Does anyone know of an alternative approach to migraine headaches that really works? I had to go see a pain management doctor because my work would not let me come back until I saw a doctor, bah!

So the doctor put me on a beta blocker, which is fine. (no side effects) and it's keeping my BP and pulse very low and has helped my headaches to where I can function. But I am still getting daily headaches especially when I am stressed like at work.

So on Friday my doctor was not happy that the headaches were not completely gone and she did not like that I started taking Melatonin at night. So she prescribed Elavil, an antidepressant. I told her I was not keen on the idea of taking that because of weight gain and how zonked out those type of drugs can make you. I am not a "drug" person, so taking an anti-depressant really bothers me. I have not filled my script and I am becoming leary of the doctor because all she wants to do is put me on meds which I don't care for.

I know there are a lot of homeopathic and herbal remedies for headaches. I have tried Gelsemium with no luck. Any input on this would be helpful. Thanks.

Magnesium might help. Or you could find the version of Rolaids that has magnesium. Even the best treatment that really works, will not work for everyone. Dr. Julian Whitaker writes that Rx meds work for 30% to 50% of those who try them.

Theres a herbal remedy that is supposed to prevent migraines from happening in the first place, called Migralief (not to be confused with the prescription drug on sale in England that you take on the onset of a migraine - and which works by the way)

The migralief (sp?) was recommended by a pain/headache specialist who'd actually written extensively on pain, migraines and headaches.

Taking magnesium every day has been shown to help prevent migraine. MigraLief contains magnesium. It's easy to try, and you might be one whom it helps.

I mentioned the version of Rolaids with magnesium because it's a cheap & easy way to try magnesium. What I forgot to say--it's for prevention, not relief once you've got a migraine. Thanks to the previous poster, who mentions basically the same approach.

If you do take magnesium or Migrelief or Rolaids for a while, could you let us know if you get fewer migraines?

I'm very new to this board, but I wanted to offer my remedies. I have suffered from migraines for many years and so does my son who is only 11. I take magnesium and vitamin B-Complex daily and it seems to keep them at bay. If one happens to occur I take migraine headache relief by NatraBio which is a natural homeopathic medication. My son does the same and his are worse than my migraines and it works very well for both of us. You can get this at most natural health food stores. Hope I could help.

The herb feverfew is supposed to help with migraines. I tried it for arthritic pain for a little while, but could not continue because I developed allergies to it. It is recommended in many herbal books for migraines and you should consider giving it a try.

Another thing to try is to go to a chiropactor and get a neck adjustment done. Problem in the neck can cause headaches.

I do take Magnesium every day. I have been taking it for almost 2 months now. I suppose it had helped a little bit but I still get migraines at least 5 times a week but they are not a severe as they were in late December and January. I will have to try the B complex as I do not take that. I have also read about feverfew but have not tried that. I have not heard of migralief- I will have to check that out.

Thanks for the responses. :)

To stop a migrane in it's track, dump a heaping teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a cup (8 oz) of water and CHUG! It'll be soooooooooooooo hot, but it will stop.
Upshutter