How do you determine if a new treatment is worth trying?
What does your conversation with your healthcare provider look like? Do you read others' experiences? Do you look at the listed side effects? What else do you consider?
By it's side effects
Side effects are definitely something to take into consideration,
! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
I have a complicated health history and complicated health issues, so side effects are a super important consideration. Effectiveness as well, is it even potentially worth the risks? For instance, as a leukemia survivor, I can't take any of the CGRPs. At all. Ever. Topamax left me with cataracts. One of the antidepressants caused dry mouth and that left me with periodontal problems. And on like that. You have to do the research yourself, I've learned. The doctors won't (can't?) tell you, even when you ask straight out. Even supplements, I've found that some can make the migraines worse, like astaxanthin. Wow! That was crazy!
So, I like to listen to my doctor, but I also tell them my experiences. And I recently had a very bad reaction to a med they prescribed (sumatriptan injectable). I kind of wish I'd done a little more research myself because it looks like it may be contra-indicated for hemiplegic migraines.
Oh... The injectible sumitriptan has the potential to act too strongly and quickly depending on where and how it is injected. I have used it personally and speak from experience. If you need a quick acting rescue, I would suggest the sumitriptan nasal spray instead. I have used it too but have not needed it in a long time, IIRC, it is effective within 15 minutes and does not carry the potential of the sensation of tightness in the throat, or worse.
I actually do both. I was on Aimovig for a while but didn't really think it worked . I went back to the Nurtec every other day. I also take Turmeric with black pepper and essential oils. Stay away from things that cause the migraines is a big deal, too.
