New to forum, just an introduction frm me

[BambieT]

Migraine sufferer for 20+ years. Various meds in use since last only as previously undiagnosed. Topiramate which sent me loopy, Beta Blockers which lowered my already v.low blood pressure, now on Candesartin 6mg and Sumatriptan 50mg (but only allowed 6 per month) already had 4 this month 🤔🤔

Other than that I'm here to see what helpful tips i can pick up along the way.

[Lipstick2020]

Hi- I've migraines for over 20 yrs. So I understand the suffering and the med routines. Topamax worked for me for 6 months and then it stopped working. Beta blockers liqered my bp too much so I had to stop. Im not sure what Candesartin is since im in the states but I hope it works for you. Triptans used to give me chest pain and after age 40 the neuros dont like to Rx it. I think they can help with acute pain. I've tried many things but migraines are difficult to treat. I notice that I get dehydrated from migraine and so keep the fluid level way up is important- like 64 oz a day per neuro. Feel free to text me if you need support. I get it!

[RosaLo]

Hi BambiT. My experience is similar to yours. I'll keep it brief. For 40years I've struggled to find a cause and treatment. . I've benefitted a bit from diet and other lifestyle adjustments. Tried and rejected preventives after trying and suffering the side effects of different ones for many years. Taking Zomig when the pain is unbearable, which of course, caused rebound. I was in such a mess until Nov last year and quite desperate. GP offered Candesartan, increasing, now, to 16mgs. This has given me a dramatic new lease of life. I have taken 1 Zomig only since Christmas ( I took 4-5 a week before). I hear what you say about your blood pressure but perhaps 6mgs is a bit low to get any benefit. I know everyone responds differently to different treatments but it would be a shame not to give the Candesartan a good crack. All the very best to you. I thought the answer would never come and I hope yours comes very soon.

[laddy3 in reply to RosaLo]

This is good to know as I have just got a script for it am desperate had mig for 50 years 🙈🙈🙈🙈

[Chleo11]

Hi Bambie. It is very difficult this run around with prev medications. I haven't found one yet either. Candesartan does the same to me, at 8 mg I am about to faint several times a day because it lowers my blood pressure too much. Did your doc tell you that you are supposed to take it at night to try to minimise the side effects as much as possible? It helps you sleep a bit as well too. That said, I still don't get it how they think it can help if you don't have an issue with your blood pressure. Other thing is that it is supposed to loosen the blood vessels, allowing them to expand or narrow as necessary (in order to stop BP getting too high). However, letting blood vessels expand, in my books means: migraine. So, I'm lost on that one.

I don't really get on with any medic, unfortunately. It seems to work for 2-3 weeks (placebo effect?) and then it is back to normal (daily headaches and 7-8 migraines a month). I know, doctors hate me for that, I think they don't believe me how sick I get with medic. I have no other choice now than asking for Botox.

You need to decide between the level of side effects you are ready to put up with and the benefits of the drug. However, I start to think that when a drug gives you a lot of bad side effects, it won't work for your migraines because the side effects mean that the drug irritates your system and an irritated system gives you migraines.

You may benefit from changing your Triptan. Sumatriptan is very rough. I get so sick on it and the migraine coming after (there's always one it seems) makes me suicidal because it is so painful. Try to ask for a Triptan which may take longer to work but is softer and last longer. Remember ice as soon as you feel a headache is coming on.

You take care and keep on doing your own research so that you can ask the right questions to doctors.

[tomworm]

Keep trying. There will be something that works. Toprimate works for me. Been on it for over 4 years.

But I have to be careful. Diet and hydration seem to be a much bigger factor.

Keep up hope and you will find something