Chronic Daily Migraine
Hi, I have suffered from chronic migraine for many years and in the past couple of years the pain has become constant. In order to function I take triptan and aspirin most days. I am aware I probably have medication overuse headache although after detoxing off all meds for 6 months last year, the pain was still constant.
I started Propanalol in January this year but didn’t notice a huge difference. Until the last month I was able to work part time but now as Sumitripan and Zomitriptan don’t seem to be working, I have been unable to function.
I tried a steroid taper but it didn’t do anything. My Dr has recently started me on Pizotifen. Has anyone had sucess with this preventative?
I have tried most of the preventative medications previously, had an unsuccessful nerve block and a few rounds of botox which also didn’t help.
I am reluctant to go cold turkey again as it was absolute hell last year and didn’t bring me any relief after 6 months.
Any help would be appreciated as I am at my wits end with it!
So sorry you are experiencing such discomfort. What a long and winding journey you've been on thus far. Weaning yourself off medications can be such a lengthy and difficult process- and how heartbreaking to find only more pain on the other side of it. I'm assuming you're working with a migraine specialist? We'd recommend your doing so as they are the best trained to navigate the complex neurological condition that is migraine.
As to your question on Pizotifen- here is a link to our resources (including stories of experience with the drug from various community members): https://migraine.com/search?s=Pizotifen
It sounds as if you have tried so many approaches, you may be out of energy to try another one- but I thought I'd at least mention the CGRP treatments (Ajovy, Aimovig and Emgality) in case you've not tried this strategy so far: https://migraine.com/cgrp-new-direction-migraine-treatment
You are not alone in navigating this journey. Many of us here can relate on all fronts. We are here to support you and provide information anytime- please let us know how else we can help. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).I'm sorry. I've been where you are - I've had migraines for 30 years and chronic migraines for 10+. If I can give you any advice it would be to wean off the aspirin. I popped Excedrin for years, but last summer, woke up vomiting blood and landed in the hospital for 5 days. I had a huge peptic ulcer caused by the aspirin. I had 2 blood transfusions and later ended up severely anemic (which my oncologist caught), and then needed multiple iron transfusions.
My neurologist added Depakote to my meds, which hasn't really helped the headaches but helps me sleep better. Good luck...Thank you so much for sharing some of your journey as a way to assist and support others! Sounds like you've been through so much, my goodness - you definitely have some earned wisdom to share. Glad you were able to get off a medication that was wreaking such havoc in your body. I know aspirin is a key and effective medication for many. It's an incredible thing how we are all so different in what works for one doesn't work for another. Always important to keep in touch with our doctors about safe dosages and the length of the use of our medications and how that may impact our health over time. Sorry that depakote isn't helping with the migraine condition- but glad it's assisting with sleep hygiene as that can be key in managing migraine. So glad it sounds like you are back on track in terms of your levels. Thank you again for sharing your story with us- definitely a cautionary tale. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
