Question:
I often get migraines upon waking. This usually occurs 1-2 times each week.
They will often incapacitate me for the remainder of the day if untreated or
the meds will do the same. I was wondering how common this was among the
others who post and what sorts of treatments are effective for this. I know
that they are not caused by a dental bruxism, as my dentist checked this and
even fitted me for a mouthpiece. Also, I remember reading a while ago that
Ritalin has proven effective for migraine prevention, especially for morning
headaches. Am I remembering correctly, or have I read so many postings that
they are beginning to blend?
Answer:
I know nothing about the effectiveness of Ritalin for migraines...but
did want to let you know that you're not alone in early-morning migraines.
My Zomig is effective if, and ONLY if, I am at the beginning stages when I
awaken... Often I have a pounder wake me up about 3am -- this is the kind
that causes me to crawl under a rock, because it's already progressed too
far to do much with.
If I don't awaken BECAUSE of the migraine, but have those wonderful
pre-steps I have the same problem you do - about 90-95% of my headaches are present upon waking. I actually just had an appointment with a Neurologist who specializes in Migraine, and he said (hope I get this right - I can't remember exactly what he said) that often there while you are sleeping, there can be a spike of noradrenaline (or norepinephrine) which then triggers the migraine. At any rate, he gave me 10mg of Amitryptilene to take every night before bed, which is supposed to regulate the neurotransmitters, and help prevent waking with a headache.. He also advised me to take 100 mg of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 4 times a day.
90% of my migraines were upon waking too - almost always 3-4am and almost
always after a dream of falling or spinning (those migraines I do get during
the day always follow an aura that includes extreme dizziness and nausea).
I use Elavil as a preventative and Migranal nasal and Compazine
suppositories as abortives, and so far have had terrific luck. One major
change is that I have more of the mid-day migraines now and not so many upon
waking, which I unofficially attribute to the Elavil's sedative properties.
My wake-up migraines were almost always more debilitating for longer periods
even after the medication - I would be exhausted and drugged afterwards for
the whole day, and the light sensitivity lasted long after the migraine had
been killed. The mid-day migraines are killed by the medication, but
although I am tired and drugged feeling, it is only this type that I am able
to continue functioning as a human. I am grateful for this change since I
am in college and need to be more functioning than not.
Best of luck! And sorry this is so rambling!
