Medications... I can pick from two??

[motox320]

New daily persistant headache here,  or migrain like

Doc says I can pick what to take

Either neurontin, low dose  or Amitriptyline  AKA Elavil  also low dose

I know with the Elavil you have to get a ekg and what not.. I dont want to take any pill that will give me dast heart rate, as this gives me panic attacks.

Off the record, personal opinion, which one would you try.... Just your opinion, its not going to influence me if your thinking I should ask my doctor.

she said its my choice

please answer....

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
I do agree with your doctor that you should be the one to decide which medicine to take. Neurontoin or gabapentin is a GABA analogue which is originally used for the treatment of epilepsy. It is also indicated to relieve neuropathic pain such as migraine headaches and nerve-related pain. This drug should not be discontinued abruptly after long term use because it can lead to withdrawal syndrome. Most common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and swelling of extremities. On the other hand, amitriptyline or Elavil, is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is officially approved as a preventive medication for patients with frequent migraines and chronic fatigue syndrome. Common side effects is due to its anticholinergic activity such as weight gain, dry mouth, changes in appetite, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, insomnia and changes in sexual function.  I hope this helps in making your decision. Take care and best regards.

[Eddie1994]

Neurontin seems to be  a safer choice depending on dosage.  I have taken up to 1500mg daily for a nerve injury and other then weight gain I noticed no other symptoms.  It wasn't as effective at the higher dose for the type of injury I have.  Lyrica seemed to work better but on at lower doses.  

For migraines, ask you Doctor if he/she would consider changing to Topamax.  It's in the same family as Neurontin but my wife's Neurologist thinks it is a superior drug.  My wife takes 100mg of Topamax daily for her migraines.  It seems to reduce the total frequency as we have noticed in her migraine diary over the last 10 years.  

[dame_wilbur]

(I should start off saying I'm not really familiar with either of these meds) But...if you know all this about Elavil, and it doesn't sound appealing, I would think that going with neurontin would be the logical choice.

Good luck, and may your choice help!

~Dame