Have you tried Botox?

I currently get botox every 3 months and it has helped some. Although it hasn't decreased the frequency much, it has decreased the severity of my migraines quite a bit. So that's a plus. I'm currently taking atenonol and zonisamide daily as preventatives. I've also taken gabapentin before as a preventative. Weather changes bring them on as do NutraSweet. I can do something about one, not the other. I don't do much caffeine. I've had a migraine 7 out of the last 10 days and usually wake up with one. Any other advice?

Hello, I also get botox every three months and it does help, but not for the full three months. The only artificial sweetener I can use is Stevia. Weather changes are deadly for me as it triggers both migraines and TN. I also use very little caffeine. I suggest avoiding strong odors, even perfume, but you probably know that. I have never heard of the two preventatives, but will check with my doctor about them. Have you tried using Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash? The kind that comes in the green bottles are better than the Biotene that comes in blue bottles. Any other suggestions?

For everyone talking about dealing with migraines, you may be interested in joining this discussion:
- Migraines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/migraines-27b15e/

@bwendland Does caffeine definitely trigger for you? I found coffee helped mine which I understand is common. If I didn't have coffee in the morning I would often get a headache, basically a mild migraine. My severe migraines definitely had a hormonal connection. I always thought so and then after menopause they stopped so it definitely was so.
Beta blockers were not known to help migraines when I was seeking a solution. I heard at some point that people who were on them for other things found they helped migraines but I did not know then if they would prescribe them for migraine specifically.
I must have been the only woman ever to welcome menopause. Hot flashes were better than migraines.
JK

@lauren123 I didn't realize that about artificial sweeteners, and as I said in a prior message caffeine helped me. Weather and smells sure effected me too though. I have read that sour cream can be a trigger too.
Biotene helps with your migraines? I am collecting information to pass on to my daughter. I have suggested to her that she might want to participate on these boards but she is so busy with her work that she doesn't use her computer much for non-work related things.
JK

Caffeine does not trigger migraines for me that I know of. I don't care for coffee, never have. I rarely drink a cola. I do drink black tea occasionally, but not enough that I think the lack of caffeine is the cause of my migraines in the am.
My Dr prescribed a beta blocker many years ago as a preventative. My blood pressure has never been an issue. Going through menopause did not make my migraines any better (or worse).

Good to know about sour cream as something to avoid; although I don't use it very often. Thanks for the Biotene tip. Worth a try. Haven't heard that before.

Thanks for the Biotene tip. I've never heard that before, but will get some. I do use Stevia now, that or Truvia. I do try to avoid strong odors. Other causes I've heard of are red wine, aged cheese, chocolate and deli meats with nitrates (I get Boar's Head - they don't have nitrates). Also I've read getting enough sleep and staying hydrated is important. I'm having a problem with the sleeping part lately, so started taking Melatonin a half hour before going to bed. It helps going to sleep, but not staying there!

Wow, I didn't know that sour cream can trigger migraines. I do like it so I'll make an effort to avoid it. I am glad you asked about the Biotene. After I thought about it, I am afraid I misspoke. I also have Burning Mouth Syndrome and when it flares up it can trigger migraines. That's why I use Biotene. So, it probably does not affect migraines in the usual manner. Hope you are your daughter are doing well.