Headaches

gina_re · Apr 30, 2016, 12:02 PM

I rarely get headaches. And my last pdoc told me that if I have any pain I could take ibuprofen if I needed to. However, that was a different cocktail than what I'm on now. Because I take so many drugs, I don't take anything for a cold or headaches or other types of pain. I just ride it out. But what happens if I do? I took a nap, and woke up and it's still there. Not excruciating, but bearable. Any advice?

boogiesmash · Apr 30, 2016, 12:03 PM

Take a warm bath or out Vicks vapor rub on your head it works!!

Nammu · Apr 30, 2016, 12:05 PM

How's the humidity there? I know that when there's a low pressure weather system and high humidity I get headaches that go away when the weather clears up. The AC or heat helps.

Apr 30, 2016, 12:11 PM

Have you tried massaging the back of your neck? A lot of headaches are caused by the tendons in the back of your neck getting stretched out. If you massage the back of your neck (massage in circles right on those tendons), the headache will go away temporarily... but at least you'll know what the cause is.

In order to make those sorts of headaches go away, I lay down and position my head on a pillow different from the way I normally do it. Sometimes positioning your head to the side can help, or letting your head "hang off" the back of your pillow. You basically want to make sure the tendons have a way to relax.

Hope that helps

Apr 30, 2016, 12:51 PM

I have chronic tension headaches and migraines. I probably eat a bottle of ibuprofen
pretty much monthly (and this is someone who is terrified of all medicine). It's the only thing that really works, and it works well with no adverse effects (at least for me). If you're nervous about drug interactions just call a pharmacist, but there most likely won't be any (at least with psych meds). And because you don't take it often or ever, it should be very effective...

In addition to ibuprofen, massage, ice, and hot showers also help (if it's a tension headache) -- feel around for tender spots on your scalp, face, neck and give them a good rub, then apply ice and/or get in a nice hot shower and let the water loosen up and massage the muscles. Anything to relieve muscle tension and get the blood flowing

eeyore1234 · Apr 30, 2016, 01:23 PM

I have a headache really often aswell as bad period cramps and pain in my joints and muscles.
For me, it doesn't matter what I do, I need to take pills to make the pain go away. Of course I try not to, but often I end up taking somekind of pain killers.

After I starte lithium I'm not allowed to take any nsaid (e.g ibuprofen) and it's killing me! I take parcetamol and dolol, and it's ok, but I miss my ibuprofen!!!

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Apr 30, 2016, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eeyore1234

I have a headache really often aswell as bad period cramps and pain in my joints and muscles.
For me, it doesn't matter what I do, I need to take pills to make the pain go away. Of course I try not to, but often I end up taking somekind of pain killers.

After I starte lithium I'm not allowed to take any nsaid (e.g ibuprofen) and it's killing me! I take parcetamol and dolol, and it's ok, but I miss my ibuprofen!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

are you not supposed to take ibuprofen because of the liver-on-lithium (just curious)

eeyore1234 · Apr 30, 2016, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thepterodactyl

are you not supposed to take ibuprofen because of the liver-on-lithium (just curious)

No, it's because ibuprofen can make the lithium level in the blood rise.
And it's actually true and it happened to me! I thought it was ok to take an ibuprofen once in a while eventhough I also took lithium. My lithium level was 0.6 and I was told to increase my dose with an extra pill (300mg). I stopped taking ibuprofen cause I could handle my pains. After a week I had my blood test again and it was 0.5.... It was lower than before I increased my dose!
Ibuprofen had increased my concentration in my blood with about 0.2. And I only took a pill every other day or so.....
So from my experience you should be careful with mixing nsaid and lithium.

Apr 30, 2016, 04:49 PM

I have headaches daily and get killer migraines more often than I think is right. I think it's hormones.

Here are my tips and tricks, take a nice warm bath, scoot down and get your head under the water, leaving out just your nose and mouth. Breathe calmly but deeply. Try not to freak out from the pain, it just makes it worse. Use candles in bathroom for calming effect. A hot shower with the water on your neck/head can work too, but not as great as a bath. Next, ICE PACKS might be your best friend. I buy those reusable ones you keep in the freezer. They have pouches you slip them into and Velcro straps do you can wrap it around your head, neck or both. I have several ice packs at the ready at all times. Last, I have some special lotion (liniment cream by mountain Magic) it's expensive but works for various problems including headache.

I've used Imitrex in the past with not too good results. My doctor just doubled the dose so we'll see how that works. The self care I listed above are my prime go-to's for headache/migraine.
Best of luck, I know how terrible it is.

gina_re · Apr 30, 2016, 10:35 PM

You all are amazing! These are wonderful ideas. I'm only now getting to them because I had to run out this afternoon. Never really knew what a tension headache was, but it seems as though that is what I have. It's still there, so I'm going try some of these ideas and hopefully I'm better tomorrow!