Question: Meds making Migraines worse? Why no Relpax with heart disease?
Answer:
Full Question:
I've suffered from migraines for years, and
have never been able to take migraine medications that claim to stop them once
they have started. When I've tried Imitrex, it prolonged and exacerbated the
migraine for 4 hours, and I did not get relief from it. Relpax, same thing, but
for 6 hours, then another came on after that. I followed the directions for both
medications, but to no avail.
Vit. B-12 sublingually, Tylenol #3, medications that dilate the eyes, and any
medications containing caffeine instantly have caused migraines, and many times
cluster migraines.
Hx: Mitral valve prolapse - asymptomatic, but take Inderal prophylactically. The
only medication that has helped with migraines for me is Topamax. The only
prescription pain relief medication that has helped after one has come on is
Butalbital (Bupap) (I was told that that one does not contain caffeine.) My
Neurologist has no positive tests showing anything other that what he has
classified me as having "classic migraines."
I have a 2 questions that I haven't been able to find an answer to.
1. Have you heard of situations like this before where the usual common and
newer migraine meds are making the migraines worse instead of actually helping?
2. Why do many migraine meds like Relpax say that if you have heart disease you
cannot take them?
Thank you, Mrs. S.
Answer:
Dear Mrs. S.;
I would preface my answers by asking if you are seeing a headache expert. They should be able to answer your questions, as should any physician who looks after you. I'll take #2 first: The package insert goes on an on about not using triptans if you have documented cardiac disease. That would not include mitral valve prolapse (common in women and not a contraindication). re:#1--I have heard of those types of situations many times. Often, other factors, like poor sleep pattern and anxiety issues, are usually not being addressed. Often, folks are in analgesic rebound which is a good way to insure that triptans don't work! Butalbital is one example of this type of medication. Seek out the advice of a headache expert. If you need it, there's a link below to our directory of recommended specialists.
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
____________
To visit our directory of recommended specialists and clinics, click
HERE.
To visit our forums for an exchange of information and support, click HERE.
Published May 1, 2006
