Migraines

lesleystrawson

I have been suffering from acute headaches for a number of years. They have lately become worse and I now have a minimum of one bad headache a month which lasts at least 3 days. Usually this is when my period occurs (hormonal I guess), but I have had them at other times of the month. They do not seem to be linked to any food products, though I am guessing stress is also a factor.

I kind've guessed they were migraines and just put up with them, but have now gotten to the stage where co-dydramol (not mine) was just not touching it. I bit the bullet this weekend and coughed up £8 for a pack of Imigran, took one tablet (not anticipating they would work) and an hour later...no headache. I was almost crying with relief.

My question is, can I get it on prescription? I believe it is a 'triptan', and will quite rightly need to have a consultation with my doc before anything can be prescribed. I am lucky to live in Wales, so if it can be prescribed it would frankly save me a fortune. Otherwise, for the days of my life it could possibly give me back (if it continues to work), I will pay the money no question!

Thanks in advance

Lesley

detroy

Hi lelsey
I can sympatise as I too suffer from migraines. Yes you can get something from the doctor I am prescribed naramig. When I was out of it I paid out for imigran and the pharmacist told me it was similar to naramig. Mine arent so bad now I take a magnesium supplement everyday as I read somewhere it can be beneficial.

kendalls_cave

Yes I getn it on prescribtion under the name Sumatriptan I get very mad migraines and it's the only thing that has helped.

Stephb1986_2

I've started getting really bad migraines every day i got some snydol i took two on saturday after about 2 hours they had knocked me to sleep! i took 1 yesterday as i needed to stay awake still but after a while i was really tired


Steph xx

sleepyshell

I have Imigran Radis on prescription. The doctor said it is "triptans" which help for migraines and there are three types apparently. I'm not sure if my tablets work all of the time, so he has changed my repeat prescription for another member of the triptan family. It begins with a Z I think, but all I can think of is Zig and Zag!!!

I was really bad once to the point that my fiance nearly took me to hospital. In the end we called NHS Direct who said I could also take 2 paracetamol and 2 ibuprofen at the same time. I checked with my normal doctor about this and he also said it was ok as they do different things. I'd recommend anyone to check with their doctors before taking lots of tablets though.

I hope the doctor helps you Lesley. I did have to explain to mine several times that my migraines were really bad before they prescribed me anything. Hopefully yours will listen on your first visit.

moneysaving_pharmacist

There are a few triptans around at the moment - sumatriptan (Immigran), naratriptan (Naramig), zolmitriptan (Zomig), rizatriptan (Maxalt) and almotriptan. All of these are available on prescription. Sumatriptan is available as a generic and so is the lowest cost to the NHS. It therefore makes sense to try sumatriptan first, and then move on to the alternatives.

The various triptans also come in different forms - normal tablets, orodispersible tablets (melt in the mouth), nasal sprays and injections. Some people prefer one to another and the orodisperisible tablets should work the fastest as there is no dissolution needed in the stomach.

Ted_Hutchinson

Migraine Headaches: Rethinking an Old Malady

I've put a copy of Dr McCleary's anti-migraine and ketogenic cocktail on my website.

I find Dr McCleary's blog a useful source of brain related information. I noticed after I'd changed to eating a low carb diet that my periods of brain fog ended and that I felt it easier to concentrate and think with greater clarity. I was looking to find the reasons for this when I came upon Dr McCleary and found his book worth reading.

natc

I know you say its around the time of the month, but do you wear glasses? If not it might be a reason for the migranes. My mum suffered really bad migranes for years, and the doc told her to get her eyes tested as she had never had them done before! She did need glasses, only for reading (which she does a lot of) and watching tv but she has not had migranes since.

churchrat

hi
I've had the dreaded head for yrs now and am on Maxalt. I'm like a child with a safety blanket, wont leave home without it and start to hyperventilate when I'm down to the last one in the box:rotfl:They really have changed my life, I still get most of the symptoms, lights, funny taste (you know the sort of thing) but the pain just goes, and I can have a nearly normal day. I don't drive after taking one cos I do feel a bit zonked, but the rest of life can go on. In some ways thats a bit difficult because no-one can see there is a prob and can't understand that I can't drive. I've also learnt to make loads of notes at work cos I do forget things. BUT a HUGE improvement in my life. I tried immigarn first but it did not work for me.
goodluck

moneysaving_pharmacist

churchrat wrote: »

hi
I've had the dreaded head for yrs now and am on Maxalt. I'm like a child with a safety blanket, wont leave home without it and start to hyperventilate when I'm down to the last one in the box:rotfl:They really have changed my life, I still get most of the symptoms, lights, funny taste (you know the sort of thing) but the pain just goes, and I can have a nearly normal day. I don't drive after taking one cos I do feel a bit zonked, but the rest of life can go on. In some ways thats a bit difficult because no-one can see there is a prob and can't understand that I can't drive. I've also learnt to make loads of notes at work cos I do forget things. BUT a HUGE improvement in my life. I tried immigarn first but it did not work for me.
goodluck

Speak to your pharmacist about repeat dispensing - with this system you get your repeat prescription directly from the pharmacy with no need to request a prescription from the GP surgery.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Medicinespharmacyandindustry/Prescriptions/DH_4000157

quietheart

I had menstrual migraines that suddenly got much worse over the last month. I was admitted to hospital for a week of tests to rule out stroke/brain tumour/ms and luckily for me it is 'just' migraine.
I am currently on Imigran nasal spray but it's not enough now. Am seeing dr tomorrow about starting preventative medicine, probably beta-blockers.
Keep smiling if you can;)