I get a bad headache nearly everyday!

[SammieJo91]

I am a 19 year old female. I have had migraines since I was four years old. My doctor at the time said that it was due to me eating dairy products. It seemed that I had out grew them but the past few years I get headaches about once a week. Every couple of months I would have a migraine that would last for a week or two and the only way it would go away would be when my parents took me to the ER were they would give me medicine and some fluids. The past couple months I have been getting a headache almost everyday. Sometimes it would be a migraine and sometimes it would just be a headache. I didn't think anything of it cause they would go away with a over the counter medicine or a nap. But the past few weeks I will get one and will have it all day. I can't get rid of it. I can't figure out what could be causing them. I went to the doctor today and he put me on Verapamil. I'm supposed to take one 80mg pill 3 times a day. He told me that this is usually used for high blood pressure but has also been used for migraines. If anyone has any ideas or advice I would grately appricitate it. Thanks

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Verapamil is usually indicated for the treatment of hypertension but it is also an effective preventive medication for migraine. This may be prescribed if benefits outweigh the risks. If it is effective in preventing your migraine attacks, you can continue it as prescribed my your doctor. You can also monitor your blood pressure while taking this medication. If it is not helping and you experience side effects like dizziness, constipation or heartburn; inform your doctor for proper management. Take care always.

[SammieJo91]

Thanks. Is it not weird that he put me on a blood pressure medicine though. That day my blood pressure was 108 over 83. Could it lower my blood pressure and cause more problems?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Migraine headaches usually responds to both preventive and abortive prescription medications. Continue your medicine and try to identify the possible triggers that could be causing your attacks so that you can avoid them. A headache journal and the headache tracker here in the forum may help. Take care and regards.