Out-of-the-ordinary migraine

Diseases & Conditions Migraine Headache
1
Yesterday, I awoke with a migraine so severe that it felt like my head was going to explode. It was a whole head migraine. Throbbing so hard I could see my heart beat. Now, I know many of you will nod and remember having migraines like that, too. And, usually, only migraine sufferers will recognize this pain.
 
But this was not a normal migraine. It has happened to me before. This is not something that I will ever forget. One thing sets this apart from a normal migraine. It actually gets BETTER when I walk around. And it gets worse again if I stop walking; even worse if I sit; and completely unbearable if I lie down.
 
This was a blood pressure migraine. I've had them from time to time for about 25 years. I'm 52. When I was in my late 20's, it was determined that this happened whenever I took cold medicine----Sudafed. Or diet pills----Ephedra.  I avoid those medicines "like the plague" as they say. But, every now and then my blood pressure just shoots up to a dangerously high amount and the solution is to take a blood pressure pill immediately.
 
I know what's happening, but I take my blood pressure anyway. 230/165! I take a BP pill (niphedipine) and walk around for about 15 minutes, and then I'm OK. A little ache remains, but my blood pressure's down to 120/70.
 
The main reason I'm writing this is to let people know that if your migraine is suddenly way more severe or different than usual, and your normal medicine doesn't help, don't wait. Something else might be happening. Call your doctor, or 911, or get someone to take you to the hospital.
 
~~Pegasis yeah
2
Hi,
 
Sorry you had to be in so much pain with that migraine and how horrible to have such high blood pressure. BUT how lucky for you that a pill to lower your blood pressure can get rid of pain like that so quickly. I had a shocker of a headache the other day and needed a shot to help with the pain.
 
Thanks for letting us know about what can happen with BP. It is a very dangerous thing to have high blood pressure and is worth anyone knowing what can happen when something like that happens.

Trace

Chronic Daily Headache and Migraine sufferer for 19 yrs.

3
Pegasis

Wow! I have not heard of that type of migraine. Kinda sdares me though because I suffer from high blood pressure anyway. Do you take BP meds regularly or just for these headaches?
Also I was wondering if you had any experience with the vitamin Migrahealth? I can't find it where I live but was thinking of finding a health food store in a nearby town. Just wondered if it was worth a shot. My neuro had me try B2 alone but it did nothing. I am on neuro #6 but think I may need to look for #7. He seems to be at a loss for what to try next. I have read about a lot of meds here that he has not tried. After having nerve blocking injections in the face and forehead and trigger point injections in the neck he now wants to try Botox. My insurance company would not cough up the money, he requested it twice. Since both rejections he seems to have lost interest in me. Sorry, didn't mean to whine quite this much, just a little lol.

Take care

droll  (AKA Dan)

4
Yeah, I can relate, Trace, about having to get a shot for the migraine pain. I spent many days in the emergency room waiting for my shot. That was before I went on daily preventives and triptans.
 
One day, when I had one of those blood pressure migraines, my husband (now a retired Marine) brought me to the Base hospital emergency room. It's not as crowded at the hospital close to home. Well, that doctor was the first one who took my pressure standing up first, then after I'd been lying down for several minutes. My blood pressure went up so high that he thought I was going to have a stroke. I was in my early 30's. He immediately gave me a pill to place under my tongue and within minutes, I was OK.
I asked him what it was. It was niphedipine.   When it happened again, I knew it was the same thing. I told the ER nurse what I needed. Of course, the patient isn't supposed to know these things and it took a long time before I was taken care of. The doctor asked, "If you knew what you needed, why didn't you ask that doctor to give you a prescription?" I thought it was a one time thing.
 
~~Pegasis yeah
5
Dan====Yes, I do have high blood pressure, but I take something else on a daily basis.  My husband takes niphedipine daily for his high blood pressure. But for me, it's just for emergencies. For some reason, it works very fast for me. I am VERY thankful that this type of headache doesn't happen very often. I am also very thankful that I know what to do now; and I can do it at home and not have to wait for hours in an emergency room.

My doctor recommended MigreLief and I've been taking it since 6/15. It's very similar to MigraHealth that can be found at WalMart. I was able to find it in a health food store for about $15 more than what WalMart sold it for. Both products contain B2(Riboflavin) 200mg; Magnesium 180mg; and Feverfew 50mg. (The ONLY difference is the type of magnesium.) You take it twice a day, with a meal. I take it with breakfast and dinner. There are others in this forum who take MigraHealth, too.
 
The caveat here, Dan is that you must take it for 90 days to achieve the maximum benefit. And continue taking it twice a day for continued benefit. If your doctor suggested just B2, did he tell you how much to take? I wanted to do that, too. But my doctor had told me to take so much that it amounted to over 22,000% of the Recommended Daily Allowance and I thought that was a mistake. Turns out to be correct. And even my spinal surgeon confirmed that when he looked it up. B2 is NOT toxic in such high doses, as some vitamins can be. But if you're going to do it, don't stop in a couple of weeks. Keep taking it. You can also probably find Magnesium, also. I did. But being able to locate the MigraHealth or MigreLief would make it easier to take all three ingredients. You might try on line, too.
 
