Naratriptan prescribing limit?
Posted , 5 users are following.
I've suffered with chronic headaches and migraines since I was a kid. I've been taking triptans for them for the past 10 years or so. Now I've got a new doctor and she just told me that by law she can only prescribe up to 9 naratriptan a month (and no, that's not to be confused with how many my insurance will cover.) That's news to me! I've been getting as many as I need these past few years. And my husband, who also has migraines, gets as many as he needs from his doctor.
So is this really a new law, or am I dealing with a liar?
0 likes, 9 replies
YorkshireLass1 kristi65
Posted
Hi Kristi,
I've been taking eletriptan for a similar amount of time and yes it its correct that 10 is the maximum per month. I get on average about 12 attacks a month so it can be difficult.
It's maybe that some doctors are more strict with their prescriptions and that your doctor is one of those.
It is for our own good though, because they are very strong and not good for you and we shouldn't be taking as many as we do, but what else can we do when nothing else works and the majority of doctors and consultants don't care about our problem.
Maybe try looking at different lifestyle changes. For the last 9 months I have been wheat free, chocolate free, alcohol free, low sugar and low carbs and have managed to reduce the attacks and lose a load of weight aswell 😃
Good luck
kristi65 YorkshireLass1
Posted
Yes, she also suggested some lifestyle changes - such as eliminating the sources of stress in my life, namely my children. I kid you not. I think I need to eliminate my doctor from my life!
YorkshireLass1 kristi65
Posted
Far be it from me to tell you what to do, but I think you DO need another doctor!! What does she suggest you do with them!!!???
heather24624 kristi65
Posted
I'm in the US and take sumatriptan. My neurologist told me that I can get 12 per month if also on a preventative and 9 if I'm not.
I've just taken my first shot of Aimovig and have been taking botox along with a preventative. I'm hoping that in the future I can eliminate the daily medication.
YorkshireLass1 heather24624
Posted
I find that none of the preventative treatments work, I've tried 5 different ones with no luck. I don't think Aimovig is available here in the UK yet.
Until then I'm just sticking with the dietary changes.
kristi65 YorkshireLass1
Posted
Same thing happened with me. I was prescribed Topamax(?) and all that did was make them worse. I told the doctor this and guess what? She's prescribing it for me anyway.
YorkshireLass1 kristi65
Posted
I was on topamax and it nearly killed me, and that's not an exaggeration, I had a serious reaction to it and they thought it was Stephen Johnstone's syndrome. It took 4 doctors to take me seriously, so I just want to steer clear of all medication unless it's really necessary. No faith in any doctors or consultants anymore
kath1955 kristi65
Posted
I'm in the UK and I can get 12 sumatriptan a month. Some months I need that amount, sometimes I don't. I was told too many can put you at risk of stroke. I find taking paracetamol with aspirin helps, so I always take that first.
shaheen35354 kristi65
Posted
Hi Kristi, the same happened to me, I live in th UK, I did make a fuss, as I don't choose to take medication, it's not a choice, Naratriptan helps me manage the day, otherwise they would have to sign me off sick,as I could not function.manage my kids, I appreciate the medication overuse, and don't fully discount that but I only started to take naratriptan after my migraines became chronic.
I do try asprin first if that does not work then the Triptan, I cut in half most times that helps, but have been told even half can lead to overuse.
I have tried many alternative treatments but as a preventative pregablin and Canderstartan which has helps sometimes with the intensity of the pain.
Hope this slightly helps.