Safe Preventive Migraine Medication

I used to average about 1-2 migraines a month, so my primary care doctor prescribed me Fioricet. This usually takes care of the migraine within a couple of hours (not without making me feel kind of drunk though). However, the frequency of my migraines has increased and I'm averaging about one a week, so my primary care prescribed me Topamax. I started it even though I was weary of all of its alarming side effects, and I had to stop it due to the crippling anxiety it has caused me.

I plan to talk with my doctor again about getting on a different medication, but I was hoping for some advice. Has anyone tried Elavil for preventing migraines, and if so, how were its side effects? I've heard that some of its side effects are dizziness (which concerns me as I have a daily commute) and weight gain (which also concerns me as I've just lost 40 pounds).

Any other effective medications for preventing migraines? I'm open to natural remedies as well. I've tried magnesium and didn't have a lot of luck. I'd prefer anything with minimal side effects.

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Hello Haley,

I'm sorry to hear that you have been having so much trouble with these migraines. How long have you been getting them?

According to the National Institute of Health Elavil wasn't designed to treat migraines directly but rather is an antidepressant which has the added benefit of reducing some symptoms that cause migraines. This medication has to have a black box warning because one of the side effects is causing the patient to feel suicidal. Here is a list of some other side effects the NIH lists.

- stroke
- nonspecific ECG changes and changes in AV conduction
- heart block
- arrhythmias
- hypotension, particularly orthostatic hypotension
- syncope
- hypertension
- tachycardia
- palpitation
- seizures
- hallucinations
- delusion
- confusional states
- disorientation
- incoordination
- ataxia
- tremors
- peripheral neuropathy
- numbness, tingling and paresthesias of the extremities
- extrapyramidal symptoms including abnormal involuntary movements and tardive dyskinesia
- dysarthria
- disturbed concentration
- excitement
- anxiety
- insomnia
- restlessness
- nightmares
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- weakness
- fatigue
- headache
- syndrome of inappropriate ADH (antidiuretic hormone) secretion
- tinnitus
- alteration in EEG patterns
- paralytic ileus
- hyperpyrexia
- urinary retention
- dilatation of the urinary tract
- constipation
- blurred vision
- disturbance of accommodation
- increased ocular pressure
- mydriasis
- dry mouth
- skin rash
- urticaria
- photosensitization
- edema of face and tongue
- bone marrow depression including agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
- purpura
- eosinophilia
- rarely hepatitis (including altered liver function and jaundice)
- nausea
- epigastric distress
- vomiting
- anorexia
- stomatitis
- peculiar taste
- diarrhea
- parotid swelling
- black tongue
- testicular swelling and gynecomastia in the male
- breast enlargement and galactorrhea in the female
- increased or decreased libido
- impotence
- elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels
- alopecia
- edema
- weight gain or loss
- urinary frequency
- increased perspiration
- lupus-like syndrome (migratory arthritis, positive ANA and rheumatoid factor)
- hepatic failure, ageusia

Since I am not a medical professional I don't really feel comfortable suggesting you any medications as I do not know your medical history. This is really something you should discuss with your doctor.

I did some research and found a list of things you can do that are natural remedies to relieving migraines. There are studies of the following supplements/vitamins aiding in migraine relief.

- Butterbur
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- MigreLief
- Fish Oil
- Co Enzyme Q10
- Petadolex
- Peppermint oil
- Flax seed
- Gingko Biloba
- Teas
- Feverfew
- Valerian
- Caffeine
- Ginger root

In addition to this there are other factors that you can change that can help with migraines such as diet, exercise and stretching. I'm sure that you have explored these options already but it never hurts to throw it out there.

I hope this information helps, best wishes.

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