Hi, can anyone recommend a good otc product for migraine that works. I have had migraines for many years and have always relied on migraleve which worked well enough for me so that I often didn’t even need the follow up yellow tablet. However it has been unavailable for months now and the pharmacies tell me it has not been discontinued but they just cannot get hold of it. I used to get it on prescription and my doctor, when asked, told me to just take paracetamol followed by co codamol. But paracetamol is never strong enough for me and co codamol gives me a spaced out head. I also often need the anti emetic that is included in migraleve which I don’t get with the paracetamol combo. Any recommendations would be greatly received as I am running out of my tiny hoard rapidly and starting to panic! 
Alternative for migraleve?: Hi, can anyone... - Migraine Support
Alternative for migraleve?
Hi Kariss, Just ended a bout with a migraine this evening. Started at 10am and ended at 8:30 tonight. Took 4 drops of CBD oil at 2:00pm but did nothing this time.This migraine didn't follow the same pattern as the others, which is ,they start around 2-3am and last 5-7 hours. Have tried Tramadol,Nortriptyline,Tramadol and Gabapentin, each for a few months, none never reduced the pain. So, not so sure about the CBD oil and migraines.
Oh dear, poor you! I can’t say the cbd has helped my headaches and migraines either. I’m still on the lowest dose so may up it a little just to see if that helps. However as I generally feel better on it than I was, I’m happy to continue. Don’t give up yet, i found it takes a while to start working so it may just be taking its time to get into your system, although I know it’s not for everyone. Hope you’re feeling better soon. K
Sorry writing this very quickly. You should be able to get a prescription for sumatriptan and also an anti-emetic from your go. Investigate gastric stasis with migraine. I am prescribed domperidone and Frovatriptan, their are lots of other triptans you can be prescribed too. Also the national migraine centres top tip is 3 soluble aspirin with coke, for some people that’s enough but others need the domperidone (anti-emetic). Go see them if you can they are fantastic. Also never take triptans for more a than 8-9 days/month and maximum 14 drug days a month total to prevent medication overuse. There are lots of preventatives to try too, drug based, lifestyle, vitamins (riboflavin 400mg, magnesium, CoQ10), herbs (feverfew) and alternative treatments. Hope you find something soon 
Lots of good advice, thank you! The doctors have been so busy investigating my inflammatory arthritis that other problems, like my migraines seem to have been put to one side! The gastric stasis is an interesting consideration. As I have IBS as well it may well be worth me looking into that. I am signed onto the National Migraine Centre too so that’s another possibility although I am not allowed aspirin with my current other meds so that’s a non starter sadly. Shame as I always found aspirin better that paracetamol for many things. I will be doing some research into your recommendations. Many thanks.
I am using Feverfew 3x daily ( didn't work when I tried 2x) and magnesium glycinate. This is a very specific type of magnesium that really works for me. I have far few migraines and less painful than before the medication. I rareful get a migraine more painful than a 6 out of 10 now.
Hope this helps!
I agree, feverfew is really good! I actually grow it in my garden and find that three fresh green leaves are quite effective. It tastes absolutely vile, really bitter, but I either infuse it with a drink to take the edge off it or roll it up into a tiny pill and swallow it, or hide it to a sandwich. I don’t know if tablet form is more effective but I could give that a go. I do also use magnesium oil in a spray form for my aches and pains but I think that’s a different thing so maybe could try out the magnesium glycinate too (if my doctor allows it!) Thank you.
As soon as I started to take 3 pills a day it worked really well.
migraineagain.acemlnb.com/l...
I linked an article specifically about using the right type of magnesium. This is why I switched to the magnesium glycinate instead of what I was using. Good luck
Thank you, I will take a look. I’m always keen on giving alternative medicines a try.
Hi maybe try a low histamine diet . This can help symptoms and reduce dependence on painkillers
Try sumatriptan, also available on prescription. & ask your Gp to prescribe an anti-emetic.
Yes I was thinking of asking for that one, my daughter used to have it - (also a migraine sufferer.) currently I use travel bands to help with my sickness, they work really well but an anti-emetic would be a good idea to keep on hand too. Thanks for your reply.
Know your triggers and avoid them. Mine are strong smells, chocolate, over heating and neck strain.
Drink enough, most don’t, and dehydration is a trigger for everyone.
Check your pillows! Weird I know but if my pillows are hard or flat it increases my migraines.
Invest in a cool gel pillow. If you feel one coming on lying on the pillow can halt a migraine in its tracks. Stops the blood vessels swelling. A dairy piercing reduces attacks for some people. My friend got one and her migraines have halved in frequency.
If all else fails I take Panadol with caffeine, the red one. Works every time. All the medicines prescribed by the consultant, last one being topiramate daily as a preventive. did not work. They made the migraine less severe but last longer, leaving me with what I call a migraine hangover. That’s exhausted and drained for at least a day or two. These are things that worked for me. I truly hope you find what works for you. Stay strong.
Hi Aishahb5364,
Thank you for responding. That is all very good advice. I do recognise most of my triggers but sometimes I’m taken by surprise and the headaches get a hold before I can prevent them, usually when I’m out and about and don’t have the means to halt it in its tracks! I also get aura which lets me know one is one the way. I’m limited in which medication I can take as I’m also on methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis (and also other drugs) and have to be careful of contraindications. Unfortunately the methotrexate causes a lot of the headaches (it’s one of the prime side effects) and so far my RA hasn’t responded to other drugs so I have to stay on it. I also can’t tolerate caffeine due to heart arrhythmia but I might give the Panadol a try alone. I know exactly what you mean about the migraine hangover where you feel so relieved it’s gone but totally useless to do anything much the next day! I agree about the pillows too - I use a small memory foam one and often take it with me if I’m staying away as hotel ones easily bring on an attack! I’m currently on amitriptyline low dose to see if it helps but not working well so far, so I think I will have to book another appointment with the doctor to discuss all this!
Wet a face towel and freeze it in a plastic bag. Pop it in your hand bag on your way out in case of a migraine. Placed on the back of the neck for five minutes or so should lessen the severity of the attack until you can get home. I have arrhythmia and take medication but find the Panadol the lesser evil. I stopped all my other medication due to Kidney disease, cancer, and have found that my migraines decreased. I only take 2 at the start of the migraine and it usually prevents it developing. Everyone is different and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another person. I hope you find some relief soon.
Thank you, that’s a really good idea, I would never have thought of that! I’ve used headache sticks and tiger balm before to cool down my head but they are nowhere as good as a cold wet flannel! I will definitely try the Panadol too, you never know it might work well for me! Take care, it sounds like you’ve had a lot to cope with. X
A big dollop of tiger balm on the back of the neck as well as the temples helps me.
I used to get aura and then sick headaches followed by a day of feeling really down (my father was similar and said he felt suicidal the day after.) Discovered that my trigger was caffeine in coffee, but not tea. I cut out the standard coffee and migraines went from 1 per week to 1 per 18 months. Now on heart tablets following having stents fitted and no migraine for 3 years (hope that's not tempting fate).
Good luck
Yes, I cut out caffeine some years ago, except for the tiny amount you get in decaf tea and a guilty bit of chocolate every now and then. It definitely helps! I can’t do coffee at all and don’t like the taste much so that’s not a problem. Apart from these my migraines are usually triggered by bright lights, smells (eg.department store perfume area! A definite avoid tactic needed here!) and missing out on regularly timed meals. You sound as though you are doing well now though, hope it carries on so for you. Best wishes. K
Please help!!! Is there anybody else with something like this?
Weaning off Topiramate and starting Rizatriptan
Question about “ocular” migraines.
