Comments on: Demerol for Migraine in the Emergency room http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/ Thoughts and information about the latest news in the world of migraine, cluster headache and other headache treatment around the world. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:36:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Linda http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-2/#comment-127886 Linda Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:56:31 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-127886 I've read all of the posts, looking for something that I haven't tried or something that I've tried and know doesn't work. I have had migraines since I was in my teens and still have them in my mid-fifties. I was recently told by an ER Doc that they will no longer be using Demerol and Vistaril for migraines. I have a great doctor who had worked out a pain contract for me. Since they aren't going to be giving that, I have to live with it. I highly DOUBT that I will have any withdrawal because I only was allowed up to three times per month. I get an average of 4-6 migraines per month. At one time I was getting them every day. I have Fibromyalgia. Diagnosed by the top neurologists in the country. I DON'T LIKE being classified as a druggie because someone looks at me and says that i must be one because I have either bad teeth, bad hair, bad skin, or small veins!!! How dare someone make that assumption without even knowing me. As it turns out, I do have bad teeth because of being on many medications for the myriad of problems that come with Fibromyalgia. I won't list all of the drugs here, but I do HATE being on them. Any medication that gives you dry mouth will eventually ruin your teeth. I don't have bad skin or bad hair. I've always had small miserable veins so I don't want to go the ER for my migraines or take any medication that requires an IV. I've tried just about every drug out there for migraine - toradol, depakote, imitrex,dilaudid, topamax, morphine, all that make me want to climb the walls! I was also on fioricet, Vicodin and Methadone all at different times. I did not like it!! I have been through withdrawal and it was voluntary. Especially Methadone -- it makes me suicidal and I am just not that way. I'm generally happy and feel that I have much to live for. I think it's terrible that because of people who abuse their medication, the ones who really need a particular medication have to suffer. I do not look forward to trying more drugs, I'm SICK of drugs! Except for those that help me, such as my blood pressure meds, and cholesteral medication. When I get a migraine, my blood pressure shoots up to anywhere from 180/105 to 230/125 or so. I try to get to the doctor asap when this comes on and the demerol is the only thing that will put me to sleep and then and ONLY then is when my BP comes down. I guess I'm going to be feeling like a walking stroke about to happen when i get a migraine. =( I’ve read all of the posts, looking for something that I haven’t tried or something that I’ve tried and know doesn’t work. I have had migraines since I was in my teens and still have them in my mid-fifties. I was recently told by an ER Doc that they will no longer be using Demerol and Vistaril for migraines. I have a great doctor who had worked out a pain contract for me. Since they aren’t going to be giving that, I have to live with it. I highly DOUBT that I will have any withdrawal because I only was allowed up to three times per month. I get an average of 4-6 migraines per month. At one time I was getting them every day. I have Fibromyalgia. Diagnosed by the top neurologists in the country. I DON’T LIKE being classified as a druggie because someone looks at me and says that i must be one because I have either bad teeth, bad hair, bad skin, or small veins!!! How dare someone make that assumption without even knowing me. As it turns out, I do have bad teeth because of being on many medications for the myriad of problems that come with Fibromyalgia. I won’t list all of the drugs here, but I do HATE being on them. Any medication that gives you dry mouth will eventually ruin your teeth. I don’t have bad skin or bad hair. I’ve always had small miserable veins so I don’t want to go the ER for my migraines or take any medication that requires an IV. I’ve tried just about every drug out there for migraine – toradol, depakote, imitrex,dilaudid, topamax, morphine, all that make me want to climb the walls! I was also on fioricet, Vicodin and Methadone all at different times. I did not like it!! I have been through withdrawal and it was voluntary. Especially Methadone — it makes me suicidal and I am just not that way. I’m generally happy and feel that I have much to live for. I think it’s terrible that because of people who abuse their medication, the ones who really need a particular medication have to suffer. I do not look forward to trying more drugs, I’m SICK of drugs! Except for those that help me, such as my blood pressure meds, and cholesteral medication. When I get a migraine, my blood pressure shoots up to anywhere from 180/105 to 230/125 or so. I try to get to the doctor asap when this comes on and the demerol is the only thing that will put me to sleep and then and ONLY then is when my BP comes down. I guess I’m going to be feeling like a walking stroke about to happen when i get a migraine. =(

