What medicine is safe for migraine during a 26-week pregnancy?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 26 weeks pregnant. I recently had an intractable migraine for six weeks and have been prescribed many medications by my physician. Between 18 and 25 weeks, I have to take Tramadol daily dosage of between 50 and 150 milligrams occasionally, I take a half pill more, and for rescue relief, Vicodin or Percocet was prescribed. I finally had Botox done, and it helped.
I had migraines from the age of 19, and I am 33 years old now, and I cannot take Triptans during pregnancy. Although my physician was sure about the treatment plan, I am filled with self-doubt and horrible guilt. I cannot sleep and am worried about hypothetical thoughts of whether I spaced my doses in a proper manner or not, as I was in pain. I also hurt my baby as I was concerned and did not know what to do. Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
Strong medications are usually not suggested in pregnancy, but I can imagine that your pain was intolerable.
However, understand that there is no reason to be guilty. Usually, any drug-related abnormality in the baby can occur during the early first trimester. So your baby will be safe. To ensure the safety of the baby, I advise you to follow the instructions below.
- Get regular ultrasounds to ensure everything is within normal limits.
- Take care of yourself by avoiding any migraine triggers.
- Do not feel guilty.
I hope this information will help you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I am concerned about any harm to the baby in the second trimester, as I have taken medicines from 18 to 25 weeks. I am worried that I have impeded the brain development of the baby. Kindly suggest.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is unlikely that you have caused any harm to the baby. I urge you to relax, and I am sure everything will be fine once you see the baby. I can understand you are more concerned as you are pregnant, but believe it when I say that your pregnancy is just as important to all your physicians.
I hope this information will help you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I am relieved and have started meditation and prenatal yoga. I am also seeing a therapist, as this anxiety is new to me. I am concerned that I would have taken too many medications, and have learned that Tramadol has a serotonin-inhibiting component, which makes me nervous. I think it is a relatively low dose, according to my physicians, but I am doubtful. I have to find a way to believe that I would not take anything that hurts my baby. I would like to know if you have expertise with chronic pain management in pregnancy, and if Tramadol in higher doses of up to 300 mg causes danger to the baby. Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
High doses of Tramadol can be harmful in the first trimester of pregnancy, but that is not when you have used it. I suggest you relax and continue with yoga to be healthy physically and mentally.
I hope this information will help you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I am concerned about the SNRI (serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) component of Tramadol. Can it be linked to autism? I have trouble understanding those studies. Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It would not be a good idea to discuss or further read about links to autism, as it can make you worried.
I suggest you let your physician decide what is best for you. Reading articles will only serve to increase anxiety and serve no purpose. Be relieved and take care of your health.
I hope this information will help you.
Thank you.
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