Has anyone with RA/PsA etc also taken pizotifen for migraines and cluster headache?
My life is quite pointless at the moment and cluster heads are getting worse. My referral to migraine clinic was refused as it was out of my area and my neurologist appointment not for another 8 months, at least. I was prescribed Propranolol a while ago which I only took for 2 days as I was instatnly chilled, and then after reading the leaflet saw that it shouldn't be taken if you have Raynaud's (which I do). The alternative was topiramate which is commonly known as Dopamax for obvious reasons. How that is considered a suitable alternative especially with young kids to look after is beyond me. You're either out of action because of migraines/CH or the drugs. It's pathetic. Apparently most neurologists no longer prescribe these outdated drugs.
So I called the GP in desperation and was given pizotifen - which rang a bell from the mists of time. I think I may have been offered it years ago but was probably breast feeding or pregnant. I made the mistake of looking at the leaflet for best time of day to take it and saw that weight gain was the most prevalent side effect and of course doziness.
I have been reading lots and lots and lots of accounts of taking piz and EVERY SINGLE one of them said they had weight gain even though they ate the same, less and/or started exercising more. It is in fact marketed under a different name as a weight gain drug!!! So how is that going to help with arthritis and joints???
I'm at the end of my tether. I had hoped that perhaps my head problems were related to the RA/PsA and that hydroxy would stop them. I've only taken 2 and already I can feel the drowsiness. I just can't be bothered to do anything and struggled to get out of bed this morning. I feel so sorry for my children especially my daughter, all they see is me being out of it. Being on lockdown has made absolutely no difference to me. I've already lost my social life and all hope of a decent job.