Inderal - Propranolol

Has anyone had any experience taking Inderal (also known as Propranolol) for the prevention of migraines?  My husband's primary care physician started him on it today.  He is also taking 150 mg of amitriptyline a day.  Is it possible to get weened off the amitriptyline if the Inderal works?

Hi Rhoda,

Inderal is FDA approved for use as preventative treatment for migraines. If he will get better on Inderal he may ask his doctor about getting off of amitriptyline. Why should he take two meds if he may control migraines with only one? But it also should be noted that amitriptyline and inderal are different medications and work in different ways, and sometimes people benefit from combo of two drugs.

Hi.  I've been on Inderal for about 6 months.  It really helps prevent migraines.  I used to get them once or twice a week, and now I'm getting them about twice a month.  Amytriptaline didn't work for me. . I hope your husband has success with Inderal also. 

First, I would make sure that the doctor knows that he is on Ami, before starting the other, as they may have some effects that you don't want.

However, if it is the doctor's intentions to have him taking both, which it is very possible that it is the case. My doctor always has me on what she likes to call a "cocktail" and I don't mean a mixed drink ha ha, I am generally on two different preventatives at a time and then two types of abortives at once (never triptans at the same time, and always things that the doctor and pharmacist agree are compatible)

I have taken antidepressants and beta blockers/calcium channel blockers, topamax, all kinds of things in different combinations in efforts to keep the migraines at bay and I figure whatever works and does't harm me...I am all for it!

 

Right now I am taking 400mg of Topamax daily, as well as a blood pressure medication that is used to prevent migraines. When I take abortives, I use DHE injections in conjunction with Zofran for nausea.

I have much better luck with combinations of medication than one alone.

 

Just a thought!

I've never heard of being on 2 preventatives at once.

Post Edited By Moderator (Annuk) : 5/16/2007 7:44:39 AM (GMT-6)

I know that this post started awhile ago but I just now have read it.  In response to being on two preventive meds - I have always been on 2 - first, I was on Verapamil and Lamictil and now, the neurologist has changed me to Verapamil and Trileptal - one hypertensive med and one anti-seizure med.  I think using two is fairly common - my neurologist explained that there are three categories of meds used for prevention of migraines - BP meds, anti-seizure meds and anti-depressants.  I also take a "cocktail" of meds for abortives - Relpax, Prednisone, Zofran and Dilaudid - so far, this combo has worked beautifully (however, just yesterday, I had a huge problem getting the nurse at the doctor's office to think it was so wonderful - she gave me so much grief about the Dilaudid but....).