Migraine management

[woodlog]

I'm seventy and have had severe migraine all my life. I'm currently on my fifteenth cycle of Botox treatment and I also have a nerve stimulator. I mention these facts just to indicate that I've tried just about everything. There have been dozens of prophylactics over the years, from Amitriptyline to Epilim, Gabapentin to Topiramate. In every case, the side effects eventually proved so unpleasant and life draining that I had to give them up. Topiramate was very effective but it badly affected my memory and cognition and gave me five very painful kidney stones in three years and the hospital withdrew the drug. No kidney stones since.

Recently, I was prescribed Amlodipine for the second time and so far the results have been transformative. It's still early days, just five weeks, but I can't recall another period in my life when I've had zero migraines.

[Hidden]

Hi Woodlog,

I'm 63 and have had migraines regularly (2-3 times a week). Like you I've tried so many meds, too many to list. Topiramate worked for me for about 4 years and I felt "normal" - I had a social life, my home was organized, I had hobbies, etc. Now it no longer works.

Thank you for mentioning Amlodipine. You have given me hope.

[Lee1]

Hi Woodlog

I am 60. I have had migraines since I was 10. Some of my earlier migraines were hormonal but then I discovered I also had several food allergies that caused them. Everyone told me they would stop once I went thru menopause. It’s just they got worse. Now I have daily. Even when I quit taking the meds to clear my body I’m still in pain. I take the meds just so I can do my job. Some days I don’t know what to do. I know my Grandmother had them and she had always had them too. Unfortunately she went to a chiropractor and when he adjusted her neck he disturbed the aneurism she had and she died at age 36. So I always feel like everyday is a win even when I am in pain. I have changed my diet 5 times. Trying and reading these posts help. Thank you for All the Shares from the community.

Lee