]]> By: Jeff http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-1/#comment-119851 Jeff Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:52:49 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-119851 On 7-1-09 I finally had to retire from my Police Dept afte total of 36 yrs because I was in the hospital so much and leaving shifts having to be filled by Officer on overtime and now one DR of 14 that Ins Company has sent me to has said the assault was not the cause of Migranes but Ins wants to continue to pay medical and give lump sum for Workers Comp settlement,what a joke I wish they could expierience the pain of one Migrane like I get only since the 99 assault. On 7-1-09 I finally had to retire from my Police Dept afte total of 36 yrs because I was in the hospital so much and leaving shifts having to be filled by Officer on overtime and now one DR of 14 that Ins Company has sent me to has said the assault was not the cause of Migranes but Ins wants to continue to pay medical and give lump sum for Workers Comp settlement,what a joke I wish they could expierience the pain of one Migrane like I get only since the 99 assault.

]]> By: Jeff http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-1/#comment-119849 Jeff Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:37:09 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-119849 Cordelia,my Neurologist atThomas Jefferson,Philly has found a way of treatment when I get the Status Migrane,one which won't release and its non-narcotic. They give an injection of Benadryl and Phenigrin(not sure of spelling) then 1/2 hr later another and then a third 1/2 hr later. Now I am in the hospital due to these Migranes but after three days of that cocktail I feel totally relived from the pain.If you want more info I can ask the dosages of medications aforementioned. I only can use Demerol for pain and all the hospitals have gone Demerol free in PA. However they have it but Dr has to ask for special permission from Pharmacy, Even then though my Hospital(Holy Spirit,Camp Hill,PA) still won't give me any so I have to use heat and cold packs for pain until they get the Phenigrin in from supply house.Apparently it was an outdated anti-nausea medication. I'm on daily doses of Topamax and an anti-immflamitory Innomiacin(Speeling again not sure) but that is a proactive attempt of getting the Status Migrane(which is a migrane that locks in and won't release which causes the brain to swell) Also they use a steriod when in hospital to help the swelling(Depamedrasol,spelling again). Mine are caused by an injury to head in 99. Imitrex, Stadol(which cause respitory arrest), Dilaudid, Codiene, Percocet, Vicodin or any other pain med has no effect on me.Also have had tempular injection of Botox 6 yrs ago and that did'nt help either. I wish you luck and pain free,I found also that it is always right side and I use a heat pack at onset of a bad headache to area of pain and that does help along with hot showers directed on my head.!Good Luck Cordelia,my Neurologist atThomas Jefferson,Philly has found a way of treatment when I get the Status Migrane,one which won’t release and its non-narcotic. They give an injection of Benadryl and Phenigrin(not sure of spelling) then 1/2 hr later another and then a third 1/2 hr later. Now I am in the hospital due to these Migranes but after three days of that cocktail I feel totally relived from the pain.If you want more info I can ask the dosages of medications aforementioned. I only can use Demerol for pain and all the hospitals have gone Demerol free in PA. However they have it but Dr has to ask for special permission from Pharmacy, Even then though my Hospital(Holy Spirit,Camp Hill,PA) still won’t give me any so I have to use heat and cold packs for pain until they get the Phenigrin in from supply house.Apparently it was an outdated anti-nausea medication. I’m on daily doses of Topamax and an anti-immflamitory Innomiacin(Speeling again not sure) but that is a proactive attempt of getting the Status Migrane(which is a migrane that locks in and won’t release which causes the brain to swell) Also they use a steriod when in hospital to help the swelling(Depamedrasol,spelling again). Mine are caused by an injury to head in 99. Imitrex, Stadol(which cause respitory arrest), Dilaudid, Codiene, Percocet, Vicodin or any other pain med has no effect on me.Also have had tempular injection of Botox 6 yrs ago and that did’nt help either. I wish you luck and pain free,I found also that it is always right side and I use a heat pack at onset of a bad headache to area of pain and that does help along with hot showers directed on my head.!Good Luck

