Can Emgality still help me after decades of migraines at 57?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 57 years old and have been struggling with chronic daily migraines for decades. Over the years, I have tried several treatments, including Topiramate, Propranolol, Amitriptyline, and even Botox injections, but none provided lasting relief. The migraines still affect my daily life severely, and I often have to cancel plans because of the pain.

Can Emgality still help someone my age with long-standing chronic migraines, especially after multiple treatment failures?
Does it work differently or less effectively in people who have had migraines for many years compared to those who have episodic migraines?
I am also worried about getting my hopes up again after so many disappointments. How long does it usually take to know whether Emgality is working?
Additionally, I am concerned about possible side effects because I have already gone through several unsuccessful migraine treatments in the past.
I feel exhausted planning my life around migraines and would really like to know whether trying Emgality is worth considering or if it may end up being another failed treatment.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

The important thing to understand is that Emgality (Galcanezumab) can still help even if you have had daily migraines (a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, severe headaches, typically throbbing and localized to one side of the head) for many years, and multiple previous treatments have failed. Not responding to medicines such as Topiramate, Propranolol, Amitriptyline, or even Botox does not automatically mean Emgality (Galcanezumab) will fail as well, because it works through a completely different migraine pathway.

Chronic daily migraines are generally more difficult to treat than episodic migraines, so improvement may be slower and sometimes less dramatic. However, many patients with long-standing chronic migraines still experience meaningful benefits, including fewer migraine days, reduced severity, and better day-to-day functioning.

Some people notice improvement within the first month, but doctors usually recommend giving Emgality at least three months before deciding whether it is effective. In some cases, the benefits continue to build gradually over three to six months.

Compared with medications like Topiramate or Amitriptyline, Emgality (Galcanezumab) is often better tolerated and is less likely to cause brain fog, excessive sleepiness, or weight gain. The most common side effects are mild injection-site reactions such as soreness, redness, or irritation.

So yes, trying Emgality (Galcanezumab) is a reasonable option, especially since it works differently from the treatments you have already tried. The goal is not to give “false hope,” but to offer a realistic chance of reducing how much migraines control your life.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.