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Using Prozac To Treat Migraines

by Rena Sherwood

AmenSince I bang on about Prozac (fluoxetine) a lot on this chronic headache and migraine blog, I thought I should check to see if my cherised Prozac is currently being using used to treat migraines. (It seems like almost every drug having to do with your head is). And well, whaddya know, I found that it is. Even the National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain list Prozac and family members Paxil, Sarafem and Zoloft among “migraine abortive medications”. These are all anti-depressants. Even more powerful anti-depressants like Wellbutrin are also prescribed as migraine preventatives.

I wonder why? Well, perhaps one kind of misery in the head can lead to another. There does seems to be a lot of migrainuers who also have depression (of course we’re depressed — our heads are killing us!)

My Case

I take generic Prozac for major depression, also called endogenous recurring depression (which I probably got in my past life as a hamster). I’ll tell you right now that I take the pills pretty faithfully (except for this one time recently when I accidently took two) and I still get migraines.

Also, if I forget to take my Prozac, then I get a mild headache in order to remind me to take it. And yes, I admidt that sounds like a classic withdrawal symptom to me. But since Prozac helps with my depression, it’s a cross I’m willing to bear.

Now Prozac is great for helping me get regular sleep and an appetite when I’m stressed out. Being able to eat and sleep regularly has made a big difference in my quality of life. But as for preventing migraines, Prozac sucks.

But apparently, it must work for somebody, as it does seem to be used regularly as a migraine preventative.

Side Effects

One side effect Prozac gives is that you often gain weight (it does stimulate the appetite strongly, as does most anti-depressants). Imitrex is also suppossed to have you gain weight and feel sluggish.

I felt horribly sluggish for the first two weeks when I was on Prozac, but then my body adjusted. Whenever my dosage changes, I do get dopey for about a week before my body readjusts. This can be a problem for some people.

For a more comprehensive list of Prozac side effects, check out this article on Prozac by Magnum.

Hope this helps. Have a pain free weekend.


5 Responses to “Using Prozac To Treat Migraines”

  1. Rain Gem Says:

    I think it’s the same idea as prescribing Elavil or any other Prozac wannabes. People still have migraines, they just don’t care… I actually seen it myself, believe it or not.

    In theory, it’s supposed to keep your serotonin level down and prevent it from spiking. In reality, there’s way to many things that interfere with your brain chemistry that it’s close to impossible to control with just one pill.

    So, to a cynic, it might seem that doctor prescribe sedatives to migraine patients so that they stop bothering them :P .

  2. Rena Sherwood Says:

    I like your style, RainGem. Your theory about doctors is probably accurate.

  3. Dealing With Headaches » Blog Archive » Taking On Depression Talk Says:

    [...] the family of medications used to treat migraines and chronic headaches as abortive medications are anti-depressants (usually Prozac, Zoloft or Paxil). If you can’t find the anti-depressant information you are [...]

  4. Watching Bones » Blog Archive » Favorite moments from The Crank in the Shaft Says:

    [...] Have you considered Prozac, Mr. Fisher? Fisher: Already on it. Cam: Then double your dosage, because you’re bringing me [...]

  5. Depression Talk » Blog Archive » Going To Extremes With Depression Says:

    [...] change in your thoughts and perceptions. I remember when I first was prescribed fluoxetine (generic Prozac). I was really groggy for two weeks, and then things began to change. I also had a regular appetite [...]

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This site is about dealing with headaches. It discusses natural treatments, medicines, and support sites to resource.

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