Migraine is a problem that's pretty tough to solve. Finding relief can be so difficult that over a million emergency room visits are attributed to migraines every year. Since migraine eludes many of the more straightforward solutions, researchers are on the lookout for less obvious alternatives.
For example, the vast majority of users have seen their headache days significantly reduced by wearing Avulux® Migraine and Light Sensitivity Lenses, which are the standard lens in Axon Optics eyewear. Another out-of-the-box option is to use the antidepressant nortriptyline for migraines.
In this article, we’ll talk about what nortriptyline is, how it’s used against migraine, and the potential risks, so you can make an informed decision with your doctor.
What is Nortriptyline?
Even though nortriptyline (e.g. Pamelor) is used as an antidepressant, there’s some evidence that it could be a helpful option for migraines and other headaches. This is because it affects serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that may be responsible for migraine attacks in some people.
Nortriptyline is sold under the brand names Sensoval, Pamelor, and others, and falls under the category of tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs. It comes in both pill and liquid form.
In the case of depression, tricyclic antidepressants work by acting on neurotransmitters or “messengers” that send communication between brain cells. Essentially, they alter brain chemistry to regulate a person’s mood and ease depression.
Why is Nortriptyline Sometimes Used for Migraine?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter with the main function of stabilizing your mood and making you feel happy. Since happiness and migraine don’t really go together, this shouldn’t come as a surprise that serotonin levels drop during a migraine attack.
In fact, depression and migraines often occur together, with some patients actually feeling depressed before the migraine comes on.
One theoretical cause of migraine is neurotransmitters like serotonin that are out of whack. Some research indicates that antidepressants like nortriptyline, which balance or boost serotonin levels, may help prevent migraine attacks in the first place.
However, this research is still up for debate. A more recent study found that serotonin levels are indeed involved in migraine pathophysiology. But it contradicted earlier studies that linked low levels of serotonin receptors to migraine. Instead, this study found a correlation with higher levels.
Side Effects of Taking Nortriptyline for Migraines
Tricyclic antidepressants have several side effects, so before taking nortriptyline for migraines, it’s important to understand the risks.
Nortriptyline has several other side effects which are more common, including:
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Nightmares
- Appetite and weight changes
- Constipation
- Changes in urination
- Dry mouth
- Excessive sweating
- Sex drive changes
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Upset stomach
- Drowsiness
Nortriptyline has also been linked to side effects which constitute a medical emergency, including:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Worsening depression
- Irregular heartbeat / palpitations
- Speech changes
- Spasms in the jaw, neck, or back
- Shaking
- Fever
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Rash
- Shaking
- Shuffling while walking
You should also know that the FDA has actually given nortriptyline a Black Box warning, which is the strongest warning they issue. In the warning, the FDA notes that this drug could actually worsen depression in kids, teens, and young adults. This can bring on major depressive disorder and elevate suicide risk.
Is Nortriptyline for Migraine a Useful Preventative?
Many patients report that taking nortriptyline for migraine is helpful. According to reviews reported by Drugs.com, 77% of users reported a positive impact. But what does the research say?
Clinical studies have shown that nortriptyline can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. If you suffer from frequent migraine headaches, you might want to talk to your doctor about whether nortriptyline or other tricyclic antidepressants could be a viable preventative treatment option
Make Sure the Pros Outweigh the Cons
If you struggle with depression, taking nortriptyline for migraines could help you manage both conditions. In this case, the benefits of taking nortriptyline may outweigh the risks. However, whether that’s right for you is between you and your doctor.
Nortriptyline won’t be the right course of treatment for everyone. If you have a history of major depression, for example, your doctor could have major concerns about prescribing you nortriptyline due to the potential for increased depression and suidice risk.
Nortriptyline for migraines is often a go-to treatment even for patients without depression. The effective dose for migraine is usually lower than the dose for depression, so people who aren’t depressed likely won’t need to take as much. But again, whether or not it’s the right thing for you is a decision only you and your doctor can make.
Other Alternatives for Migraine Treatment and Prevention
Of course, you have plenty of options when it comes to managing your condition, including medications and natural remedies.
Acute Medications
Prescription migraine drugs like Troadol, Demerol, sumatriptan, and a long list of other medications are designed to relieve migraines after onset of the headache. Over-the-counter medications like Excedrin, naproxen, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also commonly used.
Preventative Medications
If it’s right for you, nortriptyline could help reduce your migraine attacks. But there are a number of other medications that are also FDA approved for migraine prevention.
From prescription pills like Corgard, Cardizem, and Toprol XL to Botox injections, you and your doctor can decide what works best for you.
A Migraine Prevention Lifestyle
Your lifestyle could make a big difference in the severity and frequency of your migraine attacks. Here are just a few tips that could help.
- Keep a migraine diary of your diet and activities to help you identify your triggers
- Avoid high-nitrate foods like processed meats
- Get adequate magnesium through diet and supplements
- Manage your stress levels
- Get plenty of sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Drink plenty of water
Summing Up
Nortriptyline is a medication that may help reduce the frequency of migraines, but it may have serious side effects, so it’s essential to speak with your doctor first.
Get your doctor’s advice about your condition, medications, lifestyle, and non-invasive tools like Axon Optics glasses powered by Avulux® Migraine and Light Sensitivity Lenses to find the best course of action for you.
