Propranolol and its effectivesness in migraine treatment?

Question

How does it work and what does it do????

My husbands just been referred to a Neurologist...finally and in the meantime the Doc has prescribed these...how will they help him?

Answer 1

Propranolol is an antihypertensive which works by blocking the beta receptors. I was found mostly as an incidental finding that people who were placed on this medication for blood pressure or cardiac reasons had a decrease in recurring headaches. Studies have substantiated that decrease, thus it is now used to prevent headaches in persons with recurring headaches especially migraines.

I have found that, in my experience that there are better prophylactic medications, but the propranolol may help until your husband can see the neurologist.

Headaches are complex issues and have many causes and triggers. The mechanism of migraines have not been confirmed but there are new theories about the cause which have changed how they are treated.

Prior to your husbands appointment go to this site:

www.headaches.org

Under the patient section and educational resources tab you will find a printable headache diary. Have your husband start filling this out prior to seeing the neurologist. Also look at the diet section for an idea of which foods may trigger his headaches. There is also a section on how to talk to your headache doctor, this can give you ideas of the kinds of information which will be needed to help your husband and you can have the information ready.

Headaches are treatable, and can be reduced in frequency with proper therapies. These include medication diet and non medication therapies like accupuncture and biofeedback.

Trying the propranolol to see if it works. This is part of the method for finding the right medications for your husband.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Propranolol is a blood pressure lowering medication. It may or may not help him. Probably not. The doctor will keep giving him things to try until he finds one that works. The one that worked for me was Fiorinal (butalbital and aspirin). There is also Fioricet (butalbital and Tylenol) but it doesn't work as well. The doctors often cop out and give the patient Fioricet, because of some strange set of circumstances that made Fiorinal a schedule III controlled substance. Fioricet is a schedule VI. So if this happens, I would suggest trying the Fioricet. If it works a little, then ask the doctor for some Fiorinal. Taking aspirin with the Fiorinal, somehow isn't the same. I don't understand why. Maybe it has something to do with where in the digestive tract the medicine is designed to be released, but I really don't know why it isn't the same.

Answer 4

Propranolol (Inderal) is used for several things, and it is one of the drugs that I happen to take it for my migraines. I take 120 mg twice daily as a matter of fact. See the following website for more info on this drug......
http://www.medicinenet.com/propranolol/article.htm

There are several other meds that can be used for migraines. One that might be used is Topamax, which is also used as a seizure med, but is very effective for migraine sufferers. I already take Topamax for pain in my legs so the Inderal was added because of that reason. There are other drugs too. The Inderal and Topamax are in the 'preventative' category whereas there are drugs like Imitrex that are available but only work to relieve a migraine that is already present. Your husband's Neurologist will work with him to figure out what is best for him, and this may take some time to figure out the best dosage.

Good luck, and best wishes

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Migraine is vascular or vaso-spastic headache, propranolol's action in migraine is probably as a central vasodilator, it will keeps the vessels open and in this way act as a migraine preventative. I must say on terms of efficacy, I would put it as a poor second choice to Sanomigran, although this may heve been avoided as it can cause sedation and weight gain.

Answer 7

Propranolol is also a blood pressure medication. It has been found to help treat migraines. I along with many medications, this is one that I have tried to stop my migraines, and I am currently taking it for a second time.

Just remind your husband to be patient in finding a medication that works for him. I am currently doing my second round of the same meds. Sooner or later they will find one that helps.

Answer 8

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RE:
Propranolol and its effectivesness in migraine treatment?
How does it work and what does it do????

My husbands just been referred to a Neurologist...finally and in the meantime the Doc has prescribed these...how will they help him?

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Propranolol
Trade names:Deralin, Inderal.
Drug class:Beta blocker.
Uses:High blood pressure, angina, over-active thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, heart attack, prevention of migraine, tremors, phaeochromocytoma, prevention of anxiety-related symptoms(eg. stag fright, exam nerves).
Dosage:10 to 320mg a day.
Forms:Tablets of 10, 40 & 160mg.
Precautions:Should be used in pregnancy(c) only if medically essential. Safe to use in breast feeding. May be used with caution in children. Use with care if suffering from alcoholism, liver or kidney failure, heart failure, diabetes or about to have surgery.
Do not take if:Suffering from asthma or related allergic conditions. Suffering from uncontrolled heart failure, shock, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, or enlarged right heart. If undertaking prolonged fast.
Side Effects:Common - Low blood pressure, slow heart rate, cold hands & feet, asthma. Unusual - Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, impotence, tiredness, sleeplessness, nightmares, rash, loss of libido, hair loss, noises in ears. Severe but rare - (stop medication, consult doctor):Severe asthma.
Interactions:Other drugs - Calcium channel blockers, disopyramide, clonidine, adrenaline, other medications for irregular heartbeat, lignocaine, ergotamine, indomethacin, chlorpromazine.
Prescription:Yes
PBS:Yes
Permitted in sport:No
Overdose: Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, asthma & heart failure may result. Administer activated charcoal or induce vomiting if tablets taken recently. Use Salbutamol or other asthma sprays for difficulty in breathing. Seek medical assistance.
Other information: An amazing drug that can help an extraordinarily wide range of problems. Except for asthmatics, very safe & effective. First developed in 1960's.