Don't Rebound Into Another Headache

How To Get Rid Of A Headaches:
"Rebound headache is a common problem. It happens when you start trying to fight off headaches, and they start fighting back. What's often happening is that the very drugs that used to solve the problem are actually making things worse. If you start taking the drugs on a regular basis, your body actually gets used to the medication and starts to crave it when it's not there. Then the headaches get worse, so you take more drugs. The cycle goes on.

If you're suffering from a mild headache almost every day, you may have rebound headache. If you're taking pain relievers every 2-3 days, that's a sign that you're caught in the cycle. You may find that 3-4 hours after taking the drugs the headache gets even worse, or you may start waking up with headache.

The Mayo Clinic reports that the pills most likely to cause rebound headache are drugs with a combination of ingredients, such as drugs that include combinations of caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen, and migraine drugs like ergotamines and triptans (eg Imitrex). If you're taking a lot of painkillers, see your doctor and try to treat the problem. There may be newer and better treatments available.

Also, be sure you have at least two days that are drug-free between every day when you're taking painkillers. Some doctors suggest that you take no more than 10 doses a month. If you're taking much more than that, see a good doctor and look for other solutions.

Though it may be hard to believe, you may actually be better off with no drugs at all. Many doctors suggest going cold turkey. You may need medical help to be able to get out of the cycle. The sooner you can get that help the better.

You can try cutting down over a couple of months. Be sure to keep track of exactly what you're taking. First, go a day without drugs, then two days between every day with drugs. You'll likely notice an increase in headaches at first, but keep at it! Things will get much better.

My Take:

Rebound headaches are a fact of life for most frequent migraneurs. I've had 28 days of migraine in a 30 day month, so I know about frequency -- and desperation.

For me, the rebound saga started with a doctor's prescription for fiorinol (fioricet). Within months I went from weekly misery to daily agony. Thanks, doc!

My formula to avoid rebounds is to alternate classes of drugs: tripins 1 event, ergotermine the next. If necessary, even bear the pain for a day to get the necessary drug separation.

Rebounds can be more vicious than the migraine they replace!

Spray your headache away

IOL: Spray your headache away:
"One hour after treatment with the Zomig spray, 28 percent of the patients said they had no pain and 51 percent were able to resume normal activities. This compared with 10 percent of those who got the placebo who reported no pain after an hour.

Two hours later, 39 percent who used zolmitriptan reported their headaches were gone, compared with 19 percent of those who used the placebo spray."

My Take:

This study could not possibly have been well controlled. 19% of subjects got over a MIGRAINE with a placebo?? Give me a break. No way.

On a different tack, every spray product I have tried (including the aforementioned Zomig) makes my migraine immediately much WORSE.

Magnesium affects migraines?

MAGNESIUM:
"Magnesium is a mineral that has been used widely for treating abdominal cramps and constipation. It is obtained naturally from the diet, and is required for many metabolic activities in the body. Absorption of magnesium is reduced by high intake of calcium, alcohol, surgery, diuretics, liver or kidney disease, and oral contraceptive use.

While small doses of magnesium-containing laxatives are safe, larger doses may not be. This is especially true for long-term use.

Fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraine, premenstrual syndrome, and dysmenorrhea are conditions associated with magnesium deficiency. Women with premenstrual syndrome who were found to have low magnesium were more likely to have excess sensitivity to pain with generalized aches and pains."

My Take:

One more thing to investigate and perhaps supplement.

Now here is a total waste of money

The Way to My Heart: Staying cool in the sun:
"Get some Mentholatum Migraine Ice patches. These soft gel patches - designed to soothe headaches - come into their own during heatwaves as they instantly reduce skin temperature when applied. They can be found in chemists. "

My Take:

Did you read the title? These little gems total crap. For migraine. Maybe they are useful as a suppository -- for anyone who recommends them for migraines.

Dr. Saleeby's Blog: Headaches

Dr. Saleeby's Blog: Headaches:
"Females are almost three times more likely to suffer from migraine headaches than are men.

There are a wide variety of things that may trigger a migraine. Hunger, fatigue, bright light, alcohol, caffeine, excitement or stress, birth control pills, perfumes and certain foods are all examples of triggers. A woman's fluctuation in hormones due to her menstrual cycle can also be a factor."

My Take:

With birth control pills, menstrual cycles, and perfumes as known migraine triggers, no wonder women are at greater risk. The first 2 are fixed for most women, so concentrate on the perfume -- determine if you are sensitive to it, and if so, eliminate it.