]]> By: Cordelia http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-1/#comment-119708 Cordelia Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:46:14 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-119708 I have suffered from headaches and migraines my entire life so when this one started I didn't think much of it. I do not believe in taking drugs of any type, however this migraine is so intense and has lasted for over a month straight, I nearly lost it and took an entire bottle of migraine relief pills as the regular dosage obviously had no effect. My body never has any reaction to medicine. My family and doctors never believe me when I tell them it will not have any effect. Luckily I thought twice and only took the regular dosage my point here is that I have been in so much pain this past month which has gotten steadily worse that I am becoming very irrational. I have a high pain tolerance, I mean I do not take any pain relief for illness or injury not even the times when doctors have needed to slice open infected wounds. If I can tolerate being stabbed with a sharp knife without flinching there must be something majorly wrong with my brain right now. I am writing this to find out if anyone has any advice. I cannot function normally right now and it continuous to grow more intense daily recently. I am going to see a doctor tomorrow as in a few more days I have a family camping trip to attend and I cannot move without being tortured right now. I need something that can hopefully remove but at least suppress this agony for a few days while I am away that will not cause fatigue. I am searching for a medication that is strong enough to work but also as healthy as possible. Right now I really do not care however I just want to be able to move without dieing. Thanks in advance. I have suffered from headaches and migraines my entire life so when this one started I didn’t think much of it. I do not believe in taking drugs of any type, however this migraine is so intense and has lasted for over a month straight, I nearly lost it and took an entire bottle of migraine relief pills as the regular dosage obviously had no effect. My body never has any reaction to medicine. My family and doctors never believe me when I tell them it will not have any effect. Luckily I thought twice and only took the regular dosage my point here is that I have been in so much pain this past month which has gotten steadily worse that I am becoming very irrational. I have a high pain tolerance, I mean I do not take any pain relief for illness or injury not even the times when doctors have needed to slice open infected wounds. If I can tolerate being stabbed with a sharp knife without flinching there must be something majorly wrong with my brain right now. I am writing this to find out if anyone has any advice. I cannot function normally right now and it continuous to grow more intense daily recently. I am going to see a doctor tomorrow as in a few more days I have a family camping trip to attend and I cannot move without being tortured right now. I need something that can hopefully remove but at least suppress this agony for a few days while I am away that will not cause fatigue. I am searching for a medication that is strong enough to work but also as healthy as possible. Right now I really do not care however I just want to be able to move without dieing. Thanks in advance.

]]> By: Nancy http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-1/#comment-114530 Nancy Wed, 25 May 2011 22:15:34 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-114530 this last year i have been getting epiderals for discs from c2 to t5 all messed up after 4 injections i am getting some relief hope this helps have had migraines regularly for 20 years and a headache everyday. good luck to all this last year i have been getting epiderals for discs from c2 to t5 all messed up after 4 injections i am getting some relief hope this helps have had migraines regularly for 20 years and a headache everyday. good luck to all

]]> By: Nancy http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-1/#comment-114528 Nancy Wed, 25 May 2011 22:07:27 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-114528 i have had migraines for 20 years now and the only thing i can suggest after years of all the med and drs experimenting on me everyone is different and the dr think a migraine is a migraine not so i have been getting epiderals this last 6 months and after 4 injections i am getting relief, i also have c2 to t5 all herniated and bulging and so on so if you have tension and discs that are effecting you check out PISA in tucson az DR. BULLOCK IS MY DR they have a very good website for information and could suggest a place by your home good luck and it is hard but keep smiling from someone that definitely relate. i have had migraines for 20 years now and the only thing i can suggest after years of all the med and drs experimenting on me everyone is different and the dr think a migraine is a migraine not so i have been getting epiderals this last 6 months and after 4 injections i am getting relief, i also have c2 to t5 all herniated and bulging and so on so if you have tension and discs that are effecting you check out PISA in tucson az DR. BULLOCK IS MY DR they have a very good website for information and could suggest a place by your home good luck and it is hard but keep smiling from someone that definitely relate.

