Has anyone tried using some sort of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety med for headaches like Zoloft or something? Wondering if it works.

As far as anti-depressants, I have tried Elavil, Effexor, and Pamelor. I was having some success with the Pamelor, and had very minimal side-effects (which was strange for me b/c I hypersensitive to all meds); anyway, after being on it for five months, the really bad side-effects kicked in. I had frequent urination (EVERY two hours), and then I started having complete loss of bladder control. So I got off it immediately, but instead of gradually trying to get off of it, I more or less stopped it completely. (I know, a really stupid thing to do). But I had no choice I was have loss of bladder control the weekend before finals week, and I rather deal with withdrawl symptoms. And as for the Effexor and Elavil, I didn't have any luck with those either.

Sorry, for just rambling on. I know my story is pathetic. Anyway, I do know that anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-convulsants help headache/migraine sufferers. But you have to be patient and continue trying to find the right med for you. I've tried anti-convulsants, such as Depakote, Topomax, and Neurontin. I have extremely bad results with those. I really couldn't tolerate any of them.

My 1st Neurologist put me on a few anti-depressents. Zoloft was one of them. I kept complaining that I was not depressed & didn't want to take any type of anti depressents.

I did my own research & could find no connection or reason why I should be taking these anti-depressents especially Zoloft if I was not depressed. :confused:
The Neurologist didn't count on the fact that I was going to research on every med she prescribed for me. :nono:

Needless to say, I switched Neurologist. My current one, weaned me off the anit-depressents, *listened* to my concerns & put me on a migraine management programe that appears to be working for me now for the past 1 1/2 years. :cool:

I take prozac as a preventive for tension headaches. I've gone from headaches 3-4 times a week to maybe 2 times a month. I also stopped taking birth control at the same time, so I'm not sure its the prozac working or the bc that was causing them.

Interesting, thanks for replying. I am thinking my birth control is also a contributor with my headaches since I usually always get them a certain week of the month.

I have bad anxiety so will probably need to start an anti-depressant anyway for that, I was just wondering if I might be able to kill two birds with one stone. Sounds like maybe the birth control might be something too though. Thanks again!

Mjewell,

My husband had headaches for a year - every single day! He tried Elavil, made him badly depressed, and then Zoloft. It worked well for a while, but then the headaches started coming back. Pamelor worked pretty well too, but it is an older tricyclic AD, so his new doctor put him on Prozac. He's doing well on it - both emotionally and headache wise. He's a very tense- anxious person, so I am sure that had alot to do with his headaches too!

Wondering if Pamelor (nortryptalyne) will still give you those nasty side affects if you're only taking 10mg a day??
I just started this med and I'm kind of worried about taking more and more of it if it doesn't take away my chronic tension headaches.
Does anyone know if the dosage affects the side affect you will get?

I am on 75 mg of Nortiptalyne and have had no side effects at all. The only thing is that I sleep sooooo much better than before. It's a good med and I hope it works for you.

Pam 3

If you have serious migraines, you might be given a triptan (Imitrex, etc.) to stop migraines once they start. You might also be given a daily medication as a prophylaxis.

Among the latter, I was told by a very, very good doctor that anti-depressants (SSRIs) are now the #1 line of treatment for [chronic] migraines. Another source said that the anti-seizure medications (Topamax, Neurontin, etc.) are #1, but SSRIs are in the mix. There are two other categories that are considered "old school" but are tried if the anti-seizure and SSRIs don't work - these include the tricyclate anti-depressants (Pamelor et al.) and beta-blockers. In my own experience, doctors seem to be focused on the anti-seizure drugs first, and then move to the other categories.

I hope this makes sense.

Anyhow, I was prescribed Effexor in addition to my Lyrica about a year ago, but it makes me really sick, like I have a stomach virus. I really can't even give it a chance because it makes me so sick ... :(

I decided to change my lifestyle. Slowly got off all my medicines and eating healthy. The health food store is my best friend. Take a good multi -vitamin and I eat lots of veggies. Someone on-line told me that giving up all pop, cured her headaches. If it works, why not ? Healthy is the word here.
I gave up chemicals...all artifical sugars. I eat simple and drink fruit juices and tea's. I gave up deli's meats and try to make my dinner's from scratch, whenever possible. I was soooo tired of suffering...... and it has been six years since my last migraine. Not sure what really worked because I made such a huge change. People I worked with noticed a change in me. I walked with a bounce and had energy. Everyone wanted to know my secret.
So if you want a change and really tired of suffering....searching on-line 'the ten worst foods' is a start. My grocery shopping is really simple now. Most of my shopping is in the produce department. I learned about herbs and buy them by bulk to flavor my foods. AND I do not miss the migraines.
Remember that prescriptions drugs have lots of side effects and cause headaches and/or migraines. Doctor's seem to forget to tell us those details.
I feel for anyone who suffers from migraines....and I hope something here
will help you. :wave: