100 different meds - don't give up

[Dizzyblonde]

Hi all,

and welcome to new members. Just brought this post by Jen forward, I think it’s fantastic. You can see just how many meds there are and how, because we’re all so different, we also have different experiences from them. Thanks Jen if you’re reading this , it’s great material as always.

regards everyone, Judy

Report this postReply with quote 100 meds for migraine, dont give up.
by jennyd on Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:06 am

hi every one ,for those of you who may have migraine or suspect mav.
if one med dosnt work look at this list.
from jen cheers

Headache and Migraine Preventives:
It’s Impossible to Have Tried Everything!
When discussing preventive medications, it’s not at all unusual to
hear someone with frequent Migraines or headaches say, “I’ve tried
everything!” In the reality of today’s headache and Migraine
medicine, that’s just not possible. As you can see from the list
below, there are over 100 medications and dietary supplements, as
well as at least one medical device, being used successfully for
headache and Migraine prevention. There are also virtually endless
combinations of them. Many people find that it’s not a single
medication or supplement that ends up being successful for them, but
a combination of preventives.
The following medications are being used successfully by some
headache and Migraine patients as preventive medications. They’re
listed first by their generic names, followed by some of their brand
names.

ANTIHYPERTENSIVES (blood pressure meds)
Alpha-2 agonists:

Clonidine, aka Catapres
Guanfacine, aka Tenex
ACE Inhibitors:

Benazepril, aka Lotensin
Captopril, aka Capoten
Enalapril, aka Vasotec
Fosinopril, aka Monopril
Lisinopril, aka Zestril, Prinivil
Moexipril, aka Univasc
Perindopril, aka Aceon
Quinapril, aka Accupril
Ramipril, aka Altace
Trandolapril, aka Mavik

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Medicaton:

Memantine, aka Namenda

Angiotensin II Inhibitors:

Candesartan, aka Atacand
Eprosartan, aka Teveten
Irbesartan, aka Avapro
Losartan, aka Cozaar
Olmesartan, aka Benicar
Telmisartan, aka Midcardis
Valsartan, aka Diovan

Beta Blockers:

Acebutolol, aka Secral
Atenolol, aka Tenormin
Betaxolol, aka Kerlone
Bisoprolol, aka Zebeta, Emconcor
Cartelol, aka Cartrol
Labetalol, aka Normodyne, Trandate
Metoprolol, aka Lopressor
Nadolol, aka Corgard
Penbutololm aka Levatol
Pindolol, aka Visken, Syn-Pindolol
Propranolol, aka Inderal
Timolol, aka Blocadren

Calcium Channel Blockers:

Amlodipine, aka Norvasc
Bepridil, aka Vascor
Diltiazem, aka Cardizem, Tiazac
Felodipine, aka Plendil
Flunarizine, aka Sibelium (Canada)
Isradipine, aka DynaCirc
Nicardipine, aka Cardene
Nifedipine, aka Adalat, Procardia
Nimodipine, aka Nimotop
Nisoldipine, aka Sular
Verapamil, aka Calan, Verelan, Isoptin

ANTIHISTAMINES:

Cyproheptadine, aka Periactin
Pizotifen, aka Sandomigran (UK)

ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs):

Amitriptyline, aka Elavil (discontinued), Endep
Amoxapine, aka Asendin
Clomipramine, aka, Anafranil
Desipramine, aka Norpramin
Doxepin, aka Sinequan
Imipramine, aka Norfranil, Tofranil
Nortriptyline, aka Pamelor, Aventyl
Protriptyline, aka Vivactil
Trimipramine, aka Surmontil
MAOI Antidepressants:

Isocarboxazid, aka Marplan
Phenelzine, aka Nardil
Tranylcypromine, aka Parnate
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):

Citalopram, aka Celexa
Escitalopram oxalate, aka Lexapro
Fluoxetine, aka Prozac
Fluvoxamine, aka Luvox
Paroxetine, aka Paxil
Sertraline, aka Zoloft
Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs):

Duloxetine hydrochloride, aka Cymbalta
Venlafaxine, aka Effexor, Effexor XR
Other Antidepressants:

Bupropion, aka Wellbutrin, Zyban
Mirtazepine, aka Remeron
Trazodone, aka Desyrel

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Meds:

Dextroamphetamine, aka Adderall
Atomoxetine HCl, aka Strattera
Methylphenidate HCl, aka Concerta, Ritalin
Pemoline, aka Cylert

ARTHRITIS MEDS
Cox-2 Enzyme Inhibitors:

Celecoxib, aka Celebrex

MUSCLE RELAXANTS:

Carisoprodol, aka Soma
Cyclobenzaprine, aka Flexeril
Lioresal, aka Baclofen
Metaxalone, aka Skelaxin
Tizanidine, aka Zanaflex

NEURONAL STABILIZING AGENTS (antiseizure meds)
Many people call this class of medications “antiseizure
medications.” Actually, these meds are neuronal stabilizing agents.
They work to stabilize the neuronal activity in the brain.
Considering that Migraineurs have overactive neurons in the brain
that, when a trigger is encountered, start firing in a wave and
start a chain reaction that produces the symptoms of a Migraine
attack, it makes sense to use them for Migraine prevention. These
meds are only antiseizure meds when they’re being used to prevent
seizure activity.

Carbamazepine, aka Tegretol
Clonazepam, Klonopin
Clorazepate, aka Tranxene
Divalproex, aka Depakote
Gabapentin, aka Neurontin
Levetiracetam, Keppra
Lamotrigine, aka Lamictal
Oxcarbazepine, Trileptal
Tiagabine, aka Gabitril
Topiramate, aka Topamax
Valproate Sodium, aka Depacon
Zonisamide, aka Zonegran
Pregabalin, aka Lyrica

ERGOT ALKALOID:

Methylergonovine, aka Methergine (the only ergot used as a
preventive)

LEUKOTRIENE BLOCKERS:

Montelukast, aka Singulair
Zafirlukast, aka Accolate
Zyleuton, aka Zyflo

OTHER:

Baclofen, aka Lioresal
Botulinum Toxin Type A, aka Botox
Memantine, aka Namenda

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS:

Coenzyme Q10
Feverfew
Butterbur, aka Petadolex
Magnesium
Vitamin B2
5-HTP (Check carefully with doctor because of interactions with meds
including triptans and SSRIs)
Lecithin
Melatonin

DEVICES:

The NTI Tension Suppression System, invented by Dr. Jim Boyd, has
proven quite effective for some people who have problems with
clenching or grinding their teeth in their sleep.

This list will be updated as more medications are successfully used
for headache and Migraine prevention. If you’re having problems
finding an effective preventive regimen, sharing this list with your
doctor may be helpful to you.

References:

Ramadan, Nahib M., MD; Silberstein, Stephen D., Md, FACP; Frietag,
Frederick G., DO; Gilbert, Thomas T., MD, MPH; Frishberg, Benjamin
M., MD. “Evidence-Based Guidelines for Migraine Headache in the
Primary Care Setting: Pharmacological Management for Prevention of
Migraine.” American Academy of Neurology Practice Guidelines.
September, 2000.jennyd

Posts: 683
Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2007 10:35 am
Location: Brisbane
Private message

[Onandon03]

This is a list which recurs on various threads over the last decade and tbh what a load of old tosh. Maybe it’s good in theory. Comes up bit short on the practice though I fear. Might be some medical evidence for some efficacy in about 25% of the prescribed medications listed. I’ll steer clear of the vitamins and supplements completely. Just checking out a couple groups I’m more familiar with I found evidence to support less than half the beta blockers listed, 2/11 Calcium Channel Blockers, 2/10 ACE Inhibitors, 2/9 ARBs which very quickly reduced the list considerably. Interestingly when I discussed an Add In to my Propranolol only last week with a New Face at our Surgery, told her I had valid contraindications for most ADs and wish to avoid anti-seizure meds, she burst out laughing before saying ‘Well, in that case, you’re stuffed!’. Helen

[Onandon03]

The more I think about it the sillier this list becomes. It really does seem misleading to me.

