Migraines and medication - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

kehorner · 08-27-2005, 08:16 PM

My doctor diagnosed my headaches as migraines after a negative CT scan. At the time, I was getting them maybe once a month and tylenol took care of the pain, so when he offered a prescription I declined. Now, I have been having headaches just about every day. I have been taking tylenol, which takes the edge off of the pain, but doesn't really get rid of it completely or for a long time.

I am thinking of asking the doctor for a prescription, but I am worried about taking a daily preventative medication because I will be losing my prescription coverage soon and don't think I'll be able to afford it.

My question is, what types of medications are there, and how do they compare in terms of price, side effects, and such?

MarciaD · 08-27-2005, 09:25 PM

I have had migraines for years. Some would last days and I would be unable to get up and function. At times I felt like banging my head against the wall in hopes that it would equalize the pain. I was on various pain medications including Codeine and Midrin and a daily dose of Amitriptyline, (which I still take but in a reduced dosage). I finally was seen by another MD who perscribed Maxalt MLT 10 MG. It is a disintegrating tablet that dissolves in your mouth when placed on your tongue. You can repeat the dose after 2 hours if you need to. According to my perscription, you should not exceed 4 tablets per week. Only once it didn't knock out my migraine within the first hour and I had to take a second tablet. I don't know how long this drug has been available but I wish I had been able to use it years ago instead of just the last year or so. The literature lists the usual precautions and drug interactions, but I have not had any problems. Unfortunately, it is an expensive drug. At Rite Aid Pharmacy, the usual and customary cost was $261.98 for 12 tablets back in February. If this drug works for you, your Dr. might know if there are any drug companies that provide drugs for the uninsured.

Good luck and take care.
MarciaD

mickih · 09-01-2005, 09:18 AM

I take topamax as a daily migraine preventative and Relpax to stop a migraine when I get one. Both drugs work well for me. Unfortunatley, they are both very expensive. I haven't found any migraine medications yet that aren't. Usually if your doctor knows that you don't have prescription coverage, they are pretty good about giving you samples.

SRMom · 09-01-2005, 09:58 AM

Have you tried taking Excedrin? It is really cheap, over the counter, and works very well sometimes. I also take Relpax and/or Vicodin if the migraines are severe. The Vicodin is cheap if you have to pay cash, about $18 for 30 (be careful though, it can be habit forming...never take more than is prescribed). The Relpax is about $94 for 6 pills. Other migraine meds like Imitrex, Frova, Maxalt, etc. (Triptan drugs) are also expensive. Maybe your doctor could give you samples? Topax is a preventative drug you have to take every day, so if it is expensive, I wouldn't go that route if I were you (my opinion).

Side effects of the Triptan drugs, for me, are usually a slight increase in my heartrate or blood pressure, but it's worth it to get rid of those migraines. Vicodin will make you sleepy, and Excedrin has caffeine, so you might get a little energy boost.

Mz Migraine · 09-01-2005, 01:43 PM

Many drug manufacturers give away their drugs for FREE through your physicians. All you need is a prescription from your doctor.

Topamax is one of them.

For more info check out: http://www.needymeds.com

Good luck