Migraines and depression and anxiety

Posted by roseann4z @roseann4z, Sep 3 12:31pm

I know that anxiety and migraine go hand in hand and we don’t really know which one causes the other. It’s like the chicken and the egg, what comes first. I’ve been taking my migraine meds and they were working great for a while then I had a pretty bad two week episode and my anxiety has gone through the roof. I felt anxious just before the full blown episode too so I really don’t know what contributed to what or why. I have Xanax for a short term solution, but want to try something else. I took Cymbalta for a while to try and help the pain and anxiety but it did nothing, Dr has now prescribed Zoloft. Do you guys take anything for anxiety? What do you take? Was it helpful? Thanks so much.

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mikayla | @mikaylar | Sep 4 8:33am

Yes, I take Ativan to sleep.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 4 11:07am

Hello @roseann4,

Here is a link from the Mayo Clinic website with information about Zoloft,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sertraline-oral-route/description/drg-20065940
There are other similar drugs that can be used for anxiety. If Zoloft isn't helpful to you, you might ask your doctor for another similar medication.

Have you started taking Zoloft yet? I would be interested in knowing if it helps you.

ln2e | @ln2e | Sep 4 2:21pm

I have been on Zoloft for years. It has never helped to relieve my migraines.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Sep 5 8:33am

In reply to @ln2e "I have been on Zoloft for years. It has never helped to relieve my migraines." + (show)

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @ln2e.

You mentioned that sertraline (Zoloft) didn't relieve your migraines. Was it prescribed for your migraines, depression or another condition? Did something else work for relieving your migraines at all?

roseann4z | @roseann4z | Sep 5 12:39pm

In reply to @lisalucier "Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @ln2e. You mentioned that sertraline (Zoloft) didn't relieve your migraines. Was..." + (show)

Zoloft was prescribed for anxiety. I take Qulipta & Ubrelvy for migraines but they don’t work consistently which contributes to my anxiety.

roseann4z | @roseann4z | Sep 5 1:10pm

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @roseann4, Here is a link from the Mayo Clinic website with information about Zoloft, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sertraline-oral-route/description/drg-20065940..." + (show)

Have not started yet. Will be on vacation & don’t want to start a new medication while far from home & my doctors.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 5 2:16pm

In reply to @roseann4z "Have not started yet. Will be on vacation & don’t want to start a new medication..." + (show)

That is a good idea, @roseann4z.

sosunny8018 | @sosunny8018 | Sep 5 3:05pm

I take Buspirone when I wake then when I go to bed. Helps to relieve anxiety. I take Effexor XR, the generic, for depression and these two together seem to work well for me. It took awhile to find the right combination and strength for sure!

I’ve had migraines since my 20’s and I am 60 in December. Been a long haul. My Qulipta is not working to slow them down anymore and just like you, the Ubrevly only works sometimes to stop them. I am praying that my dr here at Mayo will have some new suggestions to put them back in check again. Lol

climmer64 | @climmer64 | Sep 8 10:28am

My anxiety has worsened with the mm ore frequent migraines. I take Xanax when needed but try not to take it. When you wonder every day how bad your headache will be, will you miss out on work, will you lose job due to missed work, will you miss kids events and grandkid events, sports, etc... it runs your life, hard not to be anxious and depressed!