Is Elavil good for migraines? It is used to treat chronic tension-type headache as well as migraine headache. Its effectiveness in treating any of these conditions, especially headache, is not related to whether or not the individual has depression.
How long does it take for amitriptyline to work for migraines? It can take between 4 and 6 weeks before you feel the full benefits of amitriptyline as a painkiller. Do not stop taking amitriptyline after 1 to 2 weeks just because you feel it’s not helping your symptoms. Give it at least 6 weeks to work.
How much amitriptyline should I take for migraines? Dosing. Amitriptyline comes as a tablet you swallow. The smallest dose is 10 milligrams (mg), although the drug is available in larger doses per tablet. The AHS/AAN Guidelines for Prevention of Episodic Migraines recommend between 25 and 150 mg of amitriptyline per day.
Which is better for migraines amitriptyline or Topamax? Conclusions: In this noninferiority study, topiramate was at least as effective as amitriptyline in terms of reducing the rate of mean monthly migraine episodes and all prespecified secondary efficacy end points.
Is Elavil good for migraines? – Additional Questions
Why do you put on weight with amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline can change how hungry you feel. Some people feel more hungry when they’re taking it, while others feel less hungry. So your weight may change when you first start taking it.
Can I take Topamax and Elavil together?
Interactions between your drugs
Topiramate can cause increased body temperature and decreased sweating, and these effects may be worsened when combined with medications like amitriptyline. Heat stroke and hospitalization may occur in some people, especially in warm weather and during vigorous exercise.
How are Topamax and amitriptyline difference?
Topamax (topiramate) is very effective at preventing many types of seizures and migraines, but it can cause several severe side effects that can lead to stopping the medication. Elavil (amitriptyline) works well to treat nerve pain and is non-habit forming.
Is Topamax the same as amitriptyline?
Topamax and Elavil belong to different drug classes. Topamax is an anticonvulsant and Elavil is a tricyclic antidepressant. The brand name Elavil is no longer available in the U.S. It is available as generic amitryptiline.
Is amitriptyline good for headaches?
Amitriptyline has been used in medical practice for over 30 years. It was initially introduced as an antidepressant but is also very effective as a pain reliever at lower doses. It is used for migraines and other headaches as well as other pain conditions such as back pain and irritable bowel syndrome.
How much topiramate should I take for migraines?
The recommended dosage of topiramate for migraine prevention is 50 mg twice per day. Patients should start with 25 mg once per day, then increase by 25 mg per week up to the recommended dosage.
What is the strongest prescription for migraines?
Triptans. Prescription drugs such as sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra) and rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT) are used to treat migraine because they block pain pathways in the brain. Taken as pills, shots or nasal sprays, they can relieve many symptoms of migraine.
What is the best preventative medication for migraines?
Preventive drugs with the best proven efficacy for migraine are certain beta-blockers, divalproex sodium, and topiramate. The chosen drug should have the best risk-to-benefit ratio for the individual patient and, where possible, take advantage of the drug’s side effect profile.
How do you feel on Topamax?
Topamax can sometimes cause personality changes that affect the way people behave, react, feel, or interact with others. For example, the drug may cause agitation, aggression, or other behavior problems. Topamax may also cause mood changes, such as anxiety, mood swings, and depression.
What people say about Topamax?
Most voted negative review
After taking Topamax for the first time, it made me feel extremely strange. I got a tingly feeling in my entire head, it gave me a headache, and my whole body felt extremely fatigued. I felt more spaced out than usual, too. It was terrible so I called my doctor that day.
What is the most common side effect of topiramate?
Tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tingling of the hands/feet, loss of appetite, bad taste in your mouth, diarrhea, and weight loss may occur.
What vitamins should not be taken with topiramate?
Mixing topiramate with herbal remedies and supplements
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you need to take high doses of vitamin C or calcium supplements. Taking these supplements can increase a risk of kidney stones.
What vitamins does Topamax deplete?
Treatment with phenobarbital, pregabalin, primidone, or topiramate was associated with lower vitamin B12 levels compared with the entire group of patients. Vitamin B12 serum levels were higher in patients treated with valproate compared with the entire group of patients, untreated patients, and healthy controls.
Can I take vitamin D with topiramate?
Conclusion: A combination of topiramate and vitamin D3 might be considered safe and more effective than topiramate alone in the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine.
Does topiramate affect sleep?
The use of alcohol or other medicines that affect the CNS with topiramate may worsen the side effects of this medicine, such as dizziness, poor concentration, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and trouble with sleeping.
Does Topamax mess with your brain?
In general terms, all presented data suggest that up to 10% of patients treated with topiramate may complain of cognitive problems.
When should you not take Topamax?
Do not take Topamax if you:
- are allergic to it or any of the ingredients in it.
- consume alcohol within 6 hours of taking Topamax.
- have or have had any of these conditions: Glaucoma or other eye problems. Kidney disease. Metabolic acidosis.
- are planning to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
