Re: Migrains
From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 29 Sep 1999 20:18:03 -0500 (CDT)
At Wed, 29 Sep 1999, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote:
>
>I also get continous migrains which I take Propranolol (generic for
>Inderal)daily. It does help but once my cycle starts it's normal for me
>to have a headache for at least 3 days straight night/day. So bad that
>I have Vicodin prescribed to me and that just takes the edge off. I
>seem to think it has something to do with my period but my Dr. doesn't
>agree. Should I get a second opinion?
You have frequent migraines with exacerbation with menses. A second
opinionfrom a neurologist may be helpful. The use of NSAIDs (Motrin,
Anaprox) for a day or two, prior to the period, has been a great help
for some. There has also been some new info about Botox injections
under the putting off migraines in some for up to 3 months.
>I've been taking Propranolol for
>over 2 years now and my Dr. says it'll eventually go away or not,but
>not to worry since there really isn't anything wrong with taking the
>medication.
>But when the headaches come I am so misrable! They make me nausous and
>it's very hard to function. So you are not alone!
>DMCAt Mon, 21 Apr 1997, Debra wrote:
>>
>>At Sun, 20 Apr 1997, Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. wrote:
>>>
>>>At Fri, 18 Apr 1997, Debra wrote:
>>>>
>>>>My migraines are directly related to my cycle. I've been to many
>>>>different GYN's and Neurologists. I have yet to find an solution to the
>>>>pain. I've tried imetrix, cafregot... the list goes on. I've have all
>>>>the test including an MRI. When not on the pill, I experienced dots and
>>>>lines in my vision along with my headaches, so I went back on. When on
>>>>the pill I still get headaches on my "off" days. My latest attempt from
>>>>a GYN was to put me on Depo Prevera. This helped only about 10% more
>>>>than the pill, however, I've been a little depressed (no up or high
>>>>days), irritable, and I have absolutly no sex drive. My search has
>>>>lasted over 8 years. I'm very frustrated. I feel like no doctor wants
>>>>to deal with me the GYN's send me to the Neurologist and vice versa.
>>>>What do I do next? Someone else must have the same problem.
>>>
>>>Debra,
>>>My heart goes out to you. Not only do I treat these as a physician, but
>>>it runs in my family - 5 generations - menstrual migraines mainly, but
>>>at other times too. I know how this can affect your ENTIRE life.
>>>I don't know if yhou've tried the following (since it seems like you've
>>>done everything possible so far) but here goes: Caveat - These are daily
>>>medications used as a preventative.
>>>
>>>Inderal (and if unable to take for a variety of medical conditions or if
>>>it didn't work):
>>>
>>>Verapamil (a calcium channel blocker for hypertension, found out by
>>>coincidence to prevent migraines)
>>>
>>>Amytriptiline (an anti-anxiety medication which is used to potentiate
>>>(make it work better) the Verapamil)
>>>
>>>Sansert (serious side effects including pulmonary fibrosis (treatment
>>>limited to 6 months))
>>>
>>>Periactin (major complaint is weight gain - I mean major!)
>>>
>>>If, indeed your body is responding a change in hormones rather than a
>>>drop in hormones, constant hormone therapy with a withdrawl bleed every
>>>4 months (this is safe) can be done. Also, some people have written
>>>about pre treating the menstrual migraine to prevent it.......kind of
>>>like pre treating a stain so it never forms. Medications like Motrin
>>>800mg or Anaprox DS can be used, starting treatment 2-3 days prior to
>>>when you expect your period/migraine. This has worked on a significant
>>>number of my patients. Good luck with this vexing problem.
>>>
>>>--
>>>Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
>>>OBGYN.net U.S. Representative, New York
>>>Great Neck, New York
>>>
>>>*Note: Opinions expressed here are for educational purpose only.
>>>This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
>>>consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options.
>>>
>>Thanks for the info Dr.Marchbein. I have tried Amitriptliene in a very
>>low dose though, (I was part of a study) and I have tried the Motrin
>>daily. I would like to discuss the other options with a physician but
>>just moved to Rochester MN and I don't usually have good luck finding an
>>understanding Dr. like yourself. Any suggestions? My last doctor said,
>>"Why would you take Isocet, why not just take tylenol." She didn't quite
>>understand how painful a migraine is. Thanks
>>
>>--
>>debra
>>
--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
Great Neck, New York
**Note: Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
and/or interventions.
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