Headache

[charlied]

Hi
I have just come from a neurologist who has given me sodium valproate for help with migraines (1-2 per fortnight) and constant daily headaches im in my 12 week now! lucky me!
I have been given amtraphiline and pitzofen neither of which had any effect?
Has anyone any experience of the above drug? - and its side effects?

many thanks

[andrewedmondson]

I've been in a similar situation: headaches every 9 days to 2 weeks for 12 years. I had to give up teaching and work from home.

I tried everything, including spending £6000 on alternative methods ranging from the Gerson cancer diet to mercury filling removal (I even had a root canal-filled tooth extracted). Nothing made the slightest difference.

I've been on sodium valproate for 6 months and have noticed a reduction in severity. My headaches normally have a 4 day cycle, averaging 2 days.

I've combined this drug with Zomig, which I take at the onset of a headache I feel will develop into a bad one. This drug reduced me to an utter wreck after taking it for 4 years (I was taking 4 per week in the end, and had 4 days of headache, then 4 days feeling bad. I ended up with ME symptoms and felt sure I would die!). My limit for Zomig is no more than 1 every 2 weeks, as this will gradually increase the frequency and duration of my headaches.

I was happy with this regime until last week, when I started to feel dizzy when I turned my head quickly. I almost fell over a few times, and now realise that there is a greater risk when driving. It's as though my eyes have to catch up when my head rotates back and forth quickly.

I'm off to the doctor tomorrow and will be checking that sodium valproate is the cause (various websites say it is). Then I'll have to reduce the dosage (I'm on 400mg twice per day).

Other side effects for me are increased weight, tiredness, lack of energy to exercise, tired eyes.

I have a short memory when it comes to the misery of a 4 day headache (mine aren't as severe as true migraine anymore), so I may regret coming of the drug. My aim is to get fit quickly and have an ultra healthy lifestyle. I've stopped alcohol completely and will be working on my weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. And getting enough sleep. And reducing eye strain. Also neck exercises, etc.

Over 12 years, my headaches have naturally reduced in severity. Time may eventually be the cure.

[charlied]

Thanks for your reply

Ive now been on the drug for 5 months and i too have a reduction in the mirgaine type headaches so that is really good - I also have Immigram to take as a nasal spray on the onset of a headache which if i am quick seems to down grade the pain etc

I to am a teacher and now have to watch that students do not have perfume on as smells is my main trigger but i am carrying on with the job, luckily i only work 3 days per week, family are understanding and know when i need help

I went recently to the doctors as i was feeling increasingly exhausted but had complete blood tests and they came back fine - he said you have to balance bad heads with feeling exhausted! - i go back to the neurologist in June so may ask for an alternative - i have not heard of Zomig - is that an anti epilespy or headache drug?

I have lost a stone since taking this drug - i felt so sick when i started tsking them that i didn't really eat for a month

Thanks again for your contact - it sounds strange but its nice to know others feel like you do and i am not just crazy!

[andrewedmondson]

Hi Charlie

Glad you are having reduced headaches. Zomig is the successor of Immigran; it may even be the same drug.

Strange that you lost weight.

I've halved my dose until I see the doctor tomorrow. I can't go on with this dizziness.

[charlied]

Hi again

Thanks for the info on zomig - i try that when i go to the neurologist in june
Hope the doctors went ok and they have sorted you out
It was sods law that as soon as i write to you i get a massive migraine which has completely knocked me for 6 over the last couple of days - coming out of it now - my work colleagues thought i was mad as i was getting upset in work as it started as i know the pain that is about to arrive and they haven't a clue! - hubby took over luckily as children and migraines dont mix either
Take care

[andrewedmondson]

Sorry about your migraine. Mine are not intense anymore, but I never know how long they will last.

I get a different doctor each time I visit my practice. This time, the doctor said I should continue to reduce sodium valproate, as it was the likely cause of my dizziness, and she didn't like the side-effects of tiredness and weight gain I am experiencing (I halved the dose a few days ago).

Already I am feeling more energetic.

Waiting for the next one ...

[charlied]

Hi
Hope your energy levels are up and you are coping with the reduced dosage
Ive had the lasting effects of the migraine for 6 days now - heavy head, eye sockets are sore to touch and a swollen face around the cheekbones - dont feel it will improve till my stress decreases at work which wont be for another month - my office are trying to be kind and caring so thats good

How does exercise affect your heads? - i saw a recent programme which showed that doctors are increasingly prescribing light exercise with positive results - i have a cross trainer and when free from headaches i get on and do feel good having exercised and released the happy hormones! - what do you reckon?

[andrewedmondson]

I've just realised that I may have caused this dizziness by using earplugs every night for the past 10 years. Apparently, they can cause infection (I use the same earplugs and wash them periodically).

Ear infections can cause general bad health and spread to parts of the brain. I had migraines before I used them though.

So they are all in the bin now and I will be going back to the doctor tomorrow for posssible tests and antibiotics.

I start a 75% raw food diet tomorrow. Desperate measures. I want to lose weight and start regular exercise again (treadmill running is best for me as it really gets my heart pounding). I really think that exercise is great, but of course you can't do it with a headache. Catch 22.

I'll let you know how the diet goes. I'll give it a month.

[charlied]

Hi
I hope the raw food diet is proving successful and you have been able to begin to exercise.

Ive just returned from the neurologist who has now given me Imipramine to go alongside the sodium valporate everyday and the immigram for when i have an attack. She said that 4 migraines a month is not managing it all very well but that it is trial and error. So ive got to go back in 4 months.

Oh the joys of migraines!!!!

[andrewedmondson]

Go easy on the Immigran.

I've just weaned myself off sodium valproate. Feeling more energetic again.

One headache after 2 weeks. Cured with a single Zomig (immigran).

Raw food diet is tough. Combining it with GI diet. At least I'm eating a whole lot more raw food.

Good luck.