Nortriptyline - taking it since 11/7/02 - no help!

[mbr22]

Hello all - I have been taking nortriptyline since 11/7/02. I have been taking 75 mg at bedtime now for at least 2 weeks, and my chronic daily headache has not subsided at all. The next time I see my neurologist I am going to request we try a different medication, but i was just curios if I have been taking the nortriptyline long enough (I think so!).

Also, I am currently taking Zanaflex, 12 mg at bedtime (been on Zanaflex since last August). I have already tried depakote, skelaxin, vioxx and elavil - no help.

My diagnosis is chronic daily headache, likely tension headache with some migraine type features. Headaches may be related to TMJ dysfunction, but I've tried many different splints that have not helped.

Nevertheless, I think I am going to request trying Neurontin next. I don't take (or want to take) pain meds, because they don't even help and I don't want to get rebound headaches. What other 'preventative' meds are out there for chronic daily headache?

Thanks for any suggestions (I just want to be informed when I see the neurologist next).
mbr

[mlgable]

I have posted some of the other meds used for headache prevention and will copy from my old post.
There are tons of drugs used for migraine prevention. Some of the ones I know off hand are Nortriptyline, Elavil, Propanolol, nadolol, atenolol, timolol, and metoprolol, Neurotin
diltiazem and nifedipine. doxepin, and imipramine. As you can see this is quite a list of drugs that can be tried and I must add another to this list as hubby is now trying verapamil ER for his headaches. Since the Nortryptiline isn't working then make an appointment to see your doc and try something else.

[MOJOJO]

Hi,
I'm currently on Zanaflex also. I take 2 - 3 times a day. It worked when I first started on it last summer but isn't anymore -- which is why I'm on a higher dose than what I started on 1 - twice a day. I see my neuro on Thursday and will see what he will have to say. Probably another increase... so long as no more lumbar punctures are needed!!!

Jo

[MOJOJO]

Hi,
I'm currently on Zanaflex also. I take 2 - 3 times a day. It worked when I first started on it last summer but isn't anymore -- which is why I'm on a higher dose than what I started on 1 - twice a day. I see my neuro on Thursday and will see what he will have to say. Probably another increase... so long as no more lumbar punctures are needed!!!

Jo

[zip2play]

Ask your MD to do a trial with an ergot compound (ergotamine, ergonavine.)
Not fancy or high cost, but my pill of choice.