]]> By: Nat http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-1/#comment-106263 Nat Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:44:05 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-106263 I am a longtime migraine sufferer. I've been fighting migraines for the past 13 years chronically and just a couple a year before that. I am a female in my mid-30s. I have seen multiple neurologists over the years, mostly in the Kansas City metro area. The couple I really liked eventually moved into in-patient care and pediatric neurology respectively so now I am beginning with a new neurologist. I find this post interesting as I suffer often from migraines compounded by a daily headache that the neurologists can not get rid of, so my migraines are easily triggered (they say because the receptors are already in a heightened state with the daily headache). I've been to the ER several different times in the past few years though I try to wait it out and treat the migraines at home with pain meds and abortive meds. This can be severely difficult while holding down a full time job and caring for my family so when they are particularly nasty and last longer than 4-5 days I end up having to seek ER care. DHE shots do not work for me no matter what they are combined with, morphine doesn't work, demerol may slightly taket the edge off but doesn't begin to make it tolerable, fioranal has worked once, diuladid worked once, and then there was a mystery drug they gave me for severe chest pain two years ago that stopped both the chest pain and the horrible migraine that I'd had with it but I couldn't find out the name of that drug (I do know it was a narcotic). At home, I've used both Imitrex tablets and injections in every dosage made (they are hit or miss - sometimes work, sometimes don't - and make my throat burn and swell so I have to be careful as I know that is an allergic reaction), every approved abortive migraine drug (none of which worked), preventative therapies have ranged from the natural variations (butterbur, feverfew, etc) to ace inhibitors, beta-blockers, anti-seizures, and others. I have a running list of meds because there have been so many. The reason for my post, is to say thanks to those who have posted, and because it was mentioned in a post above let anyone reading this know that I had an allergic reaction to Reglan, an anti-nausea medicine commonly given now in hospitals (ER or regular stay), that caused me to twitch uncontrollably for hours and made me very hyper-alert to where I couldn't fall asleep no matter how tired I got until the medicine wore off. I was dosed with Reglan several times before I was able to figure out that it was that medicine that was causing it. They switched me to Zofran which didn't help with the nausea, but the Reglan wasn't either. The hospital I went to no longer like to prescribe Phenergan (promethazine) for nausea which is what works for me so I had a difficult time. But, I want people to be aware of the potential for an allergic reaction from Reglan (anti-nausea med). It has just recently come under fire for such side effects (from lawsuits), after the first couple times I received it, so if it works for you and you don't have side effects that is great just be aware if you haven't taken it before. Last, if someone knows of medicine that would be used to treat severe chest pain (they didn't determine why, but my BP was in the 180/120 range, yes I know that is extremely high and it is a symptom of a whole other physical problem separate from my migraines and my BP is being treated and monitored) in the ER that might also get rid of a migraine, I would know the name if I hear it so a post naming possibilities might be helpful for me if anyone knows. Thank you and good luck to all of the migraine sufferers. I am a longtime migraine sufferer. I’ve been fighting migraines for the past 13 years chronically and just a couple a year before that. I am a female in my mid-30s. I have seen multiple neurologists over the years, mostly in the Kansas City metro area. The couple I really liked eventually moved into in-patient care and pediatric neurology respectively so now I am beginning with a new neurologist. I find this post interesting as I suffer often from migraines compounded by a daily headache that the neurologists can not get rid of, so my migraines are easily triggered (they say because the receptors are already in a heightened state with the daily headache). I’ve been to the ER several different times in the past few years though I try to wait it out and treat the migraines at home with pain meds and abortive meds. This can be severely difficult while holding down a full time job and caring for my family so when they are particularly nasty and last longer than 4-5 days I end up having to seek ER care. DHE shots do not work for me no matter what they are combined with, morphine doesn’t work, demerol may slightly taket the edge off but doesn’t begin to make it tolerable, fioranal has worked once, diuladid worked once, and then there was a mystery drug they gave me for severe chest pain two years ago that stopped both the chest pain and the horrible migraine that I’d had with it but I couldn’t find out the name of that drug (I do know it was a narcotic). At home, I’ve used both Imitrex tablets and injections in every dosage made (they are hit or miss – sometimes work, sometimes don’t – and make my throat burn and swell so I have to be careful as I know that is an allergic reaction), every approved abortive migraine drug (none of which worked), preventative therapies have ranged from the natural variations (butterbur, feverfew, etc) to ace inhibitors, beta-blockers, anti-seizures, and others. I have a running list of meds because there have been so many.

The reason for my post, is to say thanks to those who have posted, and because it was mentioned in a post above let anyone reading this know that I had an allergic reaction to Reglan, an anti-nausea medicine commonly given now in hospitals (ER or regular stay), that caused me to twitch uncontrollably for hours and made me very hyper-alert to where I couldn’t fall asleep no matter how tired I got until the medicine wore off. I was dosed with Reglan several times before I was able to figure out that it was that medicine that was causing it. They switched me to Zofran which didn’t help with the nausea, but the Reglan wasn’t either. The hospital I went to no longer like to prescribe Phenergan (promethazine) for nausea which is what works for me so I had a difficult time. But, I want people to be aware of the potential for an allergic reaction from Reglan (anti-nausea med). It has just recently come under fire for such side effects (from lawsuits), after the first couple times I received it, so if it works for you and you don’t have side effects that is great just be aware if you haven’t taken it before.

