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Suggest Treatment For Migraine And Tension Headaches

Posted on Fri, 11 Apr 2014

Question: Hello, I have suffered from migraine and tension headaches for over 30 years, I have been diagnosed by Neurologists and prescribed different medications and now have settled on a couple that seem to be as good as can be expected,,,mainly,,Topamax, Lyrica, Cafogot, Oxynorm, and mainly just Advil or Panadol,,,I don't tolerate Codeine well so don't have it much at all,,,,the drug that did help me greatly was Digesic or Capadex,,,but is not available anymore here in Australia, and is also what Iam told by my Doctor,,,,,I have talked to my Doctor about this drug and he agrees that it is good for me but he cannot write me a script anymore. I need to know how can I obtain it maybe overseas so I can have this alternative instead of taking Oxynorm as much,,,,can you help me…XXXX

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: ..... Detailed Answer: Hi there. Thanks for writing in. Capadex or Digesic both contain a combination of paracetamol and dextropropoxyphene. Dextropropoxyphene is an opioid analgesic and can be addictive. In the long run , paracetamol is a safe alternative, provided all your liver function tests are good. Dextropropoxyphene was recently banned in various countries because of its addictive nature and other side effects. I would advise a paracetamol tablet at the onset of a migraine headache. Find out the trigger factors of migraine and try to avoid it. (eg. Lack of sleep, exposure to sun , unaccustomed exertion or exercise, consumption of wine /cheese)etc. I would advise you to do regular exercise 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. However, if you are not used to exercising regularly, suddenly starting an exercise routine might precipitate a migraine attack. So start with 10 minutes a day and then,say , gradually increase it over 2 weeks to 20 minutes a day... Exercise releases a lot of endorphins which will make you feel good and energetic. It will be helpful in avoiding tension headaches. Also , do sign up for yoga and relaxation classes.In the long run, it will help you relax and also be helpful in avoiding tension headaches and migraine. Keep yourself well hydrated. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Dehydration can also precipitate headaches. Hope this information was helpful to you. Do get back to me if you have further queries. Regards, Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (2 hours later)

thank you,,,I don't mean to sound disrespectful in any way, but I'am well aware of this drug and its side effects as I have been taking it on and off for 20 years and can regulate myself without letting it take over my life. I just don't have an alternative as codeine is not an option for me. What I wanted to know was can you direct me to where I can purchase this now as I know it is still available in countries other than Australia, and are you able to provide a prescription? Thank you,, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer: .... Detailed Answer: Hi ... Dextropropoxyphene has already been withdrawn from most of the countries like US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and European Union. In Australia, I believe that a doctor can prescribe digesic,but only if therapeutically justified and based on lot of other 'clauses' There are sites on the internet, where they say it is available ..... However, no verification. In any case, sorry, we are not allowed to give prescriptions online.. Regards, Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar