My dad found something called Emgality which they claim stops the production of an enzyme that doesn't cause migraines but makes an active migraine worse.
How my dad explains it, it sounds like the body's response to deal with the inflammation makes an enzyme that hurts brain pressure more than helps, kind of like how when you're stopped up due to allergies your nose decides it's a good idea to turn off your ability to breathe completely.
Sometimes our bodies are stupid, and apparently this stuff works to stop that enzyme from making a hill into a mountain.
I had a similar poor experience with Emgality. For years, now, I've relied upon a monthly shot of Aimovig (reduces the need for abortives by ~40-50%), and either naratriptan or zolmitriptan. Naratriptan for the slow, sneaky attacks (works longer), and zolmitriptan lozenges when they come on quickly (works fast, but doesn't last as long).
But I've recently discovered two triggers relevant to me, that everyone who suffers from migraine should know. I live twenty miles from the Gulf Coast, and red tide causes powerful migraines especially in patients over the age of 55 -- migraines so bad they don't really respond to medication. Also, I recently discovered I am celiac. I have no gastro symptoms, but there is a whole spectrum of neuro symptoms associated with celiac, including chronic migraine. Also ataxia, vertigo, peripheral neuropathy, and possibly even Parkinson's.
I have migraines with vertigo (for well over 16 yrs now since diagnosed), and recently (this year being diagnosed but symptoms since 1/2020) found out I also now have Meniere’s on top of it. Not fun. My neurologist doesn’t help with my Meniere’s (have an ENT for this) but does for my migraines. He prescribed for me Ajovy injection, similar to Aimovig injections. My husband and I both tried Aimovig but we didn’t like it because we had backed up bowl issues to put it nicely, lol. The Ajovy gives me a welt at injection site but it doesn’t bother me at all, and the medicine seems to help. I take Sumatriptan for break through headaches when needed.
I stopped taking Ajovy months ago because my insurance wouldn’t cover it and the pharmacy was selling it to me at a discount, so I only paid $5 a month for it. When they stopped giving me the discount they jacked up the price to over $700. Yup $700! I said nope not happening! So months later at my neurologists checkup to see how my migraines were, I told him what happened and he found another way to get me the injection for $5 a month. But now because of the vaxx shots, I’ve become weary about taking any injections now. So I’ve been having some headaches since I stopped taking Ajovy, and I have one in my frig I’m worried about taking it.
I have been on the Aimovig $5 program since I started almost three years ago. I have not experienced the "backing up" problem you noted.
I'm about to blast my neurologist with both barrels for failing to diagnose my autoimmune issues. He was pushing me to get Botox, until I discovered (through a Sunshine-law website) that he was paid $40,000 last year in kickbacks from prescribing it.
I would highly recommend getting the celiac DNA test done, especially if your insurance covers labs. It's a simple test. It doesn't definitively diagnose celiac on its own, but it's a start. If your doctor will also write labs for gluten antibodies, that's even better. The confirmation of celiac can only be done with a sample from the small intestine...I don't recommend that. If your labs come back positive, then try a gluten-free diet. It's the only treatment.
I believe when I have migraines it is because I have eaten something that my body or liver can’t tolerate. E.g. sugars, eggs, or milk, etc. My dad used to eat chocolate and I know it triggered his migraines. It is important to hydrate and drinking a lot of water helps.
I only get migraines from eating chocolate if I eat a ton of it. unless you're super sensitive to it you'll probably be find as long as you eat it in moderation.
Sumatriptin (Imitex), as well as its spinoffs, also work at reducing plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide which are raised during a migraine attack. Triptin meds have vasoconstrictive mechanisms that can have effects not only on cranial vasculature, but elsewhere in the body. CGRP receptors are throughout the body and its mechanisms of action are still not thoroughly understood. People with HTN must use with caution and cases of bowel necrosis have been reported. These side effects are more likely to occur with more frequent use rather than occasional usage such as a few times a year. But, if sumatriptan has to be used, say on a weekly basis, then other treatments should be looked into rather than relying on this type of drug. The risk for unintended long term side effects cannot be ignored.
Everything concerning drugs has to be risk/benefit weighed. All drugs come with side effects. I suffer with chronic atypical migraine that I have struggled with since childhood. You name it, and I have probably tried it - everything allopathic and alternative. Nothing has given me any long lasting relief that doesn't break the bank. There are some good alternative therapies out there that worked for me - but I cannot afford them over the long haul. So, I keep my diet in check, reduce EMF exposure, use herbals and essential oils, and do what I can with OTC and a couple of old school prescription pain meds as needed. It seems to me that the only new drugs that are developed are for profit, and in the end come with a price tag and toxicity I am not willing to accept. The triptans were the last new meds formulated for migraine that I tried. It gave me chest pain, so I stopped. I take 5HTP instead of the drug. Every little bit helps. Whatever treatment someone chooses to help with migraine, they need to understand the risks. Sometimes the short term relief comes with a price tag down the road that is not worth the cost of admission.