It must be so maddening to have a doctor give up on you. Is difficult to make suggestions to your doctor, Dan?  Maybe you can do a little on-line research of some of the meds you've seen here. You can check Physicians Desk Reference. Perhaps print a couple of things and then bring them to your doctor and ask him what he thinks of maybe trying some of them on you. I know we don't like to think of this, but 50% of the doctors out there graduated in the bottom half of their class! Some of them need a little push from their patients!
 
~~Pegasis yeah
 
6
Thanks for the input. I have to see my neuro anyway because I may have to file for disability. I lost my job for the same reasons Sara did and have had no luck finding another. I keep running into deadends after very promising interviews. I am pretty sure I am the victim of illegal job references. Aargh!!

Take care

droll  (AKA Dan)

7
Pegasis

Do you know what's going on with Sara? I haven't heard from her or seen any posts for a few days. Is she ok?

droll  (AKA Dan)

8

Hi Dan,

I am here...just been busy. I had to work 11 days straight! and then of course with my first day off comes the "weekend migraine" I'm sure I brought it on myself-sleeping in that first day off. Oops! Anyway, I am back and trying to catch up.

 

Missed you all

Sara-Migraine/Headache Forum Moderator
 
Thanks for Visiting HealingWell.com

9
hey I am new here and I just had a question. I take midrin sometimes for my headaches but it only helps when I take like 5-6 pill with in 2-3 hours but when I do this I find that my blood pressure goes crazy high and I acutaly have ended up in the hospital to bring it down. My doc said my bp was high from the headache not the med but I think it is the other way around because on a normal day even with a headache I do not have high blood pressure. any thoughts
10

Hey y'all,

MigraHealth can be ordered online at www.Walgreens.com.  It runs about $17.99. The stores around here can never keep it in stock for me to do a price comparison.  I usually think Walgreens is the devil  devil  since the prices there are always higher to cover them being open 24/7, but when you are out, you gotta look where you gotta look.  Wal-mart was out for weeks.

Hope this helps.
Leigh Ann cool

"The weather is here, I wish you were beautiful."
                                             - Jimmy Buffett

11

Hi wenmarie, I stop by this forum from time to time and I'm glad I saw your letter about your migraines, your meds and your blood pressure.

It IS possible that this amount of Midrin could be raising your blood pressure.  It sounds like you've been taking your blood pressure at home. It's really good if you have a BP monitor and can take your blood pressure yourself.
 
I would suggest that in the future, take and record your blood pressure at the onset of your migraine. Take your first dose of Midrin. Take and record your blood pressure again before you take a second dose. Do this again if you take a third dose.
 
Remember to keep your doses one hour apart and no more than 5 doses in a 12 hour period. (That's the standard dose. If your doctor has prescribed it differently, follow his advice.)
 
In my opinion, if your blood pressure has gone up more than 25 points on either your upper or lower figures, it would be wise to delay your next dose another hour. Also, if your upper number goes over 160, and/or your lower number goes over 100, I would suggest you contact your doctor to see if there is a safer drug for you to take.
 
You could also try walking around between doses to see if your migraine decreases, as mine did when the migraine was solely because of the blood pressure.
 
I'm not a doctor. I'm only giving my opions based on my own experiences. Good luck. Let us know how you're doing, OK?
~~Pegasis yeah
 
12
does anyone know of anything similar to midrin? it is the only thing I can take and still be functionable but my blood pressure has been as high as 180/107 on the midrin and I do not want to kill myself for releif.
13

Midrin is in a class of its own...there aren't really any medications like it.

Can you tell me what it is about midrin you like that you don't like about the others?

Is your blood pressure usually high? or just when you have a migraine episode? I found that mine was getting so high during migraine attacks and that I was having them so often, that I had to start taking something to regulate it...I decided, with my doctor, of course, on Inderal...because it works on BP and Migraines. Just something to think about.

Sara

Sara-Migraine/Headache Forum Moderator
 
Thanks for Visiting HealingWell.com

14

 wenmarie

First of all, listen to Sara. She knows what she's talking about. Sometimes a daily blood pressure pill can really help to reduce the frequency of your migraines.

I came back here this afternoon because it occurred to me that there's another possibility. IF your doctor doesn't agree about prescribing a daily blood pressure medicine, you have another option.

Since your blood pressure does go so high when you take multiple doses of Midrin, and you know that's not good for the rest of your body, perhaps your doctor will agree to prescribe a "stand-by dose" of a blood pressure medicine. I don't know a lot about the different types. All I know is from personal experience and Niphedipine works really fast for me. That's a generic name. I don't know what brand name it would be.

I do take a daily blood pressure pill, too.

Some of us joke about the drastic steps we will take in order to get rid of a major migraine, but when your blood pressure is high enough to blow your eye balls out of your head, you know you need to do something else. LOL tongue

So, here you have some info and ideas that you can take to the doc with you. Keep in touch, OK? We want to know how you're doing.

Sara! It's good to see you here! ~~Pegasis yeah

15

Peg...  (a little off topic here-sorry all)

I have missed you too! I have had so much going on lately...it has not been funny...I have not even had time for a migraine...j/k Actually I had one the other day and just had to push through it and do my best. I am getting ready to start working a second job. So, my schedule is going to be 8:30-5:30 and then as soon as I get off there I am going to be on my way to the second and get off somewhere between 3-4am. I need all the prayers and well wishes I can get. I promise to be around as much as possible. ( I need a laptop!!! )

Back on topic...I have read some studies and know from personal experience that when my blood pressure is above a certain point that is a DEFINITE trigger for a migraine and will cause that pulsating type of pain and also that intense pressure behind my eyes. I have been taking Inderal for a few months now and have noticed a big difference.

I also suggest investing in a blood pressure monitor...they have these great ones that go on your wrist, you do not have to be a genuis to get these to work ( which is great for me!!! ) you put them on something like a wrist watch and push a button-one touch device here, very simple. They inflate and take your reading, they do blood pressure and pulse. This is a great way to keep tabs on the correlation between the BP and head symptoms. I did a diary while I was starting the Inderal and saw a huge improvement....Its worth a try!

Sara

Sara-Migraine/Headache Forum Moderator
 
Thanks for Visiting HealingWell.com

16

Hi Wenmarie,

I did some research and found the following on Midrin:

Midrin

Generic ingredients: Isometheptene mucate, Dichloralphenazone, Acetaminophen

 

Why is this drug prescribed?

Midrin is prescribed for the treatment of tension headaches. It is also used to treat vascular headaches such as migraine.

 

Most important fact about this drug

Midrin can be used only after the headache starts. It does not prevent headaches.

 

How should you take this medication?

You should start taking Midrin at the first sign of a migraine attack.

Do not take more than the maximum dose of Midrin.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

--If you miss a dose...

Take this medication only as needed.

 

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Midrin.

 

Side effects may include:

Short periods of dizziness, skin rash

 

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

Unless directed to do so by your doctor, do not take Midrin if you have the eye condition called glaucoma or severe kidney disease, high blood pressure, a physical defect of the heart, or liver disease, or if you are currently taking antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate.

 

Special warnings about this medication

Take Midrin cautiously if you have high blood pressure or any abnormal condition of the blood vessels outside of the heart, or have recently had a cardiovascular attack such as a heart attack or stroke.

 

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Avoid alcoholic beverages.

If Midrin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Midrin with the following:

 

Acetaminophen-containing pain relievers such as Tylenol

Antidepressants classified as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate

Antihistamines such as Benadryl

Central nervous system depressants such as Halcion, Valium and Xanax

 

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding your baby, check with your doctor before taking Midrin.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Relief of Migraine Headache

The usual dosage is 2 capsules at once, followed by 1 capsule every hour until the headache is relieved; do not take more than 5 capsules within a 12-hour period.

 

Relief of Tension Headache

The usual dosage is 1 or 2 capsules every 4 hours up to a maximum of 8 capsules a day.

 
I have a problem with my blood and it generally starts my migraine headaches. I take a Beta Blocker, Nadolol, to reduce the effect on my migraines. It doesn't entirely prevent my migraines, but it does reduce their severity. I don't get as serious throbbing.
 
I found on another site how Midrin works:
 

ACTIONS: Isometheptene Mucate, a sympathomimetic amine, acts by constricting dilated cranial and cerebral arterioles, thus reducing the stimuli that lead to vascular headaches. Dichloraiphenazone, a mild sedative, reduces the patient's emotional reaction to the pain of both vascular and tension headaches. Acetaminophen raises the threshold to painful stimuli, thus exerting an analgesic effect against all types of headaches.

 
Other medications that work simarlarily are Triptans. They don't include Acetaminophen or sedatives like Midrin but do constrict dilated blood vessels.
 
Good luck.

Nicky
 
Fall seven times, stand up eight.
                 --Japanese proverb

17
Hi you guys. A couple of things to keep in mind. If anyone ever experiences a severe headache different from their usual migraine in association with significantly elevated blood pressure (e.g., diastolic [bottom number] above 105 or so -- part of it depends on what your BP normally is) they should go to the ER to be sure they do not have a subarachnoid hemorrhage which is a type of bleeding into the space between your brain and the lining around your brain. Or it could be just a little leak - "a warning leak" is what we call it, and if it is not caught in time can become a full-blown subarachnoid bleed (not a good thing to have -- essentially a bleeding stroke.) Another thing to keep in mind for those being treated for high blood pressure is that if your blood pressure is very high and you take a nifedipine to get it down (quickly, which is how nifedipine will do it) there is a small but significant risk of lowering the blood pressure TOO far and having a stroke or heart attack due to inadequate blood flow to the brain or heart. When I was in training we used to bring people's pressure down with sublingual nifedipine all the time, and sometimes it would go down really far. Then there started to be case reports of people having strokes and heart attacks when nifedipine was given to lower the BP acutely, so the practice was abandoned. Just thought you might like to know that, since in an earlier post I thought I read that someone took nifedipine to get their BP down. Hope this info is helpful. My best regards to all of you.
Laura L.