Looking for Alternatives to Botox for Chronic Migraines

recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia and been going through the chronic migraine medication merry go round for ~3 years. currently on qulipta and naratriptan and Dr recently recommended Botox but I'm super anxious about it. any alternative recommendations to treating migraines, I've tried a lot but I'm willing to try a few more before I give up on preventatives.

Your answer

ScientistInPain

2y ago

@Jlync80 my doctor was requesting approval but then my company had budget cuts and major layoffs on Friday so I have no idea what coverage I would have with another company so I'm going to have to start this whole process over :/ who knows if they'll even cover my preventative (Qulipta) it's newer and was originally rejected by insurance.

Spoonie_In_Seattle

2y ago

If an insurance rejects a medication you can ask your doctor to write a letter to the insurance company explaining why it is medically necessary for you to to be on that medication. Sometimes it takes going back and forth between the doctor and the insurance company three times, but it does work! Most doctor’s offices have a person on staff just dedicated to dealing with the insurance company. Ask who that person is and deal with them directly. They are in charge of being the go between your doctor and the insurance company - not you. YOU are paying the hospital/clinic/doctor A LOT of money! Make them earn it!!

Jlync80

2y ago

Topirimate didn't help me either. My insurance doesn't cover Botox unfortunately.

Spoonie_In_Seattle

2y ago

Most insurances will initially reject Botox. See my note below. You need to get work with your doctor’s preauthorization (PA) person or insurance person. And get them involved to have them get your doctor to write a note to the insurance company explaining why it is medically necessary for you to have BOTOX. It might take two or three notes and the doctor’s insurance dealer fighting on the phone with them, but that is their job!!

Jlync80

2y ago

I have tried everything, on propanol for anxiety and nurtec. Nothing works. I take bc powder like candy unfortunately. Still have migraines and white mass lesions 2 prove it.

Spoonie_In_Seattle

2y ago

I have been on Topiramate for six years now and do Botox. The Botox cut my pain by 75%!! No idea if the Topiramate (Topamax) is doing anything. Marijuana helps the most as an abortive for me - I have tried EVERYTHING else! It really helps! I take it orally.

ScientistInPain

2y ago

I tried propranolol at one point and that helped my anxiety a lot but didn't touch my migraines. I also briefly tried topamax which is an anti-epileptic but I had too many side effects.

ScientistInPain

2y ago

I tried emgality and had intolerable side effects from it. Qulipta is an oral cgrp antagonist, whereas the injections also target cgrp through various mechanisms. The qulipta is working a little bit but when we tried to increase the dose I couldn't tolerate it, but I could tell it was doing more for my migraines.

aspen1007

2y ago

i was prescribed lamictal for treatment resistant anxiety, and it basically cured my migraines. lamictal is an anti seizure medication, and migraines are kind of like really slow seizures.

NickGobes75

2y ago

For migraines, I’m on Aimovig, one of the newer biologics. Emgality is like it too. They are really helpful. I get migraines bc I had a head injury a few years ago. Sorry you are struggling!

Lew_Bear

2y ago

I’ve tried all kinds of treatments and medications for chronic migraines over the years, and the only thing that’s worked is Botox. I was super anxious going into my first treatment but, while it was definitely unpleasant, it was 110% worth it for the 3 months of freedom from migraines and even most headaches. Otherwise, Ubrelvy for abortive migraine treatment works the best for me. I also use medical marijuana for fibromyalgia pain relief, and it helps with migraines too

ScientistInPain

2y ago

thank you for sharing your experience with Botox. I've been considering trying CBD for the fibromyalgia pain.

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