What worked for me was Advil + Tylenol (Extra strength) at the first signs. That's what worked best until I got this stuff called Cambia, I've heard many drugs end migraines, this was the first where it ended all pain and I could function with a migraine.
I'm glad you found something that works for you! Sumatriptan doesn't work for some people that I know so I'll tell them about this and OP's earlier info 👌
It is a NSAID like the Advil. Long term usage of all NSAIDs is associated with increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. This is a pretty well established link at this point. As long as NSAIDs are not used frequently, a person should not have any problems. NSAIDs worked for me temporarily to knock the headache out, but then I would get rebound from hell. So, I will only use a NSAID when I absolutely have to function and get over the headache at the time knowing I will have to deal with the rebound later. But, you are right. They can knock the headache out at the time.
Oh, I used to take Advil OR Tylenol, whichever was closer and it would help me sleep at the least.
Was later told that the combination is better than either individually, and it did drastically reduce the suffering.
The one I have now is prescription only, but it works to the point where I could work with a migraine if I get it down soon enough (I don't tell my boss because, well, I don't abuse the excuse because karma).
Lol "migraine-activated meteorologists"🐸Have you tried Sumatriptan? That's been a life saver for me over the years.
My dad found something called Emgality which they claim stops the production of an enzyme that doesn't cause migraines but makes an active migraine worse.
How my dad explains it, it sounds like the body's response to deal with the inflammation makes an enzyme that hurts brain pressure more than helps, kind of like how when you're stopped up due to allergies your nose decides it's a good idea to turn off your ability to breathe completely.
Sometimes our bodies are stupid, and apparently this stuff works to stop that enzyme from making a hill into a mountain.
I'll ask him if he's tried Sumatriptan. Thanks.
Have you all tried potassium and magnesium for migraines?
Yeah, not fast-acting enough.
Excedrin is the only thing that helps mine.
Imitrex and hydrocodone is what my dad takes aside from a monthly emgality injection.
not a doctor, but perhaps daily supplements would address things, vitamins and minerals don't usually act like a quick fix.
I had a similar poor experience with Emgality. For years, now, I've relied upon a monthly shot of Aimovig (reduces the need for abortives by ~40-50%), and either naratriptan or zolmitriptan. Naratriptan for the slow, sneaky attacks (works longer), and zolmitriptan lozenges when they come on quickly (works fast, but doesn't last as long).
But I've recently discovered two triggers relevant to me, that everyone who suffers from migraine should know. I live twenty miles from the Gulf Coast, and red tide causes powerful migraines especially in patients over the age of 55 -- migraines so bad they don't really respond to medication. Also, I recently discovered I am celiac. I have no gastro symptoms, but there is a whole spectrum of neuro symptoms associated with celiac, including chronic migraine. Also ataxia, vertigo, peripheral neuropathy, and possibly even Parkinson's.
Hope this helps.
I have migraines with vertigo (for well over 16 yrs now since diagnosed), and recently (this year being diagnosed but symptoms since 1/2020) found out I also now have Meniere’s on top of it. Not fun. My neurologist doesn’t help with my Meniere’s (have an ENT for this) but does for my migraines. He prescribed for me Ajovy injection, similar to Aimovig injections. My husband and I both tried Aimovig but we didn’t like it because we had backed up bowl issues to put it nicely, lol. The Ajovy gives me a welt at injection site but it doesn’t bother me at all, and the medicine seems to help. I take Sumatriptan for break through headaches when needed.
I stopped taking Ajovy months ago because my insurance wouldn’t cover it and the pharmacy was selling it to me at a discount, so I only paid $5 a month for it. When they stopped giving me the discount they jacked up the price to over $700. Yup $700! I said nope not happening! So months later at my neurologists checkup to see how my migraines were, I told him what happened and he found another way to get me the injection for $5 a month. But now because of the vaxx shots, I’ve become weary about taking any injections now. So I’ve been having some headaches since I stopped taking Ajovy, and I have one in my frig I’m worried about taking it.
Have you looked into upper cervical specific chiropractic? You might get your life back.
I have been on the Aimovig $5 program since I started almost three years ago. I have not experienced the "backing up" problem you noted.
