migraines and addiction - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

meg1000 · 06-14-2003, 06:38 AM

Hi all,

I am a chronic migraine sufferer and a recovered addict and alcoholic. Recently my migraines have become every day and really severe.

I was wondering if anyone else has this problem and if so what do you do about the pain. Sometimes the pain has been so bad that I have been forced to take painkillers as I can get suicidal with the severity of it but I really don't want to end up back in addiction. Sometimes it feels like a fine line.

Meg

BlueSkies · 06-14-2003, 01:21 PM

I too have horrible migraines. Currently, my right eye is plauged by a horrible red blood spot gained during violent vomitting when I woke up with a migraine on Tues. night.

Have you tried either maxalt or imitrex? I personally haven't tried either yet, but intend to ask my doctor about one the next time I go. I find excederin usually works for me (even if it does take me taking 3-4 doses as I tend to vomit them right back up). But I know that some suffer worse than me, and would need something stronger.

HeddaNuff · 06-14-2003, 02:31 PM

Hi Meg - I feel your pain! The ONLY thing that works for me is Imitrex, although a little pricey. Back in my drinking days I used it for bad hangovers, and now during my detox from pain killers it helps. One time I had Excedrin for Migraines and that helped, too. Go to your nearest walk-in clinic and they'll fix you up! Good luck!

Karla · 06-14-2003, 05:45 PM

I suffer from migraines and cluster headaches. Meaning I am getting hit about 16 hours out of every day in pain. I am only allowed to take so much imitirx per day. That means I am left to deal with my pain however I can. The pain is horrible. I have taken vicodin and percacet for 5 years to help suppliment the imitrix when in pain. Now my dr. has me on methadone full time. I look at it as I am not addicted I am dependent on it for survival to avoid living in pain constant chronic severe pain. I am left to have headaches every day for the rest of my life. I choose to live my days pain free. The methadone alows this. You do what you have to to make it through. Only you know what is right for you. My drugs of choice was cocaine and crystal meth. I find taking the pain killers not even giving me a buzz so I find no harm in it. good luck.

meg1000 · 06-14-2003, 09:51 PM

thanks for your support

I will try imitrex I think in the future, do you find it addictive or does it vague you out?

I am also pregnant so I can't take much at the moment also which is an added pressure. ****!

It is good to know that I am not alone even though sometimes I really feel it being in all this pain. It can be quite isolating. I think having illnesses that people don't understand ie. addiction and migraines can also be frustrating.

Also I would like to know how your migraines appear. Mine used to be the classic aura and then bad pain. Now they seem to have changed to severe pain behind the right eye particularly and when I move my eye it is very painful. I think these may be more cluster type headaches.

Anyway, take care all.

Meg