daily headaches

[kivrin]

I have had daily headaches for well over a couple years. Four to five years ago my doc thought they were migraines and I took Imitrex about once every 2 weeks. Then I started getting a worse headache from the Imitrex, like my entire head was supersensitive, my hair hurt. He sent me to a neurologist who diagnosed occiptal neuralgia. That doc has been giving me botox injections in my neck and prescribed Lyrica.

I can't afford the Lyrica -- its $300 a month. The office has been nice to stock me with samples, but they are starting to get fewer and fewer (recession?). I have tried a couple other meds (Topamax and something else I can't remember) but the side effects are worse than the headaches.

Does anyone have any other ideas? I still have the headaches, I can work through them, but by about mid-day I notice a tenseness and ache around the top of my head. I take Vicodin about 2-3 times a week, but I don't like that due to the addiction potential.

[serenity113]

Here's another avenue to try along with your meds;  I've been trying a tyramine diet approach.  I know it's a long shot, but you never know.  You can go to Nat'l Headache Foundation site and search tyramine diet - some unknown food could be a trigger.
Good luck!

serenity113

[kivrin]

Thank you for your reply. I've tried all three -- Neurontin, Topamax, and Cymabalta -- but after looking at the information for particularily the Cymbalta, I am wondering if I just have a med conflict. I have been taking Zoloft and Trazodone for over 14 years -- both are SSRIs and these 3 drugs all seem to affect serotonin absorption/dispersal.

I am actually trying taking myself off the Lyrica right now, going down to just the Zoloft, Trazodone, and birth control. It also makes me wonder because I take the Trazodone to let me go to sleep because I developed insomnia as a side effect to the Zoloft (supposedly). I know I need something for my depression since when I am off Zoloft it is miserable, but maybe my headaches are caused by meds rather than something else. Any ideas?

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The affordable alternatives to Lyrica are -Neurontin ,Topamax and Cymbalta. Since you have had no relief from Topamax, you can try the other two . if still you feel no better ,please consult your neurologist to suggest an alternative.Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !