Headaches with meds?

[aiuta]

Has anyone else experience headaches while on treatment?  Do you think it is the Interferon or the Ribaviron (or does it really matter)?  It can get so uncomfortable that I've had to put on this black mask over my eyes at home to keep out the light.  At work, which is a brightly lit room with flourescent lights,  sometimes I wear sunglasses.  I did occasionally have migraines before treatment, but it was mostly 8 years ago, at a time when I was very stressed out.  As of last night, I've done 5 shots.  Last week they prescribed Imitrex.  I went to pick it up but it cost too much ($694) and I don't have insurance.  I did call Pfizer and they have a similar med (Relpax?) and I will probably qualify for patient assistance.  Does anyone have experience with headaches and treatment or with taking headache medication?  What about natural remedies for headaches?  
Thank you as always.  -Aiuta

[Kalio1]

I am so glad to hear you were able to enjoy part of the day yesterday. I hope today is as good and even better. You will eradicate this evil virus and banish it from your life forever!
Stay positive you can do this, you are very strong, stronger than you think you are! Just so you know, I get strength from YOU and your contributions here.

[aiuta]

Thanks so much, you guys.  That really helped.  It's funny about the gatorade, because I already drink about 80 oz. of H20 a day, and upon hearing of my headaches last week, the hepatologist's nurses suggested I add some gatorade to the water.  I wonder what's up with that.  I'll try it in any case and I'm going to try and get some free samples of Imitrex or other headache meds from my psychiatrist friend who has told me she has some.  Best of all though was today was day #1 post-shot, and I only had to wear the mask in the morning.  After sleeping it off until about 2, I actually went out and enjoyed the beautiful day.  It must be your good thoughts, prayers and support that is helping me.  I'm serious.  I am so grateful to you all.  Thanks once again for your help.  
All my best,
Aiuta

[sfbaygirl]

Speaking of Imitrex. My doc had tons of samples that she gave me. See if your PCP has any of these.

Desrt;  I tried acupunture, massage (that helped once an hour) and Chinese herbs, cupping, you name it. Nothing worked except Imitrex for my migraines.

[tulsatime]

I know this probably sounds odd. But I read on here before that drinking gator-aid helps with headaches. Don't know, but worth a try.     hope you feel better, Debi

[Snookmiester]

Up your water intake, or drink gatorade..One of the most common reasons for headaches on tx, is dehydration..

[Better_Angels]

My husband suffered horrible migraines and it was his opinion that they were a result of the Infergen. They eased up when he went from daily to every other day which supported his theory, but they continued all through treatment. His doctor eventually put him o codeine. When I asked about migraine specific meds, he said that his headaches were muscular/skeletal, so the standard migraine meds wouldn't help because those are for constricted blood vessels.

The codeine barely phased them, but it was better than nothing. I hurt for you, it was hard watching my husband endure this additional suffering.

Debbe

[anise]

I suffered from headaches during treatment and still do.  In the past, I was not prone to headaches, but I sure get them now.  My NP gave me percocet, which I take no more than 3 or 4 a day.  It has helped with my headaches and body/muscular aches.  I'm not going to suffer through this and anything they can give me to help me feel better I will take.  Of course, this is just my experience.

[Penelope1911]

Its a common side effect for me anyways...its on again off again ever since I started tx..."flu like symptoms". Prayers to you for that headache to go away.   Mkeela

[bobbyullc]

if you read the adverse reaction sheet in the meds you will see the percentages for all the sides we have. headaches are way up there.
bobby

[Alady1620]

I've had horrible headaches since starting treatment.  I used to get them before but they are much worse now.  I control mine with Tylenol and Advil.

You might read up on pressure points.  There is a spot above your eyes that, when slight pressure is applied to it, releaves the pain.  I do it to myself and it helps a lot.  My husband has me rub his eyes and temples when he gets headaches and it helps him a lot too.

[sfbaygirl]

I have had headaches most of my life. Migraines were almost a daily occurance since I was 14. I took so many drugs it wasn't funny. Imitrex, when it finally came out was a miracle, until I got heart palpitations. After menopause they seemed to go away, except the Cluster headaches, which I get sometimes. I used to be in bed for 10 days at a time. It was awful!

Now I do get headaches that last many days, but they aren't migraines, they feel like it, but they feel chemically induced. I take Fiorinal/codeine and it eases the pain, but doesn't get rid of it. I thought they were from the Neulasta (still do) but the hemo says they are from the interferon. Who knows? They are a pain! I'm not sure imitrex will work, but I would try it out.

[desrt]

Vicoprofen worked great for me on tx - but all pain meds have drawbacks. I've seen acupuncture do amazing things for migraine (combined with warm packs on the back of the neck and a darkened room). Not saying it would work for you, but it's cheaper than Imitrex, if you're trying to see what will work.

[mycoldfeet]

I had them too, and it may be stress, I was still working as a paramedic while on tx and had some doozies, I was prescribed valium 10 mg x3 a day and it not only helped with the h/a but much of th sx as well, and at $5.30 for 50 wasnt too bad, my insurance didnt cover meds except my pegasys. Hope you find something that works for ya.

[Kalio1]

I had the headaches for several months starting tx and I was drinnking TONS of water and it didnt help them at all. They did eventually ease up and I rarely get them now, I hope yours ease up too. I did try the Imitrex which cost a FORTUNE and it didnt help at ALL. Covering my eyes, lying down in a quiet place ussing those heat em up seed filled headache things helped on my forehead and a pain pill gave some relief. Hang in there, I hope they ease up.

[amirtracy]

I get 'em too. sometimes bad. and they feel unlike headaches i used to have. sorta like my brain is floating in liquid metal. ??? don't know how to describe it, but it definently feels medicinal. hope you get to feeling better and i too have no insurance so good luck and keep us posted.   tracy