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im having the worst migraine ever. i've taken exedrin migraine, taken a hot hot shower, had an icepack over my forehead and eyes, laid down in a dark dark room, and I STILL have it...

how do you get rid of a migraine?!?!

I lie down in my bed, turn the lights off and take an extra-strength Tylenol. Fortunately I have rarely gotten them. My older sister has suffered since the age of 3. I don't know how she copes.

NO MORE HOT SHOWERS for starters! There is pretty convincing evidence that migraines are a vascular issue so heat is the last thing you want. The cold is good but here are some other things to try:

Stay in a dark room with no noise.

Do your best to stay hydrated. Hopefully you're not throwing up which can often accompany migraines as well.

The excedrin is good but usually only works if you CATCH the migraine before it gets into full swing. I'm guessing it's too late for you.

If it lasts more than a couple of days, you're gonna need to go to the ER and tell them what's going on. There are some good IV drugs out there these days. Imitrex is one of the most popular these days.

All I have to say is G-d bless GlaxoSmithKline!

Alright, thanks guys.

Yea, too late for the exedrin, not helping whatsoever.

I put a dark cover over the windows in my room, no noise, gonna go lay down for a bit, hopefully it will back off.

The only thing non prescription that has ever worked for me is a mega-dose of caffeine. I used one of those packets that is intended for a full pot of coffee and made it with one cup of water. Had two cups and my Migraine calmed down into more of a low level headache... Of course I was also bouncing off the wall... prolly almost gave myself a heart attack LOL.
However, I did it because I was at work and HAD to get a project done.

Normally, sleep in a dark, cool, quiet place is the only thing that works without using meds.

Prescription wise, I now use propanolol whenever I feel one coming on and it's a GOD send!

Caffeine is great! If you go to the ER you'll probably get a headache cocktail which could include all or some of the following-
Ketoralac/Metaclopramine/Diphenhydramine/Compazine. Plus IV fluids
(None of these are narcotic.)
If you can stand Benadryl Try taking one and sleeping it off in a dark/quiet room.
Eat (unless you are nauseated) and drink lots and lots of fluids.
I know everyone is saying to keep cool, but, the last time I had one my doctor suggested throwing a blanket in the hot dryer, try wrapping up with that blanket, it'll help you sleep easier... But absolutely no hot showers- Like everyone else is saying.

I do everything that you've already done. Cold compress on my eyes/forehead usually works the best. Dark room, no noise, etc....

When I was working in the Caribbean, they have over the counter migraine medicine with codeine in it. OMG that stuff works like gang busters. I wish it was legal here without a script.

I went to the ER for a migraine and they actually gave me morphine. Now that stuff definitely works lol

one tip though if you are throwing up a lot you could become potassium deficient, so i usually try to eat a banana after i throw up.

Prunes are good for replenishing potassium and they last a lot longer refrigerated than bananas.

staring at a computer screen doesn't help too much

lights out, cold wash cloth on your face can help and some ibuprofen.

I take imitrex, but it usually makes me feel like shit for awhile even after the migraine is gone so i dont take it unless its really bad.


Propanolol for a migraine? never thought of that but i'll have to try it next time around. I get a few hours warning when ones coming on.

Drink lots of water. I have been reading research saying that most migraines are from dehydration.

Interesting. And how long do these last.. I've had one since Tuesday, and it's just now starting to back off.

lilmaninsc saidInteresting. And how long do these last.. I've had one since Tuesday, and it's just now starting to back off.

My longest one was a solid week. Nonstop. ER twice. It was the final trip that the doc threw everything he had at me and nothing worked. I was still throwing up but it was nothing more than this blackish bile. He finally gave up and I got a shot of demerol that dropped me like a rock for 12 hours straight.

Gigadu said

lilmaninsc saidInteresting. And how long do these last.. I've had one since Tuesday, and it's just now starting to back off.

My longest one was a solid week. Nonstop. ER twice. It was the final trip that the doc threw everything he had at me and nothing worked. I was still throwing up but it was nothing more than this blackish bile. He finally gave up and I got a shot of demerol that dropped me like a rock for 12 hours straight.

wow that's awful.. went to the ER after one lasted 36 hours...they gave me reglan, toradol, and dilaudid... the reglan gave me hives but at least i didnt feel like my head was gonna explode

Oh and haha - did I mention I got a spinal tap during this whole thing because they were afraid at one point that I had meningitis? Good times!

Migraines can last between a few hours and 72 hours. If yours are going that long you need to get to a doctor and get a prescription. Migraines suck but my silver lining is that I get the Aura symptoms about 15 minutes before the headache comes on. This 15 minutes gives me time to get my medicine which helps me not to have such a terrible headache.

Only about 20% of migraine suffers experience the Aura symptoms before the pain. My Aura symptoms look like blue and red waves in front of my eyes and then my eye sight goes blurry. Other types of Aura's are glows around peoples bodies and other objects. I am sure there are other types. If you experience anything like this you should take medicine immediately because it means a migraine is a few minutes away.

Its Interesting the timing on yours, I got one yesterday at 10am mine is effected by changes in weather. I wonder if yours might be affected by changes in weather as well.

There are trigger foods and other triggers you can read about online just google Migraine Triggers.

Hope this helps and go see your doctor and get a prescription.