Propranolol for migraines

[Pompom6]

I have just been started on this for long term migraine reduction/prevention, about to start the 80mg slow release once a day. I wondered what others experience of this was?

[Gambit62]

Experience from many years ago - was prescribed for high blood pressure and I noticed that it reduced my migraines at the time. Later tried it specifically for migraines but it didn't seem to work as well then.

[Pompom6 in reply to Gambit62]

Interesting....that's weird isn't it? Are you free from or at least less migrainey now?

[Gambit62 in reply to Pompom6]

complicated situation as I also have autoimmune gastritis leading to B12 deficiency which made situation worse and I have been through menopause which meant that hormone changes became less significant - no long have hypertension (unless GP checks my blood pressure ie white coat syndrome). May have been B12 deficiency that meant that the second trial with propanalol didn't work.

[Pompom6 in reply to Gambit62]

Ah yes B12 deficiency is so often a factor, I know so many women during and after menopause that are dealing with that.

[Cat00]

Propranolol is usually the first drug you get put on as a preventative, it was for me too. For most of us it likely didn't work otherwise we wouldn't be on a migraine forum years later sadly but that's chronic migraines for you.It is a beta blocker and considered safe and with low sideeffects but it can take weeks/months to work so you have to be patient, otherwise you won't know if you're just at the wrong dose or it just needs more time etc.

[Pompom6 in reply to Cat00]

Thank you. Yes, I am patient but also know I'll need menopause intervention before then which might further mess with migraines. I wish I'd been put on HRT to begin with as that might sort everything out anyway.

[Cat00 in reply to Pompom6]

Ah yes currently in perimenopause myself, 5 weeks of migraines everyday followed by almost the longest time I've had without a migraine for in 30 years- two weeks! Only, today, to get my period again, within 18 days of the last one.I'm normally very regular. Hormones and migraines are the worst combination. Plus I most likely can't go on HRT bc of a gene mutation I have, even though bc of Osteopenia I would normally definitely be put on it.

Although I am told there is hope of my chronic migraines going away after menopause, so you never know!

[Pompom6 in reply to Cat00]

Yep, menstruation was one of the main causes of my migraines. I've got other issues that HRT need to help (dementia in family) so I'm eager to get that in place and hoping all the aches, pains, itching and hot flushes go too!

[Cat00 in reply to Pompom6]

It's a shame you couldn't get the HRT first bc you may not need the Propranolol if the HRT works?Although I have read a study that suggests Propranolol could be useful for people at risk of Alzhiemers...

[Pompom6 in reply to Cat00]

Oh really?? That is interesting! Well I was started on amitriptyline but I got very ill on it, now trialing propranolol. Been getting crazy hot flushes this last week. Basically getting older sucks, there seems to be a new thing going wrong every few weeks 🙃

[Cat00 in reply to Pompom6]

The article said it might be good for people with high blood brain permeability, but I have no idea beyond the basic meanings of those words! Weirdly because I've been ill my whole life I've not suffered the getting old thing because my body has never really functioned well, so at least there's that I guess...

[Pompom6 in reply to Cat00]

😭 I'm so sorry you have to go through that.

[Lindeknit]

I have been on propranolol for a couple of years. I also have a familial tremor, which this drug is meant to treat. I’ve tried various dosing regimes and formulations . Presently I take 40 mg morning and lunchtime, and 80 mg long acting after supper. I’ve found that I really struggle with fatigue and no energy on 80 mg LA so taking it in the evening helps, as does splitting the regular acting dose so I can function in the day. I’ve noticed no difference in migraines with this alone. I’ve been on all the other suspects for prevention and treatment and have finally settled on Ajovy injections. This has reduced frequency to about 6 a month, and intensity to leaving me slow but more or less functional.

[Pompom6 in reply to Lindeknit]

Thank you for sharing! See this is the thing, I happened to have a really bad one with a week and a half of headaches and migraines afterwards. Usually I have one maybe once every 2 weeks, also depends on weather so sometimes more, sonetines less. I don't really feel they are that regular or impacting my life so the idea of going on a slow release pill every single day seems to be a bit much.

[Maryking]

was prescribed them years ago by a well intentioned GP a the time as there was nothing else to offer. No use whatsoever.

[Pompom6 in reply to Maryking]

Oh no! Well apparently I was prescribed this years ago when I first started getting them but it wasn't explained what they were or how it might help. I'm guessing it didn't help then but hey, unless I get bad side effects I will keep on for a few months, see what happens.

[md5299]

Candesartan may work better. Candesartan is a tablet that is often used to lower blood pressure. However, if you are prescribed this medicine, it does not mean your doctor is treating your blood pressure. This medicine can also be used to treat other conditions including migraine. They do not work as painkillers during an attack, but if taken regularly, they can reduce the number of migraine attacks. Trials have shown it to be effective in reducing the number of migraine attacks and although Candesartan is not licenced in the UK for migraine, it is widely used in Headache Clinics and by GPs for migraine treatment.

[Pompom6 in reply to md5299]

Thank you. It does seem there is a link with these kind of tablets, and luckily I have no heart problems hence me being put on them for migraine help only. I want to keep an eye on it all, been feeling sleepy but that is beta blockers!