Best pain meds?

Hello. I am new to this group, but from what I have read, it sounds like it is going to be very helpful. I have had migraines for over 20 years. So far, Maxalt MLT seems to work okay for me... as long as I take it in time. When I don't, I had been taking Vicodin, but that isn't working any more. Any suggestions, anyone??

Hi Valatron,

Welcome to Healing Well. Sorry you have been suffering for so long. I am glad Maxalt works for you, sometimes it's hard to find anything that works!! I have Imigran injections - they are the only thing that works for me.

You probably know that Maxalt is a triptan and so is the injection I have. Originally it was given to me to try as I couldn't get anything to stay down cos the vomiting was so bad. That side of it has improved immensely over the years meanwhile the pain has increased for me, so I am glad of the Imigran (Imitrex).

I have found that the over the counter meds have caused more problems that they are worth so I have eliminated them and now no longer get the daily headache just a humdinger or three every week.

Have you seen a Neurologist? - it could be helpful if you did. Anyway keep us posted as to how you get on.

Take care Ann.

Ann:  Thank you for your kind note.  I am verrry afraid of needles!!  I am such a wimp that when I had my ears pierced, I fainted.  Then, whenever I tried to change my earrings, I'd have to put my head down because I'd faint.  I no longer have pierced ears.  The thought of giving myself a shot makes me queasy.  Somebody told me about the pain medication, Darvocet.  Have you ever heard of that?  Do you know if it works?  A friend of mine has critical back pain and her doctor gave her a Morphiene patch.  It sounds like heaven to me, but I have to go to work every day, and I can't do my job if I'm loopy!  I look forward to hearing from you (and anyone else who has suggestions.)  Thank you!!

Hi Valatron,

Sorry I don't know anything about Darvocet. The only problem with the morphine strength drugs are that the body gets used to whatever you put in and one day they will not work so weel as they used to - that's always my worry! - that applies to any drug really!!

Migraine and work! - not a good combination, but I understand completely about wanting to be awake and alert with whatever you take. By the way Imigran(Imitrex) comes in a nasal spray and tablets, so it might be worth discussing them with your Doctor. You didn't say whether you have seen a Neurologist or not??

Sorry I cannot be of any more help, take care Ann.

No, I haven't seen a neurologist yet.  I see my regular physician tomorrow about something else, so I will ask her to refer me to one.  Every time I ask for a different medication (because the prior one doesn't work) I feel like some sort of druggie.  All I'm looking for is relief from the pain, so I can function semi-normally.  I work in a small office, so when I come to work with a migraine I am able to shut the lights off, turn the phones down, and rest in the ladies room if and when I need to.

Thank you for your information.  I will also ask my doctor about the nasal spray Imigran.

Hi Valatron,

I am only too happy to be able to help. I know what you mean by feeling a druggie, but you are not!! I am glad the circumstances of your job enables you to stay at work, and work through the migraine. Unfortunately when I have got an attack I cannot function, and because I work with children I have to keep away as I cannot react to the childrens needs, or mine for that matter!! lol

Keep us posted as to how you get on being referred to a Neurologist and what they say. I just hope the Docs can find a strategy that is best for you to manage your pain. (especially if it doesn't involve needles!!! lol)

Take care Ann.

I have been using Stadol NS (which is a nasal spray) because I can't keep pills down.  One spray and you are pain free in 15

I also use Imitrex Injs. but only works if I catch it in the first 5 minutes. for breakthrough my psp gives me Stadol NS. I just have to be careful b.c it definately can put you in rebound FAST. Just don't use it more than twice a week, but it really does help. Its the same med. most ER's use in a shot.

I also use imitrex injection and at first I feared the sight of giving myself a shot, but my pain gets so bad with my migraines I don`t hardly feel the needle. If you try the injection let someone else give you the shot , thats what I had to do for awhile. The imitrex injection are the only thing that works for me because of vomiting . I also agree with Ann it works great but you have to catch your migraine in the very beginning. Are you on any preventive med`s?