I have suffered from migraines for many years, ever since I was in the Army starting a decade ago. I have been treated with many medications in recent years, to include Elavil (Amitriptyline) Nortiptyline, and Topamax; and am also taking Effexor for fibromyalgia. I noticed a year or so after starting the Elavil that I was gaining weight; and this was significant as before this time I was always underweight for the first 26 years of my life; and suddenly gaining almost 25-30 lbs was pretty significant. My doctor stated it could be the Elavil; and placed me on Topamax. (I had taken Topamax years ago but had to stop it due to the fact that it suppressed my appetite; so she said it might be a plus/plus now to help me with my migraines as well as bring my weight back down). However, this time around the symptoms were much worse; I did in fact lose weight, but also suffered from nausea and dizziness; constant tingling in my hands and feet; and other symptoms. So she moved me over to nortriptyline, which was supposed to not have as much of a weight impact. However, I have noticed in the month I've been taking it that the weight has come back, and pretty quickly too; as has my appettie and cravings for sugar and carbs. So my question is is there any sort of migrainie preventative that actually does NOT cause weight AND helps prevent migraines? (Elavil seemed to work relatively well for migraines; Topamax and Nortriptyline not so much.)
Looking for migriane preventative that does not cause weight gain?
Question posted by sdkb03 on 11 Aug 2014
Last updated on 14 February 2020 by Aarobins79
10 Answers
You may ask your doctor about CGRP meds, they are very new. Emgality & Aimovig are each a monthly injection. Ubrevly is a pill. It has a different way of working than the other two.
Yes, Botox helped me, but nothing like acupuncture has done for me. It was a night and day difference. If you can find an acupuncture place that has "community" in the title, you will see that it is very inexpensive. I had severe 24/7 migraines after a stroke.
Other things that help migraines and don't cause weight gain are: nerve block and trigger point injections; an anti-inflammation gel by prescription mixed up by a special pharmacy and getting enough sleep :).
I suffered from chronic daily migraines for over 10yrs.I don't know how I did it!My Neurologist tried everything imaginable,even sent me to Mayo Clinic.NOTHING HELPED!!After appealing with my insurance company,they allowed me to try Botox Injections.(Before they were approved.)It was like a miracle,absolutely no migraines!I felt like I had my life back.After 7yrs.I still get Botox every 3 months&it's still working!!No side effects,injections don't even faz me!Plus,I get the benefits of no wrinkles
Hi there! I have suffered from Post-Concussion migraines for the past 9 yrs. - According to several Neurologists I have tried pretty much everything out there. It's very discouraging when Drs. tell you "there's nothing else out there for you!" Anyway, they explained that Post-Concussion migraines were treated differently than Migraines; the fact is I was still in severe Pain. (Hospitalized a few times... )
So... with that said... the two things that have helped me the most, were: 1) Botox shots (the only side effect I had was that my eyelids drooped a little at first.) Out of 3 yrs. I got them, first 2 really helped and then they lost their magic. and 2) I take Gabapentin as a preventive, and it's really helped! (No side effects, except a bit drowsy at first... I tried: Depakote, Tegretol, Topamax and others. Topamax helped a bit, but would make me really, really groggy, even with a min. dosage.
For the past 2 weeks I've been going to a Pain Clinic (Once I found out they existed, I asked my Neurologist to refer me.) So, yest. I had something called an "Occipital Nerve Blocker." It's supposed to really help for your migraines-especially in my case, in which I probably damaged my occipital nerve in my concussion.
There were dozens of times, I felt there were NO more options for my migraines... pls remember there always are! (Even when Drs. tell you there aren't... )
Good luck to all!
Bailey,
With your migraines, do they come and go, or is the pain constant? I ask because I may have the same situation. I get a migraine once a day, that I take an ergot med for. I have been in several auto accidents, and have fallen down a flight of concrete stairs. My head pain has always come with neck pain. When I read your post, I googled 'occipital nerve blocker' and found the Johns Hopkins explanation. It sounds promising for you.
Could you keep us informed via this site of your progress with this treatment? I had not heard of this treatment before and am very interested.
One more thing, do you have any numbness that seems to be associated with your neck nerve pain? My fingers are slightly numb typing this. At night the pain is intense in my hands and arms.
Thanks and good luck,
Lez
Hi Lez,
I'm sorry you've also had a fall!!! I had a car accident, after my concussion, so I'm sure it didn't help the matter. I was at a stopped at a light and person behind reached down to pick up his phone he dropped (his words, can you believe it!) anyway, he ran into me, and pushed me under the, truck in front...
