Headaches with stimulants?

[gizmo]

I started adderall a month ago. My last increase was about two weeks ago. Since I started, I've had a daily migraine headache that my normal med of fioricet isn't fixing. I take my first dose between 6:30-7:15, and my headache starts about 10-11. I've also tried 800 mg ibuprofen with no luck.

I know that headache is listed as one of the SE of adderall. But how often does it go away after you get adjusted to a med dose? Or will it stay with me until I stop it? Are there any stimulants out there that don't commonly cause migraines?

I feel like my quality of life has improved so much since starting the adderall, but I can't stay on it if I can't get rid of the migraines. Plus, I've taken my migraine med almost 35 days in a row, and I'm severely concerned about rebound headaches.

Any ideas? I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[melissaw72]

Could you ask to switch to a different med, but in the same category? I just started Provigil today, and it cleared my mind, and I only got a very slight headache today (and that might have been from lack of sleep; not sure).

[Sky-]

-> Just out of luck?.. Could just be a bad couple of days..

-> Drink water... (makes a big difference..)

[inmyhead]

I get headaches from Adderall, but they usually subside. I used Fioricet for years to control extreme tension headaches. For full blown migraines, Fioricet won't likely ease the pain. And it contains butalbital/caffeine. That messed up my metabolism rate for many other drugs. Does your pdoc know you take Fioricet?

[gizmo]

I get headaches from Adderall, but they usually subside. I used Fioricet for years to control extreme tension headaches. For full blown migraines, Fioricet won't likely ease the pain. And it contains butalbital/caffeine. That messed up my metabolism rate for many other drugs. Does your pdoc know you take Fioricet?

It's been about four weeks since I started the adderall, and a bit more that two weeks since I was raised to the 30/30 maximum. I still have daily headaches, ones that fioricet don't really handle. I go back and see my pdoc on the 16th to discuss this issue, though I am seriously considering giving myself a three day long break from the adderall and see if it improves my headaches.

Yes, my pdoc is aware that I've been on fioricet for several years. In fact, I only started seeing this pdoc two years ago, and he knew then what "outside" meds I was taking.

I'm also trying to slowly reduce the fioricet I take each day for these headaches to see if that could be the problem. While I did have a five week long migraine back in 08 and treated it with fioricet, this migraine feels different than that one did, so I question again what the true cause of this migraine is.

I'm waiting for a neurology appointment and hopefully that will give me some answers.

[AirMarshall]

You betcha stimulants can cause headaches. I'm off Adderal at the moment and using Strattera, but was down to 1/10th the dose my doctor originally prescribed six years ago.

Tolerance varies widely. VE and I compared notes, and he could eat my dosage like candy all day long and not get much effect. If I took his dosage I would run in circles until my head exploded. shrug.

I recommend calling your pdoc and discuss lowering your dosage. Trying to use dueling meds isn't the best idea. Give it a few months at the lower dosage and try increasing half the difference.

best. a.m.

[inmyhead]

It was years ago when I was taking Adderall and Fioricet, but I'm starting to remember. I did have daily headaches that were no match for Fioricet. In fact, even stronger drugs barely numbed the headache. I don't recall how much the intensity changed with dosage changes, but I didn't get headaches like that after I stopped Adderall.