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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe For A Bipolar Patient To Have Elavil For Migraine Headaches?

I have bad migraine headaches and I was just at the doctors this morning to see what we could come up with since I have been in bed with a headache everyday for a month. She said that i need to see a neurologist and prescribed me 10mgs of elavil. As a person who is borderline bi polar is this a safe medication for me to use?? Im not on any meds for for bi polar currently, only taking my asthma meds and excedrin migraine.
Wed, 17 Feb 2016
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  User's Response
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I carefully read your question and understand your concern.

You should know that elavil is an antidepressant. It can be helpful in bipolar patients, and safe. It is used as preventive therapy in migraine to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine attacks.

But in your complicated clinical situation, I would prefer lamotrigine or topiramate as a preventive therapy for migraine.

Antiepileptics are more helpful in bipolar patients with migraine than just antidepressants.


Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Aida
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Is It Safe For A Bipolar Patient To Have Elavil For Migraine Headaches?

Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I carefully read your question and understand your concern. You should know that elavil is an antidepressant. It can be helpful in bipolar patients, and safe. It is used as preventive therapy in migraine to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. But in your complicated clinical situation, I would prefer lamotrigine or topiramate as a preventive therapy for migraine. Antiepileptics are more helpful in bipolar patients with migraine than just antidepressants. Hope to have been helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Aida