Trouble finding meds that work

So, I've tried just about everything for my migraines. I can't take Topamax because it gives me UTI symptoms. I just recently figured this out when I had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic after taking three rounds and nothing working...because I had NO infection! Maxalt & Relpax work if combined with something like Lortab or Darvocet. The problem is that my neurologist will not give me any more of the narcotic pain medicine. Does anyone have any suggestions for other meds that may help, either preventative or as stop gap when the migraine starts...I'm at my wits end because I cannot miss work any more. I just want to have something that I can depend on working...is that too much to ask????

If your current neuro has nothing to offer in the way of preventatives other than topamax, s/he may be out of the loop a bit. There are so many things to try! Beta blockers, anti-depressant and even different epileptic class drugs...amongst many other ones (these are just a few types I can think of). I am on topamax but so many people here cannot tolerate it and use other preventatives.

Also a few members take a very effective (for them) vitamin cocktail that has the same type of results as a preventative would. I think Milo is one of them. Maybe she or someone else will chime in about the specifics. I know it is something like CoQ10, Magnesium and B12 but maybe one more and I'm not sure the dosing. It's worth a shot for sure! It even gained some medical study or commentary I believe, correct me if I'm wrong though!

Some people don't use preventatives at all. I am one of the people who are triptan intolerant. Imitrex, relpax, maxalt and the like just don't work. My saving grace for the last two years has been fioricet with codeine and stadol in emergencies. I made sure to find a doctor who cared as much as I did about my quality of life about this. They are out there, but sometimes hard to find. I know a few people go to pain management specialists and find great care.

I hope you feel better soon and find a combo that works for you. We are here for you

we are glad you found the best migraine forum anywhere!! people from several countries come here. you won't find miracle cures, but we are more than willing to share our experiences and, if you ask, give suggestions.

as a person who has had migraines for 41 years, i've (quite naturally) been through the gamut of med-trying. most don't do diddly for me, but when the triptans came on the market 18 or so years ago, they've been my saving grace.

there are seven; of the two you mention, maxalt works for me, and relpax does nothing. so my suggestion is.......try the other ones. ask for samples. most are still "brand name only", so samples might be available, but usually only through a neurologist.

if you haven't yet been to a neurologist, try to find a good one with an INTEREST in head pain. no, it's not too much to ask to have some quality of life!! neuros are usually more willing to give the heavy-duty drugs if you have tried lots of other things without success.

many people here have tried and can't take topomax. or else it gives them awful side effects, and no help with the head. there are lots of other preventives to try before giving up on that track. (personally, i've given up on that long ago).

as for the maxalt and relpax, make sure the doses you take are the maximum. i know maxalt comes in 5 and 10 mg. tablets. sometimes you need 2 pills, 2 hours apart, before you'll find relief. hopefully, you are able to experiment a little, with your doc's blessing. good fortune to you, dianne

oops, just realized you HAVE been to a neuro. after you've given him/her a good chance, try another one, please.

Otessa

After tryng practically everything, the only preventative that has worked for me is: natural progesterone (100 mg), vitamin D (5000 mg), magnesium (400 mg), iodide (12.5 mg), and omega-3. I've gone from chronic daily migraine (almost every day) to only 1 or 2 per month. All can be purchased without a prescription. Www.omega-1000.com is a good source.

For pain relief when you have a migraine though you really need to find a doctor who will prescribe a decent drug. Triptans or a narcotic. I see you are in Atlanta. Dr Leslie Kelman is considered the top Nuero for migraines there. You might give him a try.

Otessa,

My heart goes out to you. I went through just about every (well known) preventative out there and they either did nothing or the side effects were intolerable. I agree with the others, there are other triptans out there and what you are on you could have developed a tolerance to so they won't work any more. Otherwise, if those don't work, have you tried something in the ergot family? This is the other well known group that can help if triptans don't.

Personally, I did a trial of butterbur and I've gone from having an M every day to 3-4 days with one, 1-5 days off. Major improvement in my quality of life. I also ended up firing my neuro - got sick of him trying to kill me and am under the care of my gp. I use Maxalt and it doesn't completely kill it, but it will knock it down for a day so I can be functional. I also have fioricet for the worst that the Maxalt hasn't worked on.

The others have given you some good ideas. But if you have other questions, don't be afraid to ask. This forum is a wealth of knowledge from people who get what you are going through.

get a new DR. find one where you decide the treatment also. they are out there. try different meds.