The first neuro I saw, neuro-otologist high flier, headache expert prescribed ‘preventatives’. My own GP chose betablockers. Later when pressed the neuro-oto listed: atenolol/propranolol, Sodium Valproate, Topiramate, Amtriptyline as possibles. The migraine specialist neuro: Sodium Valproate (her favourite and top choice for MAV), Amitriptyline and Propranolol. When I discussed this with the New Face she said Not Valproate, wouldn’t wish that on anybody. What you need to take is Topiramate. So it seems in general practice in the UK it’s beta blockers, ADs and anti-seizures and selective ones at that. Indeed just a chosen few. Helen

[flutters]

I feel stuffed, too. Tried them and failed them (as classes of meds). I reckon there are maybe 6 more I’m willing to try, though they are getting into the side effects are worse than MAV territory on the bottom of the list.

[Onandon03]

Six more? Really? Now I am intrigued. I’ve thought about Venlafaxine. Got a packet in the cupboard. But then again I’ve thought about how good it would have been never to have gotten MAV in the first place and that ain’t gonna happen either any time soon. Helen

[GetBetter]

Em, Try Cefaly it is pricy but Erik swears by it. That might be my next stop. Money back guarantee is good as well.

[ander454]

Yes please Em, try Cefaly.

[flutters]

You guys worry after me more than my family does. Of course I lie to them. That said, I’ve had a good run lately. 10 days of maybe 85-90%.

I love you, too.

[Onandon03]

The New Face Doctor is now pursuing the last consultant I saw over 2 years back to see uf she can extract any further drug recommendations from her on my behalf. I was amazed even at her volunteering to try. Out West there seems to be an albeit subconscious cartel of neurologists who all share the same hymn sheet of drugs for MAV. It will be interesting to see if she makes any headway. Helen

[flutters]

I’ve got one of those scheduled for next week. This should be interesting for both of us.

[Onandon03]

Oooooh! I’ll be interested to see if my New Face Temp Doctor, the “well you are stuffed one” gets stuffed when she tries connecting with the neuro. Um. Helen

[Onandon03]

Two weeks down the line and as I had to make contact on another matter I asked the New Face if she’s Received a reply from my consultant. Turns out she has ‘forgotten’ to write the letter. Or so she said. No other doctor has ever offered to contact the neurologist before so I was gobsmacked when she did. In fact so gobsmacked she had to offer to do so twice. Now I suspect she’s changed her mind. She doesn’t know this but I’ll give me 2 weeks. If she’s not got back to me by then, I’ll be chasing her up, again. Helen

[Onandon03]

Well the New Face obviously hit a brick wall. Totally unannounced a letter confirming an appointment early next month with said neurologist arrived by post yesterday including her recently revised price list! Reading between the lines it seems the neuro wants to get her hands on my cash before she comments. No free info from that one! It seems my doctor has now become my secretary arranging appointments I could have done myself a month back. So much for doctors working their way through long lists of medication for MAV with patients. Where I am they stick rigidly to the book. They don’t want the responsibility. Helen

[flutters]

Sorry, Helen.

[Onandon03]

I’d expected as much. New Face is big . They all are. New Faces arrive at my surgery full of enthusiasm. I suspect the same swipe card they use for security clearance getting into the surgery is programmed to swipe clean any enthusiasm or initiative on 3rd? Swipe maybe? So it’s off to see the neuro who will most probably offer me Sodium Valproate, yet again which I shall decline like I did last time and the time before. And the roundabout just keeps on turning. Helen

[Onandon03]

And yet another perspective. Dr Silver’s presentation here, very long and detailed, but much like the SIGN Guidelines (Scottish equivalent of NICE) states really only two preventatives worth using: Propranolol and Topiramate? Slides 68/69 onwards …
https://slideplayer.com/slide/3454230/

Guess the truth lies somewhere inbetween but interesting all the same.

[flutters]

Just those two drugs I’ve already failed huh?

[Onandon03]

I was rather amazed. After that acupuncture was recommended though having then checked out the Grampian NHS list other drugs are obviously used! Gets to be a crazier world every day.

[flutters]

I think I’ll take the lists in the appendix (pages 90-something) to my neuro-endocrinologist and just keep working my way down.