Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology (Expert Forum)
Beta- and Calcium Channel Blockers and Migraines
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Beta- and Calcium Channel Blockers and Migraines
by Michele__0__0, Sep 09, 1998 12:00AM
Hi,
My neurologist suggested that I take Beta or Calcium Channel Blockers to prevent
migraines due to a family history with strokes (three of my mother's brothers died form strokes in the 30s)
and my migrianes becoming more and more like strokes each time I have one.
However, I only see mention of these meds
in use for heart attack patients. Is this something common for migraine patients?
What are the long and short term side effects? Any info that you can provide would be helpful!
Thanks!
======================================================================
Thanks for your questions. Beta-blockers and calcium-channels blockers are
medications very commonly used in the prophylaxis/prevention of migraine
headaches. They are usually indicated for patients whose migraine frequency
exceeds 1-2/month. They are taken daily, and, in contrast to agent such
as Midrin, Imitrex, of the NSAIDs (Tylenol, Motrin, etc.), they are no
action during a migraine attack. Another class of medications commonly
used in the prevention/prophylaxis of migraines are a group of anti-depressants
called SSRIs (e.g. Zoloft), which regulated the level of the neurotransmitter
Serotonin in the body.
The important side-effects of both beta-blockers and calcium-channel blocker
are the cardiovascular ones, that is, some patients might complain of
lightheadedness, near-fainting because of hypotension. In addition, beta-blockers
should be avoided if the patient has a history of asthma or other atopic
diseases.
I hope this information is helpful.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
