Headaches and Migraines

[150lashes]

Is there a link between headaches/migraines and anxiety/depression? Lately I've been having so many. I take nurofen plus, panadeine but doesn't completely resolve them.

Just wondering if it's linked as I haven't discussed yet with my GP.

Also what do people do to treat them?

Thank you

[Lori]

Hi 150lashes's,

Headaches and migraines are absolutely awful! Especially when you can't get rid of them..

From my understanding there is a link between them, anxiety is known to cause migraines and i believe it happens with depression too. It sounds like your doing yiur best to get rid of them. But i would suggest speaking to your doctor about it also as it may be something other than effects from anxiety and depression, not saying it is but its a possibility.

I myself suffer from them also and i do the same as you but it doesnt always work.

I hope you find something that des work soon. All the best

- Lori 🙂

[150lashes]

Thanks Lori. I'll have a chat with my GP.

They certainly aren't fun!

Have a great day 🙂 ​

[pipsy]

Dear 150lashes. Lynda is my name. You mentioned suffering debilitating migraines. Oh, boy, do I know what they're like. Because you don't give your age, it's difficult to give you any clear idea. Migraines are caused by tension/depression. They can be inherited. Some woman suffer terribly during menopause. Most of the time, the best thing is a trip to the Dr, followed by a very dark room. Usually the sufferer will regurgitate, perhaps more than once. If you're doing a lot of studying, sitting in one position too long can bring them on too. Sometimes a Dr will give you an injection to help ease the pain. Anxiety can bring on a severe headache, not necessarily migraine type, but pretty severe. Once the Dr finds the cause, he can treat you. With the majority of sufferers though, it usually means a dark room and sleep. Some people have been known to lose days off work/school through this illness. Do you have warning when these headaches are likely, or do they just 'come on'. Usually with a migraine you will get some sort of warning, a general sick feeling, tightness around head and shoulders. As soon as you start these feelings, try and see the Dr.

[150lashes]

Thanks pipsy! Appreciate your comments!

I'm 33 ​and have never experienced anything like it. Hence why I just assumed it was related to depression and anxiety.

I get heavy eyelids as my first symptom and then my whole forehead and back of my head (near the neck) is in pain. I have thrown up a few times. It's pretty disgusting!

Hopefully I'll get some answers from the GP! I can't see the pain relief makes me feel too good. Nurofen plus makes me spacey and doesn't get rid of the pain!

Have a great day 🙂 ​

[pipsy]

Dear 150lashes. Generally with migraines (in particular) ordinary everyday remedies won't help because they're not strong enough. When you see your Dr, ask if it could be menopause related. Menopause often starts fairly early, it's a bit of a myth that it doesn't start till late 40's early 50's. If it is just tension/stress related, the Dr hopefully will be able to prescribe something to help ease/stop the pain. He may order a complete physical to rule out other problems. Whatever the Dr prescribes, make sure you ask about side effects, how long before you notice any changes. Also ask about driving, operating machinery etc. You need to know as much as you can about medication and the effects both long term and side. Most meds do have a 'warning' on them which is good, but the side-effects are important to be aware of too.

[150lashes]

My GP is suggesting antidepressants to help with the Migraines.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks 🙂

[pipsy]

Hi 150lashes. It sounds to me that your Dr could be suspecting you have some sort of a mild depression, which could be causing the migraines. Sometimes when we're feeling a bit depressed, it can cause tension headaches wondering what's going on etc? We may not always be aware that we're feeling a bit down, but if your Dr is prescribing AD's he obviously feels there could be depression. Did he give you any idea how long to take the meds. Sometimes a Dr will prescribe something as a trial basis for a month or so, then suggest you return for further consultation. If taking the meds makes you feel better that's a positive. Also, if by taking the meds the headaches ease or stop, you've gained.

I've never heard of taking AD's for a headache, but if it worked, I would.

Cheers Lynda.

[Snoopy33]

Hi 150Lashes, sorry to hear you are having migraines. I get them myself and they are absolutely awful! I just wanted to clarify that you were already diagnosed with depression and anxiety and went to the doctor about the migraines and you were prescribed an anti-depressant at this point to assist with the migraines. Please correct me if I'm wrong there. I'm actually surprised you were prescribed an anti-depressant for the migraines, I haven't heard of this before! From personal experience, I have been on anti-depressants for a few years now and I have still had migraines although I haven't had one for a while now.... And have finally settled on an antidepressant after trying 3-4 others. I had thought that i hadn't had one for a while because I managed them early on (when I initially noticed the symptoms) but maybe it is the latest anti-depressant that helps.

When I have a migraine, the only thing that relieves it is over the counter pain relief, vomiting and sleep (dark place, no noise) which is quite difficult when you are looking after children! i found that Aspirin and Codeine based pain relief was more effective on my migraines but I would suggest you google different types of over the counter pain relief as some of them contain other ingredients that can relax you as well. This would obviously not be suitable to take if you are at work or need to drive! If you are having them that regularly though, I would be going back to my GP to discuss your options. Antidepressants can take time to work and cause side effects, one of which can be headaches and it can also take time to find the one that works for you. Perhaps find out if you can be described stronger pain relief. Also, I was wondering if you take any other medications? I was taking a birth control pill at one point at the same time as one of the antidepressants I was on and was having daily headaches that often led to migraines. When I saw my doctor she asked me to stop taking the pill and sure enough, the headaches and migraines were reduced back to a normal level which was about once or twice a month for me at that point in time.

i have a few other questions and suggestions which I will send through in a separate post as I have run out of room!

[Snoopy33]

I definitely think that headaches and migraines are associated with anxiety and depression. My migraines only started around the time I was diagnosed. Also, my anxiety causes me to get constant twitching of my eyes that leads to tension between and above my eyes. I think my medication has helped reduce the twitching as it is not as bad as it used to be. I beleive the twitching was a big contributer to my migraines. I wonder if you get anything like that with your anxiety? Another thing that can cause bad headaches and migraines is your neck. How has it been feeling lately? If you work at a desk all day and your desk/computer/chair are not set up properly, this would effect your neck. Another thing to consider is your eyes. Do you were glasses? Do you read a lot/look at a computer screen all day? If you don't wear glasses and you do a lot of reading, I would be getting my eyes checked too. If the headaches and migraines still continue regularly after you have followed your doctors advice, I would definitely be going back and asking whether you can have further tests done to try and identify the cause. some natural medicines are available that can assist with headaches. a Naturopath may be able to assist with this. I hope I have helped you in some way, please let us all know how you go with managing this. I'll be thinking of you!