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Is adrenaline the key to migraine?

Posted , 3 users are following.

phil37826
phil37826

Here’s my take on the causes of migraines – adrenaline!

I started suffering migraines at the onset of puberty which suggests to me there is a link to hormones (adrenaline?). Most of my migraines occurred during exercise. What is released during exercise – adrenaline.

Later I discovered that my tongue would become sore when I ate oranges. My body was reacting to something in the oranges because I am allergic to them. What is the bodies natural response to an allergy, it releases adrenaline.

I have suffered from anxiety for no apparant reason for as long as I can remember basically always feeling anxious and biting my nails. People who suffer migraines are 3 times more likely to suffer anxiety/depression. Why do I suffer anxiety because I believe my body has a genetic tendancy to either over produce adrenaline or does not break down adrenaline properly which means I have excessive amounts of adrenaline running round my body which keeps your body in a constant state of fight or flight which over time leads to anxiety and for some people depression.

Seeing my daughter suffering in the same way, I sought help (45yrs) took a course of anti-depressants and tried CBT. Having had no migraines for 3 years (avoiding oranges like the plague), I suffered 8 migraines in 5 weeks and came off the anti-depressants (which incidently made no difference to the anxiety). Why did I suffer migraines, I suspect the antidepressants caused me to release excessive amounts of adrenaline. I have now started a course of propranolol which is for anxiety and controls the release of adrenaline. I’ve only taken 2 tablets so far but no nail biting since I took the first tablet last night.

Does it not say it all but propranolol, which is used to reduce anxiety, is prescribed as a preventative medication for people who suffer migraines. Incidently, I had excellent results when I tried St Johns Wort, however, my GP was against it because it is not controlled so there is no guarantee of it’s strength or quality.

I really hope this will help others, I am no medical professional and only talk from my own experience and research.

Phil

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest phil37826

    Posted

    Isn't propranolol for high blood pressure too? A beta blocker? I get these meds. so confused. How long have you been taking it and has it stopped your migraines? Does it give you any side effects?
    • phil37826
      phil37826 Guest

      Posted

      Yes, you are correct, propranolol can be for high blood pressure and is a beta blocker. They are prescribed for anxiety and also to prevent migraines. Fortunately, I don't get enough migraines to be a measure of how good a medication it will be for migraines as before I tried anti-depressants, I hadn't had a migraine for 3 years. I have only taken 3 tablets so far and no side effects as yet although and I'm not biting my nails which is a good sign.
  • Guest
    Guest phil37826

    Posted

    I hope that this will help you. Keep us up to date every so often to let us know. Best wishes!
  • liz06040
    liz06040 phil37826

    Posted

    Thanks Phil, I will look into this further. My symptoms definitely seem close to yours.
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