Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Migraine treatment tips

So I've learned (possibly more than I ever wanted to know) about migraines lately. Here's some tips if you're getting them:

  1. Everyone is different, so this list isn't anywhere near definitive.
  2. Nasal sprays don't work.
  3. Neither do (normal) antidepressants. e.g. Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, etc
  4. Opiates (vicodin, percocet, oxycontin, etc) don't work. But they do make you not care which can be your last option at times.
  5. Maxalt (rizatriptan) is pretty effective and works quickly. Maybe 3/4 of the time it can kill a migraine.
  6. Supplements apparently can help prevent migraines. If you're getting more than eight a month, try petadolex / butterbur, riboflavin, coenzyme Q, or magnesium. Petadolex is sold in approximately the right doses (usually with riboflavin). Riboflavin you want 200mg/day twice a day. Ditto Coenzyme Q. Magnesium I'm not as clear what works.

1 comment:

Jack Nutting said...

Just to toss in my two cents:

Excedrin migraine pills are the bomb. My understanding is that they're basically a mix of aspirin, tylenol, and caffeine. I take two, lie down in a dark, quiet place for 20-30 minutes, and I'm good as new!