Rebound migraine

[color=blue][color=green]Hello,
I am new to this forum, but in search for some answers. I hope someone out there may be able to help. I have had migraines since the age of 8. I have been on every migraine drug out there, practically. I am at the point now, where nothing helps. Imitrex worked for many years, but then stopped. Since then I was given Topamax, which worked wonders. I was on it for about 7 years until it caused a large kidney stone to develop, and I had to stop taking it. Since then, I have tried Elavil, which made me feel like a zombie. I have tried Maxalt, Fiorinol, Amerge, everything I can think of. I have even had shots of Toradol. I am on my 8th day of a migraine and had to come home from vacation. The doctor is referring me to a neurologist, but I am laid off, so that won't be approved. Excedrin has been the only thing to work as of late, except now I think I am getting rebound headaches. As soon as it wears off, on comes another one. Has anyone ever had this happen? What can I do to break the cycle, yet not have this awful pain? Vicodin has stopped working as well. I am in such pain with a migraine and stiff neck, that I don't know what to do anymore. The doctor just said, "what more do you expect me to do?" which I thought was terrible. Anyway, thanks for your help.[/color] [/color]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry you had to find us.

I have very little to suggest. The only thing I can think of that you didn't list is fioricet. I use that when nothing else works and it helps. Otherwise, perhaps ibuprofen and a cup or two of coffee?

Sorry I don't have more to offer. But what your doctor said to you is awful and I'd look for another doctor anyway. That attitude is not something you need to deal with.

None of the triptans work for me, but Midrin (or its generics) have really helped. You didn't mention them in your list so I thought I'd suggest it.

I am sorry you are having such a rough time. You've found a group of people here that really do understand.

Welcome. Have a look around the site, as there are many things that some of us do that you do not mention in your post including vitamins, botox and other treatments. Botox is likely out if you are laid off though, as it's very pricey.

You have also tried some of the anti-seizure meds, but what about anti-depressants? Many people find these helpful for chronic pain.

Again, have a good look around the site as many people have found some success with certain things, much more then any one of us could jot down in a reply.

Welcome again.

yes, have experinced the rebound, a lot of people do when they take meds every day and then keep waking up with yet anohter bad head every day. you do need to try and get to see a neuro. i get head injs which work for 8 weeks and keep me meds free for that period then i hit the meds again till the next one. to get out of the rebound heads you just have to come off all meds and its complete purgatory and you write 3 weeks off your life , well i did as i lived in the bathroom vomitting and enduring pain like ive never had it as i withdrew from the meds then slowly emerged with the migs getting further apart and they then tried a different drug which wrked after id cleared all my liver out!! theres no easy way. good luck with finding a neuro, one whos a headache specialist. big hug.

Have you tried DHE? It is my magic solution.

Michelle, i suffered for 6.5 years. many drs talked about rebound but i would go 2-3 weeks without anything to see if it was so.

I still had daily headache with Migraine 4-5 week. But after all my med attempts I had some relief with 5-htp {over counter}

and I found almost complete relief{ 9 months } with clonidine 3 x day. Its a four dollar a month perscription most places.

I have read here how we have to keep trying things as we all get relief from different things. I hope you get some soon.

I am so sorry for the pain your experiencing. I too have had migraines since I was 9. I have tried all the anti depressants and topamax. I as well had an attack of kidney stones. Having a history of kidney stones since 1986, my doctor should have never put me on this drug.

I have tried Midrin and Fioricet and have found incredible relief.

My very best to you with your pain.

If your doctor said"what more do you expect me to do?", then do some research and come up with your own suggestions for treatments and prescriptions. If the doctor is not interested in listening to you, get another one. That is my two cents. Sorry that you are in so much difficulty right now and I hope things improve.