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Triptans??

Posted , 7 users are following.

robyn01712
robyn01712

Hello all,

I take Triptans for my HM, I find Naratriptan works best for me however as I get miraines everyday I know it is not safe to use everyday due to rebound Migraines but I take them when I am feeling really unwell. Can you tell me how often it is safe to take them?

Thankyou, Robyn smile

1 like, 44 replies

44 Replies

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  • StevenRose
    StevenRose robyn01712

    Posted

    Hi Robyn,

    Well I use sumatriptan injections and if I have to I use 2 in 24 hours.  My neurologist said this is ok and I had to rememeber they are not painkillers, so its not the same as taking paracetamol each day, so you dont get a rebound headache.

    As you may know, they work by controling the blood vessels in the brain so not a pain killer.

    Hope this helps.

    But if you have Hemaplegic migraine, ask your neurologist for flunarizine, this is the best med for preventing the condition

    • robyn01712
      robyn01712 StevenRose

      Posted

      Hello,

      Are you the same person who I've spoke with before? Just as the usernames are similar. I am currently taking flunarizine 5 mg and have noticed a difference. 

  • StevenRose
    StevenRose robyn01712

    Posted

    Hi yes I am the same person Robyn.  Soon he will ask you to increase to 10mg a night of Flunarizine.

    Its good stuff, although I just had a short spell in hospital for it, Not as long as last year though

    • robyn01712
      robyn01712 StevenRose

      Posted

      Hi!

      Yes I increase on 3rd september to 10mg. I cannot thank you enough as although i still get symptoms everyday its not half the severity i was getting and Ive only been taking them since Augst 5th.

      Oh no i am so sorry to hear that. I do hope you are okay.

      Am I safe taking the triptans a couple times a week? Just when I feel it getting really bad.

    • StevenRose
      StevenRose robyn01712

      Posted

      I am ok now thanks Robyn,

      I am happy to say YES it is ok to take the triptans a couple of times a week, my neurologist says no upper limit as long as you dont exceed the daily dose.

      I am interested in this triptan you take, is it an injection, nasal spray or tablet?

  • Tobamory
    Tobamory robyn01712

    Posted

    6 days a month can give rebound from triptans

    8 codiene days a month can also cause rebound

    paracetomol is around 11 days

    I take 15 a month so i try to bite the tablet in half to reduce the dosage. My headaches are slow and annoying that can if not treated go into a full on Migraine

    Since ive had Botox and had an Air Purifier in my bedroom the frquency of them has reduced to only probably 6 days a month...

    My nurologist told me those stats 2 months ago...

     

  • StevenRose
    StevenRose robyn01712

    Posted

    actually you are the only person I know on here who takes it, so I am pleased that its helping you Robyn. 

    When I was in hospital they said for pain I can use 1g of paracetamol and 400mg Ibuprofen, this does make a difference to me

    • robyn01712
      robyn01712 StevenRose

      Posted

      Hmm that does help for me if I have pain but when I get the pressure I nothing works but the triptan.

  • nicola30870
    nicola30870 robyn01712

    Posted

    Hi

     if you take more than 5 triptans a month you are an addict , I'm sorry to say!! Try taking half at a time and see how you get on. Know how you feel. Good luck!!

    • StevenRose
      StevenRose nicola30870

      Posted

      Well, if you need the triptans you need them and my neurologist has not put an upper limit on them.  So if that makes me an addict I really dont mind. because when you are in that much pain you look for the best med to deal with things.
    • StevenRose
      StevenRose nicola30870

      Posted

      Ok I am sorry if I upset you it wasnt intended Nicola, I was just pointing out what my neurologist said, as long as you dont go over the daily limit
    • robyn01712
      robyn01712 nicola30870

      Posted

      Hi Nicola,

      I wouldnt go as far as to say your an addict if you take more than 5 a month, an addict is someone who becomes physiologically or psychologically dependent on a habit-forming substance. However I know the triptans arent to be relied upon. It is something I find works best for me when I experince HM.

      ​Do you find taking half helps? 

    • nicola30870
      nicola30870 robyn01712

      Posted

      Hi

       I've just had migraine surgery a few weeks ago because my migraines had just got worse and worse. Had them now for 25 years and no neurologist or doctor could help me, the only thing they say is keep taking triptans as the only thing that would work for me. I payed to see a migraine surgeon specialist in London and be told me the worst thing for me were the triptans! I couldn't believe it as was taking so many just to get on with life. The more you take the more rebound migraines u get then the more you take! It's a downward spiral until you end up with headaches every day like I was. He gave me Botox injections in the back of my head which was a wonderful relief but they only last for about 6-8 weeks. So I went for the perment  fix. (Surgery) and dare I say it's been brilliant, I'm only 3 weeks post op but so much better already . The trigneal  nerve that causes us all the pain was rewired away form muscle pressure .  Nerve decompression. I've talked to so many people who have had it done now and it's worked for all of them. When I started the Botox injections the first thing he did was to ween me off the triptans. I was very nervous about that but I did it with his help. Feel so much better for it.

    • robyn01712
      robyn01712 nicola30870

      Posted

      That sounds incredible... how was the surgery? and what was the recovery period? How did you know you'd be a good candidate? My neurologist think mine are hormone related. Sorry for all the questions but I hadnt spoke to anyone who has had surgery or botox.
    • nicola30870
      nicola30870 robyn01712

      Posted

      Google migraine surgery London and you can read all about it. You have to have Botox first as a test to see if it will work for you. Any more question when please do ask! I wish someone helped me years ago!! It is a very new treatment, a lot of docs don't even no about it. I'm healing very well and the scar you can't even see as in my hair. You do need at least two weeks rest and off work afterwards because it's your head and you need to be careful. I've got a 8cm scar but can't see a thing. Had 10 staples in the wound for 10 days then removed. And the back of my head is still numb but feeling is coming back, nerves don't like to be touched and they go to sleep for few weeks after but they always come back after a couple of months. Hope that helps. 
    • shaheen35354
      shaheen35354 nicola30870

      Posted

      Hi Nicola, I read this thread Sunday  may have been some while back, when you posted.

      Has the surgery helped ?

      I did contact the surgery yesterday, after reading yours do you feel better, now any migraines.

      not sure what to do, go for the cost or not

       

    • Nidge4574
      Nidge4574 nicola30870

      Posted

      Hello Nichola I've just been reading your post on triptans and for 5 yrs or more I've been going through the same problem as yourself

      I've been taking 18 naratriptan per month for migraine . I have been organising my life around them but now I've had enough and want rid ov them. Can you tell me how long it took to ween yourself off the triptans and did you have headaches while you weened off them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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