After my concussion, 9 yrs. ago- I have had a strong headache "every day... " on a scale from 1-10, I would say a 4-5. Considering I can't be in bed for nine yrs- lol... I've learned to deal. I use to get a migraine every week that would last at least 2-3 days or more. The Botox shots were the only thing that seemed to reduce the amount of my suffering, but never took it away.Once the Botox stopped working my migraines went back to being several times a month and on a scale from 1-10, they were a 8-12!!! I'm assuming this happens to everyone with Migraines... my quality of life has never been the same.
My only constant friends have been my "ice packs... "
So, I am very hopeful for this procedure. I really sounds like this is your situation as well. At the Pain Clinic the Dr. explained that the reason all the hard core meds, I've gotten all this time: Morphine, Dilaudid, Toradol, Percocet, etc. haven't helped is because they are not meant to help the nerves; which is my problem and sounds like yours too!!! They have also prescribed a med called "Cambia" which will come in the mail tomorrow (It comes from a Specialty Pharmacy, but it is prescribed from the Pain Clinic.) That's why Gabapentin also known as Neurontin works so well... It helps the nerves in our Brain, or anywhere in the body, for that matter.
Regarding your numbness... no I don't have that, but it definitely sounds like a nerve pain. The only thing I can relate to, is that both my legs have been numb for a few weeks, and PCP has ordered an MRI because she thinks its most likely a pinched nerve.
Sorry for the long post... I hope all this helps. By the way, once again I have proved that you HAVE to be your own advocate!!! I can't believe none of my Drs. had ever considered referring me to the Pain Clinic! I have several chronic pains, so I'm upset with several of them :(
If it's ok with you, I will send you a friend request. I would really like to keep in touch and compare notes.
Take care.
Bailey,
I take only 100mg of gabepentin per day, but without it I am a lot worse. It is a drug that I have tried at higher doses and found that it made me feel "out of it", so I stick with the 100mg at bedtime (in case I have any weird feelings from it I'll be asleep).
My ancestors have had many different types of nerve disorders, including Myesthenia Gravis, Fibromyalgia, Epilepsy, migraines, and others I can't remember, but they were rare. It doesn't really surprise me that I have fibromyalgia and migraines of any sort. They all had back problems too. I have scoliosis and curvature front to back leading to a lifetime of pain.
I will have Medicare in November and can go to a pain clinic and ask for different treatments for my migraines, such as nerve blocks. I will also have Plan B coverage. I will be interested hearing about your experiences, as well as most everyone of us who has to wake up everyday with a headache. Not fun.
lez
Again, I'm really sorry for the pain you go through on a daily basis... lilfe is just not fair, at times! I will def. keep you posted on my new journey to find some relief...
Take care!
I get botox every 3months and occipital nerve blocks in between. Long term, I have gained 25 pounds and climbing. Helpful for the migraines but the added weight is starting to be a health issue. Watch it closely. I also have hair loss around injction sites.
I have also been greatly helped by Botox injections, and trigger point and nerve block injections. The latter two are particularly helpful for occipital migraines. No problems whatsoever from any of them.
A daily preventative medication that has not caused me any side effects is Petadolex. You can order it online. It's an herbal, but it is evaluated since it was manufactured in Germany where they test all their herbals. Unlike the US where many herbals have toxins in them. You just need to take it with food or it can cause abdominal discomfort. Also I take Magnesium and COQ10 every day.
I know that I am doing a lot to treat my migraines, but mine are especially difficult to treat due them being caused by a major stroke.
I too have same problem as Sara. I had 24/7 migraines and headaches until botox.
I'm back now too! Sorry for my short response previously, I was late for an appointment. So, regarding Botox for migraines... I get about 44injections (a few in the forehead which I live since it helps with the frown line I have between my eyebrows, my head, neck, shoulders, and a few in my upper middle back). The Botox paralyzes the muscle its injected in. Since about 2006 I believe, MediCare started approving it for migraines & cervical dystonia. Even tho I'm young I'm on MediCare after being disabled after being hit by a drunk driver. I've had multiple neck & back surgeries including getting a spinal cord stimulator to help with my neck pain, severe muscle cramping of my back to my shoulders to my neck & head ( which helps also bring on my migraines) & the scs doesn't really help so I advise most people against that idea.
