meds for prevention of migraines

I am a 40 year old female and have been taking 1000mg of Depakote each night for the last 4 years and 60 mg of Inderal ER in the morning to prevent migraines.  Overall I think it has reduced the number of random migraines however the one's that I can still count on are 1-2 days before my period, severe weather changes, lack of sleep/change in stress or schedule.

My questions are, should I have any hepatic studies done to monitor my liver if I am going to continue this treatment route?

My side effects have been consistant weight gain, decreased metabolism and increased fatigue; therefore are there other tx options?  It is most discouraging, I used to be very fit and active but then when the migraines began, every time I elevated my heart rate by exercise I got a headache.

What do I need to watch for in the future, how long do I have to keep taking these meds?  I never used to take anything but vitamins.

Thanks for your time, this is my first time to your site, impressive so far.

Kristen

[Kaleigh64]

Might you try a different regimen? There are many migraine medications out there and usually a multi-component approach works best. If you think that this regimen is not working for you or allowing you to live the life you want, perhaps you should try a different one until you find the right one that gives the least amount of side effects. You have to be proactive about it though, most doctors are not. It took me a couple years to find the right one (doctor and medication regimen) for me:

I have migraines on a daily basis which my doctors now believe to be, in-part, related to my hormone levels. After a few years of daily doses of Imitrex, I started a new regimen and it seems to have improved my problem considerably. I have been on it for about a year now.

I take Elavil 50mg before bed every night with 25mg of Topamax and Yasmin 28 3mg birth control pills. I felt a difference within the first month, my headaches almost stopped. I still get an occasional "break through" migraine during my period so I still take the occasional Imitrex but at 1/3 the dose.

I also keep on hand a few Fiorecet with Codeine and Flexeril, just in case, but have not had to use them for my migraines.

Elavil is an antidepressant which is used for many other problems and has been around for quite awhile. Topamax is an anticonvulsant medication that also works on migraines.

Most of the migraine prevention meds I've come across increase weight so a good exercise program, (which doesn't raise your heart too high) like walking walking, and eating a decent diet is required too. Of course, I still went up a size but its worth it!

Good Luck

[noops01]

Hi,
If you want you can try other medications for prevention of migraine headache like amitryptyline, topamax, calcium channel blockers like covera. But no drug is without a side effect so i would suggest if your migraines are adequately controlled you may want to continue with the present regime. But yes watch out for the side effects if they are occurring regularly and worsening then please consult your physician.