Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Remedies for Headaches & Migraines

Image via Google but by no means illustrates all headaches.
Mine are usually in the back of the skull near the base.
I've had recurring headaches for years decades. My favorite remedy has always been ibuprophen. It has done the job 99% of the time and being OTC (over-the-counter) is always easy to obtain.

Until recently...

Now, it seems that my old friend Ibuprophen is only about 50% effective.  I haven't asked my physician friends if there is a level at which a person can develop a tolerance to it but perhaps I've reached it. Otherwise, either my headaches are getting worse or their root cause is changing.  I've taken 800-1000mg dosages up to three times in one 24 hour period and had it not take the pain away.  It used to work after one dose.

Hence the reason for this post.  I'll be experimenting with new methods of migraine control and posting it here as well as on my Medicine tab. I've begun asked my Emergency Room nurses for their opinions on Imitrex and similar drugs. As soon as I get some, I'll post the effects.

What do YOU use for headaches/migraines?

10 comments:

  1. Fioricet, Tylenol, Advil, and Benedryl (SP?)

    I have been known to go to the ER occasionally for a big shot of Solium Medrol, a very powerful anti inflammatory steroid injection. It works wonders.

    I'm allergic to Imitrex and Zomig (they're cousins)

    While I'm not a drinker, a couple of beers has been known to help. Your mileage may vary.

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  2. @Matt Thanks for the input! I have GOT to find something that works consistantly and soon. I already try Tylenol and Advil. Benny just makes me tired. I'll ask the ER about Fioricet. My ER doc told me last night that Imitrex is clinically proven to be the LEAST effective of the options available. I'll ask about the Medrol too.

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  3. I have headaches on a daily basis, different kinds last for different amounts of time. I usually take Excedrin Migraine or Excedrin Extra Strenghth. That is the only thing that works. Sometimes, I don't get in front of the pain, so I have to take something stronger. Then I use an over the counter pain killer called Percogesic. It is the best!
    By the way, Excedrin products have been removed from store shelves due to the FDA shutting down the factory.
    So glad I stockpiled some but worried about what will happen when I run out.

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  4. I just cut back on my excessive cheese habit to relieve migraines brought on by too much cheese. Also, loading up on green foods--greens, green beans, broccoli, anything green, helps to speed the easing of pain.

    Percogesic has a new formula that is less effective. Search in little mom and dad type drugstores. The chains have removed the old stuff.

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  5. I try turmeric first. It's a common kitchen spice and natural anti-inflammatory. I'll take 2-4 caps and repeat if needed maybe 45 minutes later. It helps inflammation based headache pain, and can give you some joint pain relief as a side benefit.

    Trying to keep some anti-inflammatory foods in the diet seems to provide some preventative help: fresh pineapple (not canned), ginger, onions, garlic, celery, wild salmon, etc. And, of course, avoiding highly inflammatory foods helps too.

    brenda from ar

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  6. In our ER Toradol (ketorolac) is the gold standard for migraine headache.

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  7. You had given the innovative content on remedies for headache along with related terms which is really helpful to cure the usual problem, Thanks a lot.

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  8. Pain clinics say that pain meds (ie prescriptions) create cycles of pain. Hubby has cluster headaches for 15 years (aka suicide headaches) brought on by barometric pressure changes & humidity. Oxygen (full strength, with non-rebreather mask) helps a LOT if excedrin doesn't help. It needs a prescription. We get 10 tanks at a time. Also try accupressure: squeeze nose on both sides up near eyes.

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  9. Migraine is mostly triggered by a sedentary lifestyle and mostly by an imbalanced nutrient. Carrot, cucumber and beetroot juice along with honey could give you some relief.


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