Here's the back story, please bare with me...
I suffer from terrible migraines, debilitating for 24-72hrs, with many episodes of violent vomiting during this time. I've even burst blood vessels in my face during these vomiting episodes. I've had these since puberty, just about every month, however they were more like very very bad headaches. I've tried acupuncture in the past; and being on the pill helped in the past too, but I don't know if the mini-pill is helping or not (currently using for menorrhagia, working fanstically for that).
The problem is, is that I have been increasingly suffering these migraines. Just this year alone (a mere 5 weeks) I have had 1x 48hr stint; 1x 72hr stint; and 1x 24hr stint. They all end up the same: home Doctor visit, to give me a shot of anti-vomiting and a shot of Phenergen to knock me out. This usually works, but for the 72hr one I had to get a 2nd round of shots. This can't continue. I have 2 beautiful young children (2 & 4) that need their mumma, especially when DH is away often for work.
My Dr believes these could be tension/stress migraines, and has prescribed me 10mg of Amitriptyline (antidepressant) to use a preventative (can increase to 20mg in a month or so if no change). I have apprehension about using it, but I can't go on like this. I don't deserve to be in a debilitative state, and seeing my babies worry when I am so unwell just breaks my heart. I have worries it'll turn me into a drowsy zombie; and I am worried it may have an adverse effect and make me feel worse (mentally/emotionally? I don't really know!). I don't want to be that kind of mum, as it's often just me and I need to be well and aware while my children are around.
Has anyone else been prescribed this (or similar) for migraines? Has it worked for you? Did you have other side effects or negative effects? I have spoken to a 2nd Doctor, and a pharmacist who knows me, and they all have told me that they have seen a great improvement in other people who also suffer migraines, by taking this daily. Please help a mumma out x
4 Replies
I understand the apprehension completely. Most people experience those sorts of side effects when starting an anti-depressant, however it doesn't tend to last - after a few weeks your body adjusts to the drug and the side-effects drop off.
I say you owe it to yourself to at least try because those migraines sound awful! Keep in contact with your doctor when you start so you can monitor for adverse effects (always a risk - not a massive one).
Good luck x
I've been suffering migraines since puberty to. Atleast 2 or 3 a month minimum. Have your doctors spoken to you about maxalt wafers? It's the only thing that works for me. Gets rid of all pain within an hour of taking them. If I don't take them I'll be in agony for days nothing helps worth a try if you havnt before
I suffer cluster headaches and migraines and couldn't take the pill for that reason. I would seek a second opinion for sure! I was also put on headache preventative tablets at one stage. Good luck! !
I suffer cluster headaches and migraines and couldn't take the pill for that reason. I would seek a second opinion for sure! I was also put on headache preventative tablets at one stage. Good luck! !