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Migraine/severe headache meds that don't aggravate your UC?

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Posted 12/2/2015 6:32 AM (GMT -5)
I've been having really severe headaches nearly daily since upping to my full dose of Imuran. It's impossible to tell whether this classifies as a migraine or not, since I also have vertigo and nausea. I think they're all from the Imuran, but taken together, all of these side effects are indistinguishable from a migraine.

I know NSAIDs are a no-no (particularly because I only have one kidney). I've tried taking a single Excedrin Migraine out of desperation and it didn't help at all. I'm on day 3 of this headache and I'm leaving work early to see my GP. What do you migraine sufferers recommend as far as non-NSAID prescriptions with no GI side effects?

I've tried everything over-the-counter: acetaminophen, caffeine, hydrating, eating something small in case it's blood sugar-related, pressure points and massage. I have leftover oxycodone from my last ER visit, but opioids tend to cause rebound headaches and the nausea has made me throw up a few times this week, even with Zofran.
Posted 12/2/2015 8:51 AM (GMT -5)
As crazy as it sounds...I use Vicks vapor rub. I've suffered from migraines since my teens. After my uc diagnosis I had to pitch execedrin and thought I would never survive. But Vicks has saved me.

Rub some under your nose, temples and on the back of your head ( or wherever your pain is radiating from) just don't get it under or near your eyes!

If you haven't already-nix ALL caffeine and chocolate. I had many caffeine rebound headaches. Hence excederin working because of its caffeine content.

I feel for ya. They are debilitating at times.
Posted 12/2/2015 9:55 AM (GMT -5)
I had the same problem for a while. Mine is from anemia apparently but I take gabapentin. The dizziness and pressure in the back of my head make it impossible to do anything. Go to bed with it and it's there in the morning. I was getting seriously depressed about it.
Posted 12/2/2015 10:07 AM (GMT -5)
I was able to get on birth control that managed my hormones and the migraines went away. It is hard. I went to a neurologist, and she was able to give me an antidepressant, which was incredible for managing my migraines. For me, the hormone thing was a lot easier and no one came up with it, it was something I happened on myself. You should try going to a neurologist. They have a lot of meds that you wouldn't be able to get otherwise. I tried a ton of tripthans and none worked well for me. The only things that helped was stopping my period and antidepressant.
Posted 12/2/2015 10:21 AM (GMT -5)
Hormones are many times a problem for migraines, especially if on birth control or a steroid systemic medication.

You could try a sinus rinse to help keep sinuses and Eustachian tubes clear in case there's something going on in there and influencing as a trigger.

Neck problems could be an issue....I get headaches mostly from that. Smells can trigger headaches as well as squinting or possibly eye issues.

I agree with seeing a neurologist and/or allergist and/or endocrinologist.

I know of some who have been helped by using Singulair.

Keep us posted how you're doing. You have a lot of issues going on and it would be helpful for a specialist who is willing to get it sorted.

Oh, have you had an MRI done of your head? if not...maybe that's one thing to push for.

q
Posted 12/2/2015 10:34 AM (GMT -5)
I used to suffer from migraines for years (I almost think it was worse than UC....almost.) The migraine medicine was horrendous. Anyway, out of desperation, I decided to try botox. Best thing I ever did. I no longer get migraines unless I wait too long for my next appointment. It wears off in 3-4 months. Insurance does cover it. But botox only works for people who suffer from frontal migraines. If you get headaches toward the back of the head then I was told it is less successful. You also have to go to a doctor that specializes in headaches. The points done for cosmetic reasons are completely different. My doctor was part of the first study over 10 years ago on the effectiveness of botox on headaches.

I started this 3 years ago. added bonus - I don't have a single wrinkle. And yes, it does look natural. I can frown and wrinkle my forehead just fine. No one can tell. Con - it hurts! My doctor does a million points on my head. oh and you are basically injecting botulism in your head. You have to be ok with that. I am also not sure you can get insurance to cover it without a history of migraines. It is worth a shot though.

I never got headaches on imuran but I am not sure it is possible for me to get a headache. Botox freezes the pathways that cause a headache. It is pretty much the best headache medicine you can take IMO.
Posted 12/2/2015 7:29 PM (GMT -5)

quincy said...


Keep us posted how you're doing. You have a lot of issues going on and it would be helpful for a specialist who is willing to get it sorted.

Oh, have you had an MRI done of your head? if not...maybe that's one thing to push for.

q

Thanks for the suggestions, all. Botox sounds amazing. No more headaches and looking less sick and exhausted? Sign me up.

quincy - yeah, I think multiple issues are part of the problem. Despite working in the same hospital system, none of my specialists seem to communicate. My nephrologist recently noticed that I'd been given Toradol for a migraine (I didn't know it was basically a giant NSAID) and was pretty upset about it, for instance. I try to stay on top of all of these issues myself.
It also makes it borderline impossible to escape negative drug side effects. Between the genetic disease (SDHB pheochromocytoma), the uni-kidney, PCOS, UC, adhesions, I never know how I'll react to drugs. Per my doctor, I'm literally the only person alive with this combination of problems. Every prescription is a terrible new adventure.
Posted 12/2/2015 7:54 PM (GMT -5)
I have no idea why, but antihistamines (Zyrtec, Benadryl, etc) help my migraines.
Posted 12/2/2015 8:20 PM (GMT -5)
L rachel...hows your blood pressure?
q
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