like a large chapstick and the balm is applied directly to the forehead. Tried it recently and it actually worked !!!

Answer 9

go to your doctor and get a shot of stadol and phenergan Also lay in dark room

Answer 10

Ask your Doc for Frova.