When I get a migraine it always is severe pain in my occipital area (right under the bone, under my eyebrow, & it is like someone is sticking a knife thru my head to mylow head & neck area. I first paid for cosmetic Botox in my forehead because I thought it may help & sure enough it did! Then I found out doctors were using it for migraines. I know some people are concerned about putting this substance in their bodies. Which I totally understand but I've had no side effects since about 2006. I've talked with at least 4different neurologists (Harvard trained, etc.) & they are not worried. My cousin is a urologist & she is using Botox for women who have bladder issues. So I get it every 3 months like clockwork because that is what MediCare covers. After I'm injected I use ice & rest for the day. I hope this info helps. It has dramatically cut down on the number of migraines, the frequency & severity I get.
Hello, Well, I have never added a comment before, and I guess I am only supposed to respond to the latest one. I rarely get a headache, unless it's a sinus one. However, the ones about weight gain from medications really struck a nerve. My PCP had me try Elavil starting last November. I had incredibly weird side effects. I became like someone with "Mania" and anyone would have thought I was Bi Polar because that was exactly how I behaved. I have severe arthritis in my whole spine and nothing helped, even controlled substances. So, even though I was acting like a lunatic, I was absolutely pain-free. I was also falling down every time I turned around. After a couple of months the mania and loss of balance abated, but I gained 25 lbs and I am a very small woman, I am only 4'9" and have a small frame.
It was not the Elavil that caused me to gain weight in of itself, it was that a side effect of it made me feel ravenous at all hours, and forgetting I had just eaten and eating again, and things I never even cared for before, like sweets. I am sitting here in just a huge T-shirt because I now weigh 137.5 lbs. and weighed around 110 lbs tops before I started takiing it. I also was feeling very "high" like I had taken a recreational drug or something, I was so happy all the time, even alone here on Christmas as I was ill and didn't want to spread germs to the rest of my family. I was baking Christmas cookies and making little homemade pastries, and even when I knew I could not go anywhere for Christmas, I didn't stop. So I am back to 25 mg., feel slightly "normal" but that's how I am anyway. The pain is much less, but I am waiting to see an ortho because of the damage I did to one knee, falling on it over and over for months. It looks like I am growing a small cauliflower on my right knee. Now I can reach up into my cupboards and pantry and before I couldn't at all as I would be in horrific pain and muscle spasms. So I guess that's progress. Now I am on a strict diet, but it is a balanced one, and I am praying I lose some of this weight soon . I really can't afford to buy new clothes, just bought one pair of jeans that fit. My other clothes all look like doll clothes compared to the size I need now. I am vain, even at my age, and still can't walk very well outside, especially until this knee is better, so the only excersize I get is housework, (and walking to and from different rooms wondering what I went into the room for and having to begin at the beginning again!) Also, either the Elavil made me constipated or the amount of food I was eating did, or both. My stomach blew up like a balloon and hurt, and I had to be told by a friend that I was probably constipated, as I never had been before in my 63 years! Regarding Depakote, I have taken that as "a mood stabilizer" for years along with the antidepressants I need for MMD, and it never affected me in any way that I'm aware of.
It's interesting about Medicare covering Botox, I wonder if injections would help my spine? Too bad Medicare wouldn't cover them cosmetically, as I am not happy to see myself looking older than I feel! I thank everyone for their comments, and wish us all better health.
Hi Kitty,
It is really interesting to hear from you about your personal reactions to meds. And so different than mine on the same drugs! Elavil did nothing to me for depression or pain, but made me sluggish. I tried Depakote for a migraine prevention trial and even the lowest dose possible, I was out of my mind. I had hallucinations like cars were coming at me when they weren't even there. It made me sleepy and wonky. I wanted to stay on it for at least 3 months to see if it settled down but it never did. What a weird place that was for me. My nephew takes a low dose of Depakote for his epilepsy. He says it makes him want to sleep through the day and night. He hates it but it almost eliminates his seizures.
I am going on Medicare on Nov 1 and am going to try the Botox injections too. My migraines are 24/7. They started at once in awhile, and now 30 years later, all the time. So I am willing to risk the toxins for relief from this relentless mind-numbing pain. I have had no health insurance for about 15 years.
I will end this because I can't see your post on this screen and I forget all that you talked about. Good luck with your treatments.
lez
To lezzy444, When you say that now you have migraines 24/7, I hope that you are not taking a pain reliever any more than 3 days a week. And Fioricet no more than 2 days a week. Or that causes constant rebound migraines. Just checking in case that might be the case. Hope you don't mind me saying it. It is just meant to possibly help you.
I'm a chronic cluster migraine sufferer... I have violent migraines that come back tp back for days and weeks at a time. I finally have a pain doctor prescribe botox treatment. After 2+ months waiting for the pharmacy to finally get the prescription in. My Medicare will not pay for the injections... I've been begging for this treatment and the light switch was finally in my fingers... now I just continue to use my imitrex.. I am prescribed 100mg tablet.. I've been going thru approximately 2 scripts a month... I break them in half... I've even started breaking them into thirds... I'm still experiencing 3-4 migraines a day and taking larger dose wouldn't change the clustering.. I want the botox... how can I get my Medicare to pay??? Thank you for shading... I pray for amputation of my frontal lobe many many many times in a month... daily regiments haven't worked for me... ( I have spinal cord injury)
From being denied by MediCare when they first started covering Botox for Migraines I have found that the way the physician diagnoses your Migraines & documents everything makes all the difference. For example even tho my MD & I think my tension, should muscle spasms & my neck injuries help to cause my migraines that probably would not be covered by MediCare but a straightforward Migraine disorder is. This is to the best of my knowledge at least. Hope it helps!
To bluesgirl, Yes, Medicare should pay for your Botox. Make sure the doctor makes the right diagnosis to include chronic migraines.
You guys should try a supplement that I buy from Amazon.com called Migra-Eeze it works great and has no side effects... I take it as needed but, I'm sure that you could take it as a preventive.
I'm baaaack! I forgot to mention that being constipated can cause serious headaches and you don't know it. I thought of it cuz I have a headache and I went number 2 just now. (I know. Too much information) The headache has subsided. Just thought I'd pass on this poopy conversation. L, Anna.
You're funny! I have eliminated being constipated after much trial and error and am now a going machine. Herbs like cascara sagrada and senna leaves are two that work very well. Aloe is good too. Eat squash and apples regularly…for me there is nothing much worse than being constipated.
lez
So far I think the two answers you have already from pickles and Di are really good ideas. From what I hear, the botox treatments have been quite effective.
I also have fibromyalgia and chronic migraines, that started at age 31 and have continued for 30+ years. I totally get how frustrated you are with your weight issues because I have the same problem. Lyrica was the worst for me. It did nothing for my fibro, but I gained 35 pounds in 3 months. I only wanted to eat carbs, and could not get full. (it didn't take long to lose the weight because as soon as I stopped using it, my cravings stopped.)
But I'm not sure there is much out there for migraine prevention. I will be following this question line to see what answers come up. Trigger avoidance is important, but has not worked for me.
Good luck,
lez
Yeah I was thinking the same thing as far as preventative medication; from what I've seen they all cause weight gain. I have a couple different meds for the onset of migrains, but one of them (Maxal) has a sort of drowsy, nauseas side effect, and I'm at work most of the time and can't afford to be like that during the work day. I may have to ask my doc at my next appt about the Botox. I was initially on Lyrica, and the side effects for that were way too much. I started getting dizzy and had issues with my eyes, where they would almost tremble or shake really bad and that happened when I was driving and almost cause me to crash; so then I ended up being put on Cymbalta afterwards but eventually that didn't help; so my current doc has me on Effexor.
Effexor works pretty decently; but I'm currently taking 75mg and can't go up to the next dose (150mg) because then I start to get really bad cold sweats in the middle of the night, nightmares, and sleep paralysis. So 75 keeps me stable and without the side effects, but I can tell I'm starting to get too used to it. Also, if you happen to miss even one dose of Effexor, you go through withdrawal within hours, and those symptoms are HORRIBLE. So I feel almost like for now I'm stuck on Effexor simply because going off of it is too much to handle. As far as trigger avoidance, I havent' really had luck with any specific triggers; I've had migraines show up when I wake up in the morning; randomly in the day no matter what I'm doing; or just last for days for no apparent reason. So that never worked for me either. Good luck on finding something taht works for you; and hopefully we can get a few ideas from this thread.
Sdkb03, I was researching something like cymbalta that doesn't cause weight gain and worsened headaches like The cymbalta does, and I've noticed that effexor could cause weight loss instead of Gain, and that it could help with anxiety, ocd, etc. I don't know if I want to have to depend on a daily pill for the rest of.my life, but just wanted to see if the effexor was still working for You. ThAnks
My Neurologist hast but me on huge doses of Vitamin B2. 400mg daily. Its increases nausea but is a natural and anti-weight gain method. I've only been doing it recently so not change yet. I have Demyelination disease with 15 lesions my migraines are new.
