Migraine > Gastro Issues

[-MG-]

Hi all, any advice welcome on migraine treatments that don't cause gastro issues.

I have been through the triptans and tricyclics prescriptions (horrendous side effects). Tried SSRI (sertraline) and enjoyed early success with headaches and migraines dissipating.

I have previously had gastro/reflux issues, but through tablets (lanzoprazole), lifestyle and diet I have all but cleared up. However, 2 months into sertraline my reflux and intestinal flare ups have started again and so I have stopped taking sertraline as I cannot bear the prospect of gastro issues resurfacing.

Classic catch 22... do I want migraines or stomach issues!

Are there any SSRIs, other migraine medications, non-drug treatments, vitamins, etc that replicate SSRIs but do not cause gastro issues?

Obviously, I appreciate this is my case and we are all different - I am seeking advice from my GP.

As I say, any advice welcome.

Many Thanks

[kym46]

Hi MG

I suffer badly from migraines. About two weeks out of each month. I’ve hashimotos and back, neck issues and a frozen shoulder.

I’ve tried to manage pain with ibuprofen but that causes other problems. I’ve avoided taking anything else—I’ve never heard that anyone has really benefited so I can only assume it’s all about profit.

A month ago, I started taking 400mg a day magnesium ( twice daily and pill crushed with goats yogurt). And also ginger tablets 3x a day. So far, I’ve not had a migraine but it could be a coincidence. I’ve had a couple of minor headaches but that’s it.

I’m also now vegetarian and eat a lot of organic vegetables a day. Rarely drink alcohol and try to get out in nature as much as possible.

I don’t know if all this will help you. As you say, we’re all different. But I know what it’s like to struggle with ongoing chronic pain... you’re not alone.

Keep fighting,

Kim

[Cat00]

I use Zomig nasal sprays as all the other triptans hurt my stomach. I would only use sprays or injections now, I have IBS which comes and goes and floors me almost as much as migraines. I too am vegetarian but that's for ethical reasons. Exclusion diets have never made any difference to my migraines.

[Gambit62]

have you been checked for B12 deficiency.

the symptoms of low stomach acidity are more or less the same as high stomach acidity - including reflux. low stomach acidity is one condition that can interfere with absorption of B12 from food ... and B12 deficiency can cause migraine like headaches.

the most common cause of B12 deficiency is an autoimmune disorder of the gut called PA (pernicious anaemia - though the name is a bit of an historical misnomer coming from observation of a type of anaemia in early stages, but this is a symptom of the B12 deficiency that results). PA also results in low stomach acidity.

Lanzoprazole is a PPI which also reduces stomach acidity (though this isn't the actual mechanism that means it stops reflux.

both B12 deficiency and PA are incredibly difficult to diagnose because none of the tests are particularly accurate. Falling serum B12 levels over time are a good indicator of a B12 absorption problem though.

For me gut issues are actually the major and most unpleasant part of the attack phase of a migraine - enormous gut spasms that mean I need to be on the loo with a bowl when they hit.