Short-tem memory compromised, especially when taking Maxalt. Is it Maxalt?

Question: Short-tem memory compromised, especially when taking Maxalt. Is it Maxalt?

Answer:

Full Question:

First of all, I am currently taking daily Verapamil, birth control pill (Lessina) - (many of my migraines seem to be hormone related) and Nortriptyline. The combination of meds I am on finally seems to have brought my migraines under control, but I believe my short-term memory over the past 2 years (particularly when I get a migraine and/or take the Maxalt) is severely compromised -- to the point where it is affecting my work and other areas of my life. I have not found any side-effects suggesting Maxalt is the culprit. Is short-term memory loss common with migraines, or is this a function of my age!?! Or is it possible one of the other medications I take may be the cause? Any suggestions for avoiding or decreasing the severity of memory loss? Secondly, I recently read taking birth control pills for migraines can cause an increased risk of stroke for those patients that have auras. I sometimes (but not always) experience a flash of light (like a camera flash) off to the side of my vision about 24 hours prior to a migraine, along with severe irritability (always). Should I consider eliminating the birth control pill (it is a low dose variety) to lessen the change of stroke? I am reluctant to mess with the meds, as this is the first combination in 20 years of searching that has brought me down to only 2 or 4 migraines a month -- when I have had 5-15 a month in the past. Thank you so much. Leanne.

Answer:

Dear Leanne;

You ask some very interesting questions. 65-80% of Migraineurs have some form of cognitive dysfunction before, during or after their Migraines. Treating early is always a good strategy. Irritability and flashes of light are not uncommon either prior to or during the headache phase. This is not due to your Maxalt, but is part of the Migrainous process itself.

Good luck,
John Claude Krusz

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