Trying Preventative Nurtec for the First Time

It’s been a frustrating year in terms of trying to prevent my chronic migraines. Most frustratingly is that I often miss the signs of an impending migraine and have to rely too much on rescue medications. Since you can max out on rescue medications over the course of a couple days, which can cause bounce back migraines, I can’t use medication unless I’m in danger of being totally decimated by pain, nausea, light sensitivity, aura, or fog. If I’m not sure it’s coming, I don’t usually take rescue meds.

How was I told to take Nurtec?

Since my current regimen wasn’t working to prevent symptoms, I went back to the neurology clinic in search of answers. They couldn’t get me in with my doctor, so I saw the nurse practitioner. She was empathetic, open to new ideas, and happy to spend time with me going over options. In the end, she suggested I start taking Nurtec (rimegepant) preventatively. Some people take it as a rescue medication but she wanted me to try it every other day in hopes of preventing migraine.

Was it an easy transition in the pharmacy?

Prior authorization took forever, as it always seems to do, and required several calls and messages between myself, my pharmacy, and the clinic. But, in the end, because of the coupon, it cost me nothing to give this medication a try. You might recognize it as the one Lady Gaga is currently a spokesperson for. Good enough for Gaga, good enough for me, I say. It’s a newer drug and hasn’t been around for more than a few years.

What about the Ajovy I was using?

I had been taking Ajovy, an injection, and I phased it out as I started taking the Nurtec. I’d only had a few doses of the Nurtec when it came time for an Ajovy injection, so I doubled up for that month. Then, I stopped taking Ajovy and only took my combo of pills, which now included morning Nurtec as well as daily doses of gabapentin and methocarbamol. The Nurtec is meant to dissolve on your tongue and has a pleasant minty taste. It reminds me of the chalky, pastel-colored mints you might get at a restaurant.

Has it helped with my migraine?

I wouldn’t say it’s a complete fix. I still get screen-induced symptoms and have had to take rescue medication on top of the usual regimen. I’m giving it a little more time before declaring it “not enough” because I’ve heard that some people need to take it for a few months before seeing a real benefit. However, I can say there are no discernable side effects which is a huge plus. No drowsiness like other rescue meds or topiramate, which I took as a preventative but didn’t like how foggy it made me. And, now that I’m off the Ajovy, I can say it’s not like I’ve gone back to square one, so it’s for sure doing something, if potentially not enough, to keep me going every day. I would love nothing more than to find the magic that makes these chronic feelings go away. It seems like it’s not in the cards for me, but anything that helps keep the major symptoms at bay is a huge win as far as I’m concerned.