I'm avoiding any medication as I don't want the weight gain. Try and see maybe?
I have used Maxalt in the past for my migraines but the best thing I have ever tried and use is Relpax. It is so amazing. I teach and I can't afford to get drowsy.my migraine is usually hone within 45 min. That and maxalt are the only thing that has worked for me. I was taking Topamax and the same thing happened for me. My fingertips and toes became numb, my tongue was numb and every other side effect I experienced. It also effected my memory. It got to a point I was forgetting my student's names and at the very worst part, I had forgotten how to get home. I immediately stopped it and things returned to normal.
Hi there sdk! I had migraines for 30 yrs before I found out I had sinus headaches. I take Coricidin 'D' D, and their gone. I can't believe in 64 years the docs didn't figure that out. Anyhoo, I just thought it might be something to consider. I pray you find the right combination of meds.
L, Anna
Anna,
I have also had migraines for 30+ years, and I am going to try the CoricidinDD. I presume it is OTC, but I will google it for all the info. Fingers crossed!
Thanks,
lez
Hi again. You can buy pseudoephedrine otc. Then buy Loritidine otc and put them together and you have Coricidin D. It's a hundred times cheaper than buying it otc. It cost about 6 bucks for the pseudoephedrine and 2 for Loritidine. You'd pay ten times that much for Coricidin D. Unless you can get a script from your doc.
Let me know how it works out. Gee, I hope it solves the problem. Wouldn't that be something? L, Anna
Anna, thank you for your answer; and I'm glad you were able to find a cure, even though it took 30 years and misdiagnoses from your Dr. I've actually had sinus problems in the past (espeecially with living in Kentucky; I've never had allergies before moving here but now I have allergies, sinus infectionis, and ear infections constantly!) but I haven't noticed a idfference in them when I've had to take sinus medication. And the headaches started long before I moved here so environmental factors were also ruled out.
Hi Lez! Pseudoephedrine is the key for me. I, too, have had sinus problems forever. You certainly won't gain weight on it. You'll probably lose weight. You have to go the pharmacy counter. That's where you buy it. I live in Oregon and were the only state that doesn't sell it. You may want to talk to your doc to make sure it doesn't interfere with the rest of your meds. Keep me informed, plz, Lez.
L, Anna
Hi pickles,
I also live in Oregon but my doc will write me a script if I ask her. I am going to start with the lowest dose of pseudoephedrine of 30mg immediate release. Is that close to what you take for your migraines? Or do you do the sustained release?
Thank you,
lez
Hi Sweetheart!
I take 120 mg of pseudoephedrine. That's the amount in Coricidin D. I wouldn't take that much before bedtime. You won't be able to sleep.
Anna,
I found the generic Loratadine 10mg tablets and I have a doc's appt. in 2 weeks and will ask her about trying it with the pseudo ephedrine. How do you take these? Just when you feel a migraine coming on you take 240mg pseudo and 10mg loratadine? Or do you take so much preventatively each day? I am jazzed about trying something new that has worked for someone else! I am 65, and have tried many things to end my migraine madness. Okay, I will not take the pseudo before bedtime. I need all the sleep I can get.
Thanks for your help,
lez
Anna,
I meant to say you take 120mg/day. The 240mg number is the max per day. Whoops.
Lez
I've gotten Botox injections every 3 months since 2008 for migraines. Nothing has worked better for me.
Does that work as regular botox does, as far as tightening up your facial muscles? I hadn't heard of that for migraines, only as a cosmetic surgery, and not too sure I'd want that...
Really? I didn't know Botox could be used for migraines. I learned something new today. Thank you, sweetheart. L, Anna
Yes, my friend suggests botox injections, as she suffers from epilepsy and nothing works better than botox for her.
I received one course of treatment with Botox for my migraines. My pain doctor said the pain would get worse before getting better, for about 2 to 3 weeks. This pain was very deep inside my head and felt like nothing I have ever experienced before. It was SO bad I think some people would have jumped off a bridge. I do not drink much but, one night I purposely got drunk just to escape the pain. I was going crazy. Needless to say, never again for me. Has anyone experienced this also?
Related topics
elavil, migraine, weight loss (obesity/overweight), migraine prevention, fibromyalgia, amitriptyline, weight, medication
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