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It's been SIX days... is it really a migraine?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Biblet
Biblet

I've been poorly for six days... feeling pretty rotten... please offer advice. My symptoms (severe headache, shivers & vomiting) took hold on Tuesday after a work dinner/night in a hotel & meeting/lunch the follow day. The vomiting stopped two days later and the headache and shivers have become less intense (I did not have diarrhoea). I went to my GP earlier today and he diagnosed a migraine (something I've never had before). I have been prescribed Sumatriptan and I've so far taken two tablets with no real difference except for feeling more nausea (made worse by moving around/downstairs). I am also trying to come off my Fluoxetine tablets (taking 20mg every other day, instead of every day) the doc doesn't think the symptoms are caused by withdrawal. Please help if you can, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • babs25
    babs25 Biblet

    Posted

    Sumatriptan need to be taken at the onset of a migraine. I didnt find them any use after the headache part kicked in sorry. Hope you get some relief soon xx
    • StevenRose
      StevenRose babs25

      Posted

      Have you tried the injection version of sumatriptan, it works so much better Babs
    • babs25
      babs25 StevenRose

      Posted

      I developed Long QT Syndrome from sumatriptan so cant get many meds now. Having to suffer. Get maybe one or two free days a week.
    • babs25
      babs25 StevenRose

      Posted

      Think Flunarizine I have ether tried or cant get, with the QT thing. Botox isnt approved yet in Scotland.
    • StevenRose
      StevenRose babs25

      Posted

      Hi Babs,

      Have you tried good old fashion aspirin?  It works really well and you can take 3x300mg tablets, but only if you dont have stomach issues and its recommended you take something to protect your stomach, or at least have them after food.  This was found in a study that it can be helpful for some migraine sufferers but it said that you should not take them long term.  If they work thats great, but have a break from them for a week or more during a month.

      Let me know how you get on.

      Good luck

    • babs25
      babs25 StevenRose

      Posted

      Hi, yes I have tried them. But no joy. The reason I came on here is to see what others take and hope its not on the list of what I cant . One day ☺ thanks for your concern xxx
    • StevenRose
      StevenRose babs25

      Posted

      sorry you are in this predicament Babs, I hope you can nag your drs enough to find an answer.

      Best wishes to you and if you get a breakthrough, I would like to know.

      Take care

    • babs25
      babs25 StevenRose

      Posted

      Thanks. I wont hold my breath though 😊 stress is a big factor in my migraine too which causes high BP and unfortunately that cant be treated either. Vicious circle. 😕 x

  • Ginny_Weasley
    Ginny_Weasley Biblet

    Posted

    Hi,

    I'm sorry you are feeling so rotten sad

    So I had a few thoughts on your situation.

    1. You ate catered foods just before becoming ill, so it could have been something that upset your stomach. I've experienced foods that make me vomit but had no diaherrea.

    2. It very well could be withdrawal aka SSDI discontinuation syndrome, due to the prozac reduction. I was instructes to stop taking effexor in the same way, and experienced crippling symptoms of dizziness, light headedness, vertigo, irritability, headache etc. I had been on the medicine abou 7 years. If you are reducing too quickly you could go back to your previous dose to see if you feel better, and give it more than a few days adjustment period. I would also request something for the nausea, Zofran is good and won't knock you out.

    3. It could be a migraine. Six days seems like a lot, but is not irreasonable. If the triptan the doc gave you is making you feel nauseous ask for that Zofran to take with it. I never really liked sumatriptan in pill form, it never works for me. The injection of sumatriptan is much more effective for me, but then you have to give yourself the injection, which many people don't like the thought of. I have previously used Maxalt with some success when I first developed migraines, and it worked very well, until one day it didn't. Also if you are experiencing vertigo you can be given valium to help with it. I always have a low grade fever of about 100 degrees F whem I get a migraine. My neuro says she's never seen it before but because I experience it so consistently she seems to accept it is part of my migraine.

    Don't let your doctor there are no withdrawal symptoms, and lower the dose as you are able, not how they think you should each time.

    I hope that you feel better soon!

    • Biblet
      Biblet Ginny_Weasley

      Posted

      Thank you for such a comprehensive answer - much appreciated smile.

  • jane88720
    jane88720 Biblet

    Posted

    I was prescribed various meds over the past 15 years, beta blockers (started causing migraine), triptans (made me feel like my head was being crushed) anti seizure neural blocking meds (numbed everything and nearly ended my relationship, ruined my previously perfect vision, not to mention making my anxiety unbearable, a side effect that has never gone away 12 months after stopping taking all meds) I have had a Daith piercing done on the side I mainly suffered migraine and now I might have one for a couple of hours then it's gone!! I cannot recommend it highly enough! Please consider it, especially if you're a regular sufferer or days long migraines. I used to lose whole weeks to the pain, fog and inability to function, then the migraine hangover, OMG! Daith piercing, best thing I've ever had done!!

  • StevenRose
    StevenRose Biblet

    Posted

    its a weird ome with all the shivering and and vomiting following a dinner in a hotel.  That maybe just a coinscidence though.  The sumatriptan works better in injection form though.

    Did you get any eye sight issues, like flashing lights or eye pain, these symptoms can make you feel sick too.

    If things dont improve you need to see your GP again and get a referal to a neurologist who specialises in headaches.

    Good luck and take care.  Hope things settle down soon.  But if not it nagging time of your drs.

    Best wishes

    • Biblet
      Biblet StevenRose

      Posted

      Hey, thanks for the response. I haven't had any visual disturbance at all however I've not been keen on very bright light or loud noises.

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