I'm about to blast my neurologist with both barrels for failing to diagnose my autoimmune issues. He was pushing me to get Botox, until I discovered (through a Sunshine-law website) that he was paid $40,000 last year in kickbacks from prescribing it.
I would highly recommend getting the celiac DNA test done, especially if your insurance covers labs. It's a simple test. It doesn't definitively diagnose celiac on its own, but it's a start. If your doctor will also write labs for gluten antibodies, that's even better. The confirmation of celiac can only be done with a sample from the small intestine...I don't recommend that. If your labs come back positive, then try a gluten-free diet. It's the only treatment.
This article will give you a start. There are plenty of references of neurological symptoms from celiac or gluten intolerance: https://www.beyondceliac.org/research-news/neuro-symptoms-gobeyondceliac/
Gluten and Meniere's Disease: https://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-sensitivity-and-vertigomenieres-disease/
I believe when I have migraines it is because I have eaten something that my body or liver can’t tolerate. E.g. sugars, eggs, or milk, etc. My dad used to eat chocolate and I know it triggered his migraines. It is important to hydrate and drinking a lot of water helps.
I only get migraines from eating chocolate if I eat a ton of it. unless you're super sensitive to it you'll probably be find as long as you eat it in moderation.
Chocolate is an important potential trigger. Others to be alert to are nightshades (most importantly tomatoes), yeast, and MSG.
Ahh that's interesting, I'll check it out! Lol well said🐸...your nose decides it's a good idea to turn off your ability to breathe completely.
I've gotten serious headaches from dehydration, btw.
Here is the rundown on Emigality just in case anyone is interested. It is a recombinant monoclonal antibody biologic. https://www.drugs.com/monograph/galcanezumab-gnlm.html Besides the cost, there are also some long term side effect concerns related to CGRP Antagonists. https://southernpainsociety.org/cgrp-antagonists-long-term-side-effects/
Sumatriptin (Imitex), as well as its spinoffs, also work at reducing plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide which are raised during a migraine attack. Triptin meds have vasoconstrictive mechanisms that can have effects not only on cranial vasculature, but elsewhere in the body. CGRP receptors are throughout the body and its mechanisms of action are still not thoroughly understood. People with HTN must use with caution and cases of bowel necrosis have been reported. These side effects are more likely to occur with more frequent use rather than occasional usage such as a few times a year. But, if sumatriptan has to be used, say on a weekly basis, then other treatments should be looked into rather than relying on this type of drug. The risk for unintended long term side effects cannot be ignored.
Everything concerning drugs has to be risk/benefit weighed. All drugs come with side effects. I suffer with chronic atypical migraine that I have struggled with since childhood. You name it, and I have probably tried it - everything allopathic and alternative. Nothing has given me any long lasting relief that doesn't break the bank. There are some good alternative therapies out there that worked for me - but I cannot afford them over the long haul. So, I keep my diet in check, reduce EMF exposure, use herbals and essential oils, and do what I can with OTC and a couple of old school prescription pain meds as needed. It seems to me that the only new drugs that are developed are for profit, and in the end come with a price tag and toxicity I am not willing to accept. The triptans were the last new meds formulated for migraine that I tried. It gave me chest pain, so I stopped. I take 5HTP instead of the drug. Every little bit helps. Whatever treatment someone chooses to help with migraine, they need to understand the risks. Sometimes the short term relief comes with a price tag down the road that is not worth the cost of admission.
What worked for me was Advil + Tylenol (Extra strength) at the first signs. That's what worked best until I got this stuff called Cambia, I've heard many drugs end migraines, this was the first where it ended all pain and I could function with a migraine.
I'm glad you found something that works for you! Sumatriptan doesn't work for some people that I know so I'll tell them about this and OP's earlier info 👌
The neurologist told me that the most common work he does is tiny doses of botox to stop migraines.
It is a NSAID like the Advil. Long term usage of all NSAIDs is associated with increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. This is a pretty well established link at this point. As long as NSAIDs are not used frequently, a person should not have any problems. NSAIDs worked for me temporarily to knock the headache out, but then I would get rebound from hell. So, I will only use a NSAID when I absolutely have to function and get over the headache at the time knowing I will have to deal with the rebound later. But, you are right. They can knock the headache out at the time.
Oh, I used to take Advil OR Tylenol, whichever was closer and it would help me sleep at the least.
Was later told that the combination is better than either individually, and it did drastically reduce the suffering.
The one I have now is prescription only, but it works to the point where I could work with a migraine if I get it down soon enough (I don't tell my boss because, well, I don't abuse the excuse because karma).
Enough said. I am in the same boat. ; )