Nasal Spray Migraine Resource

Nasal Spray Migraine

Questions and Answers

Has anyone used a nasal spray for Migraines? My husband has just been given the nasal spray, he was on 100mg tablets of sumertriptin but has been told these should work quicker even though they are just 25mg sprays. Any advice?

Angel B replied: "no , used by which needed"

flika replied: "Personally I prefer the sumatriptan, I have no side effects. I have tried one nasal spray, Miacalcin and I hated it! It got rid of the migraine but it made me very ill and basically knocked me out. I'll stick with the other."

anna h replied: "what spray are you talking about? i was on nasonex for a while which cleared up my sinuses and helped with my migraines. it didnt stop them completly but it did help (it get servere ones every day so nothing works completly). i had to go off it however cause it made my nose bleed."

What are the side effects of IMITREX nasal spray for migraines? Is there drowsiness?

Chas replied: "Click on the blue link"

smartsassysabrina replied: "Some people say drowsiness but I've done the nasal spray, pills, and injections and never had it. I've found that I had neck and throat pain, and burning from the nasal spray. With the injectable I got a metallic taste in the mouth, which is very strong and I can see it causing nausea in someone not used to it. Often when I get migraines I also take a phenergan pill which causes drowsiness."

junie101278 replied: "no drowsiness, but my husband takes it and it can burn pretty bad for the 1st few min. but, it is safer than the injections, if you have more ?'s plz feel free to email me from my profile and I or my husband can answer any of your concerns, he has very bad cluster headaches and has been on them for years."

Susan Yarrawonga replied: "Perhaps you could investigate a web search for magnesium + migraines. Magnesium in some cases could act as a laxative but this usually requires large amounts."

Instructions for xomig nasal spray for migraines? I have a dose but the instructions are missing. it's a single-use 5-mg sample. i am desperate; i know you spray it in your nose but what are the exact instructions? one spray in each side? do you sniff or not?

amethistspirit replied: "Are you sure its Xomig and not Zomig? If you did mean Zomig, you can find all the information you need at any of the sites following, though for dosage instruction, you really need to call you doctor or his nurse to get that information. I hope I have been of some help to you."

Do you know of any good research articles on capsaicin or pepper nasal sprays to help migraines? I've heard that these all natural capsaicin nasal sprays can really help migraines but want to do more reading on it..

DramaMartini replied: "Just google it. I use something called Sinus Buster and it works like a charm. It burns at first but then my headache and any cold or allergy symptoms are gone. They have a migraine formula as well. Go to and you can read about it there. It really does work!"

Help: Nasal Spray "Addiction"! I have been using nasal decongestant spray for two years. ? I know it's wrong, and it's not the intended use of nasal spray. Unfortunately, I didn't have the money to see a doctor and couldn't handle having a constantly clogged up nose (This happened even before I used the spray.) I heard all about the warnings of rebound and markedly worsened congestion from prolonged use of nasal sprays, but when I started to use the spray and felt my nasal passages open, I just figured I would continue using them as long as possible. I know it's foolish, but I would get terrible migraines from congestion. Up until recently, I haven't had a doctor due to a lack of insurance. Now I am the UK, where I can see a doctor. Still, nothing was done for my congestion, and I continued to use the nasal spray. Now, the situation stands that I have a new piercing in my nostril, and I am tired of using spray and being snotty and congested. Yes, I am aware that my nose will feel horrendous from stopping use of the spray. I also know that I will have a terrible migraine again. I am just curious if anyone knows of any ways to combat this rebound congestion other than with use of pills or saline spray. I can't seem to find saline spray here in the UK. I went to Boots the Chemist and was met with quizzical looks when I asked for saline spray. Also, how long will this terrible congestion last after I stop using the spray. A family member who used spray for over ten years said that it took her about 3 days to get over it. I am sure that it will be much longer. To be honest, if it wasn't for this new piercing in my nostril, I would have continued to use the spray. I get horrendous headaches otherwise. I am assuming that the spray will be bad for the piercing. If anyone has answers otherwise, please do tell. Thank you, and please no rude comments. My husband is constantly getting on my back for my "spray addiction", and it's quite amusing to think that I could be compared to the character of Arthur on King Of Queens when he rebounded and went back "on the spray". :)

Geoff the skier replied: "There is not a day in the last 40 years (well, maybe one or two) that I haven't used a nasal spray. I started with Fenox but moved to Otrivine about 10 years ago. Can't say I've noticed any problems. I did ask the doctor (about 20 years ago) if it was doing me any harm and he didn't know the answer. I just hate being not able to breathe nicely."

Real Magic replied: "You can get off the spray but depending on you specific case it can take time and a lot of suffering. It's not a matter of 3 days, that's for sure. Telling you from experience of many years. I got minor surgery (less than 10 minutes) and that was it. Perfect. See a specialist and do what he says. You .MUST get off the spray. It can only get WORSE. ☼"

cHeLliE replied: "i have really bad sinuses aswell use extra strong mints and chewing gum but if u wana go to 2 extreme measures theres a minor operation you can get that clears you sinuses or another that moves a part in your nose so you can breath easier stay away from drinking milk and other dairy products as they make you produce more mucus and stuff hope it helps your problem good luck xx"

What will work to help ease my addiction to nasal spray? I am severely addicted to nasal spray. In the past I was able to use it for a few days and then stop, but I've been using it every day for over 2 years now. I used to use Afrin and others that had Oxymetazoline, then I tried Nasal Four and I'm addicted to that (Phenylephrine). I feel absolutely miserable lately and have gotten to the point where I am going through almost 3 containers per week. I need this to stop. What are my options? I do not have health insurance so seeing a doctor is out. Is something like Sinus Buster going to work, and will it heal my addiction in the long run? Are there any home remedies? I get horrible migraines when I try to quit cold turkey. I need some kind of suggestion please!

mnvikes replied: "yeah youd be surprised how many people are in the same boat. your body gets tolerance to it very quickly which is why the package says dont use it longer than x days, otherwise you get rebound congestion. the 3 things ive suggested to people are 1) just try to use it less and less every day. count how many times you use it, if youre using it 8 times a day limit yourself to 6-7 times a day and then drop down a little more every 2-3 days or 2) if you dont have really high blood pressure or any heart problems, quit cold turkey and use oral pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine for about a week or so, no more than what is directed on the package. or 3) try using it in just one nostril for a week so the other desensitizes to the spray, see if you still get the headaches and can breathe ok with just the one nostril. after a week just stop using it in the other nostril too however, ive never gotten feedback from anyone in real life so i have no idea how well my little theoretical remedies work. if you do try one of those and it works wouldnt mind if you left a comment :) eventually youre just going to have to quit and tough it out"

Zam replied: "Those breathing strips (breathe right or so) plus two tablespoons of local honey cleared me."

What do you think they best way to get rid of a migraine? I am 16 and I have been getting migranes since I was about 6. I got to the point where if I take asprins, one or two doesn't work. I take three or four. I know that is not healthy and I have been looking for other alternatives. I began taking vicodin, but it still doesn't help much. I have Imitrex nasal spray that seems to work about 50% of the time. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could do to get rid of them?

NeO Anderson replied: "exedrin will really rock ur world ok alsoo couse u seem cute check this out read it, understand it, then falow all instructions for a cure "

pamela_d_99 replied: "Imitrex injections maybe. I had them bad when I was a teenager, but then for some reason, now I only get them about 1 or 2 times a wear."

UrBaN HymNs replied: "Drink CoFFEE..."

♥kistin14♥ replied: "Exerdin migrane. Really works well."

Dudeee replied: "Drink coke with panadol(parasatamol) added in it"

Cathy L replied: "Excedrin Migraine works wonders!!! You have to try it!!! My best friends gets them and she takes all kinds of weird meds..and they dont work..she really has to sleep them off.. I told her to use this and it works.."

Musicman replied: "Take notes, what were you doing before the Migraine hit? There are a variety of things that can trigger migraines, sounds, lights, foods, stress and so on. For me it's a certain frequency of light. I'll catch a reflection just right and I get the aura coming on. If I take my Imitrex inhaler right then, it dulls the pain enough to be bearable. Good Luck."

Admin@GunzCoty.com replied: "Gatorade I'm telling you it works for most people just drink a glass of it i mean down the whole glass within in 15 mins. it should work."

gerbilisimo replied: "You should try 'Imigran' made by Glaxo. It is frickin' expensive, but the only thing that actually works for me. The way I see it, is that when I am having one, I would pay just about anything to get rid of it! I wouldn't wish them on anyone...well perhaps a couple of people. Get you doc to perscribe it, I'm not sure if it is available over the counter"

Loyc replied: "Rest your head on the side that hurts or put your face down on the pillow and think on something that makes you happy or feel good. :-)"

Cherokee replied: "I take percocet 10 and xanax and tylenol,but what works best for me is an icepack on the back of my neck[which is where my migraines usually are]and than alternate with a heating pad.Good luck to you,I am 47 and mine started when i got my periods.now I am going through menopause and have a migraine almost every day.p.s.The xanax helps me because it relaxes me.p.s.do this in the dark with no noise except maybe a rain machine type thing."

Dr. Neema replied: "Imitrex is one of the best prescriptions on the market for migraines. Now the question is, do you know what your triggers are? First, you've gotta stay away from whatever tends to trigger your migraines. Also, the best known way to alleviate a migraine that has already begun is caffeine. The cause of migraines is the swelling of blood vessels in the brain, and the insuing pressure causes the headache. So what happens is that the caffeine causes the opposite effect. That's actually what imitrex is....caffeine mixed with some pain killers. It's also the main ingredient in Excedrin Migraine. You might want to also look into the imitrex pen....some people say it works faster than the spray. Topamax can also be helpful to some patients."

perry_rhodan_2001 replied: "If possible lay down and relax in a darkened room and maybe have a meditation cd running (eg.sounds of nature) in the background. With some practise you will find that more helpful than the use of medication. It will also get you back in tune with your body and you will be able to recognize the causes and symptoms of a starting migraine which will enable you to avoid the full outbreak."

Heinz M replied: "Having had migraines for over 50 years, I know what you are going through. I feel for you. That said, we are all different and what works for one, does not necessarily work for someone else. Keeping that in mind, first you need to figure out what the cause for your migraines is. I was 36 before I realized they were sinus related. After that I went to my doctor and got a bunch of samples of decongestants, to determine which did the best job with the least side effects (drowsiness etc). I ended up using Rondec-T with either Vanquish or Excedrin (I usually only took one, as my system reacts very well to medication, so don't need much. And less is better, if it does the job). About 8 years ago I needed to take blood pressure meds (Norvasc) and as soon as I started on these, my migraines were gone. (At one point my doc wanted to switch me to a different med, but within a week my migraines were back. Had him switch at once). Where as before I would take 300 Excedrin in a year, I have used less than 200 total in the last 8 years (25 a year mostly for other pains). I have reduced my intake of Norvasc from the doctor prescribed 10mg/day, to 5mg every second day and it still works perfectly. The drawback of Norvasc is, that it makes you retain water, and you need a diuretic (HCTZ in my case) to counter that. Also, it effects the libido, but at the dose I am taking now, that is not a problem at all. I hope this info will help you. Check it out with your doctor of course. BTW, using a local prescription, I bought a lot of the Norvasc from Sri Lanka at 10 Cents on the Dollar versus what it costs here ($2.20 a 10mg pill) Hope this helps you!"

raven_ice_2002 replied: "I have migraines since I was little as well. Nothing really works for me. I usually take some Excedrin migraine and go to sleep. The Excedrin dulls the pain to a controllable level. It gives me enough time to get home and go to sleep. I have to have a dark room with no or soft music. I usually am sensitive to light, smells, touch, and sounds. I haven't been able to pinpoint the triggers but I suggest you try. I suggest sleeping them out or relaxing in a darkened room. If you are the social or busy person try Excedrin migraine. Eat healthily and get enough sleep."

too_bad_to_believe_it replied: "this could help u "

any nasal sprays while pregnant? i have been trying to avoid medication all together during my pregnancy but my allergies are killing me and causing migraines. i was wondering if there is any nasal sprays i can take or if any other pregnant women have taken?

Baby Boy Coming 9/15/09!!! replied: "My doctor says no.. only saline nasal drops :( I have HORRIBLE allergies too and since being pregnant (and not being able to take allergy meds anymore) they've been killing me! BUT, you're allowed to take all tylenol products so I just popped 2 Tylenol allergy relief pills. They help alot!"

Deborah replied: "You might try a nasal wash; it's uncomfortable at first, but helps soothe your inflamed sinuses."

pc_girl_2005 replied: "Tylenol sinus was ok'd by my doctor (most all Tylenol products were... aceteminphin was ok/ibuprofen was not). Also, try sleeping with a humidifier to break things up in the night (if possible, try to take a nap or two throughout the day with the humidifier as well) - this may help avoid the migraines. You can also call your doc's office to find out what s/he might recommend for sinus relief. Another option (if you can't wait for a call back) is to talk to your pharmacist... they can be a great resource for meds while pregnant. Good luck hun & I hope you feel better!!!"

Shar ~Twin Boys Due 8/11 replied: "My doctor gave me Rhinocort. He said that is the only one that is actually ok (prescription) to use. I use saline on a regular basis during allergy season anyway. I get horrid migraines when I don't take my allergy meds and my sinuses get jammed up. Good luck."

Can there be a sinus infection without nasal congestion? Ok so my forehead was feeling a bit strange with slight pain. Also my jaw does have some very slight pain. My eyes also have a bit of pain and want to close shut on me for a while to relieve some pressure with some frequent blinking. Also my nose does drip slightly but not like a lot. I also do not have a nasal congestion. I did have migraines a few times in the previous week though. Could this be a possibly sinus infection without the nasal congestion? I was also thinking, could this be tied to the flu shot and swine flu nasal spray that I got 2 weeks ago?

Sunny replied: "Yes, there does not need to be nasal congestion in order to have a sinus infection. The congestion is just around your head and eyes as opposed to nose. I've heard of people experiencing cold symptoms from the swine flu vaccine, but not for two whole weeks. Go to a dr, he'll put you on antibiotics, and you'll be good to go in a day or two. :)"