Last, if someone knows of medicine that would be used to treat severe chest pain (they didn’t determine why, but my BP was in the 180/120 range, yes I know that is extremely high and it is a symptom of a whole other physical problem separate from my migraines and my BP is being treated and monitored) in the ER that might also get rid of a migraine, I would know the name if I hear it so a post naming possibilities might be helpful for me if anyone knows. Thank you and good luck to all of the migraine sufferers.

]]> By: Winter http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-1/#comment-93259 Winter Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:45:53 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-93259 I had a severe headache that I never experienced before during the past summer and ended up in urgent care. So, at the end of the Dr. visit, the doctor asked me if I wanted an injection of Demerol which I knew nothing of its side effects. The dose was 100mg. After the subcutaneous injection, I walked out of the doctor's office and went to another area in the building for blood work he wanted me to do. At the rest area I suddenly felt dizziness and almost fainted. So, I was brought back on the wheelchair to the urgent care Dr. and received some IV HYD and other treatment to recover me from the faint. Now I have received the bill, and was charged for all the treatment caused by the side effect of Demerol injection. Am I responsible for the cost? Any information on this will be helpful!!! Thanks. I had a severe headache that I never experienced before during the past summer and ended up in urgent care. So, at the end of the Dr. visit, the doctor asked me if I wanted an injection of Demerol which I knew nothing of its side effects. The dose was 100mg. After the subcutaneous injection, I walked out of the doctor’s office and went to another area in the building for blood work he wanted me to do. At the rest area I suddenly felt dizziness and almost fainted. So, I was brought back on the wheelchair to the urgent care Dr. and received some IV HYD and other treatment to recover me from the faint. Now I have received the bill, and was charged for all the treatment caused by the side effect of Demerol injection. Am I responsible for the cost? Any information on this will be helpful!!! Thanks.

]]> By: Lacy http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-1/#comment-91826 Lacy Sat, 02 Oct 2010 06:27:57 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-91826 I have had the worst headache that I have ever had. I have never suffered from any before. I just spent 3 days in the hospital and 24hrs after I got home it started, I have taken a long hot bath, tried the quiet room thing, demerol 100mg and 10/325 percocet pills. I have tried migrain meds such as excedrin. I have tried caffine. I have tried everything that I can. I am at a total loss because I have never ever had my head hurt so bad. I do not want to go to the ER because I do not want them to think that I am seeking drugs. I do suffer from other chronic pain problems but nothing to do with my head. does anyone have any answers or any comments. my head has been hurting for the past 17 hrs. I can not sleep, I can not seem to hold very much down. I am only getting worse it is on a 9/10 pain scale. can someone please help me? I have had the worst headache that I have ever had. I have never suffered from any before. I just spent 3 days in the hospital and 24hrs after I got home it started, I have taken a long hot bath, tried the quiet room thing, demerol 100mg and 10/325 percocet pills. I have tried migrain meds such as excedrin. I have tried caffine. I have tried everything that I can. I am at a total loss because I have never ever had my head hurt so bad. I do not want to go to the ER because I do not want them to think that I am seeking drugs. I do suffer from other chronic pain problems but nothing to do with my head. does anyone have any answers or any comments. my head has been hurting for the past 17 hrs. I can not sleep, I can not seem to hold very much down. I am only getting worse it is on a 9/10 pain scale. can someone please help me?

]]> By: Kitty http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/demerol-for-migraine-in-the-emergency-room/comment-page-1/#comment-44613 Kitty Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:19:37 +0000 http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/?p=447#comment-44613 I have had migraines for 30 years, been to all kinds of neuroligists, even The Midwest Neurological Institute where I had 3 neurologists at the same time. We figured out that my trigger is the weather. Mainly low pressure systems or extreme quick weather changes, also a 25-45 degree change in the weather which happens in the spring and fall seasons more than any other. I have been through sleep studies(I have sleep apnea but the machine made no diffrence in my migraines), have had botox injections, as as the institute concluded, "I've had everything in the closet for migraines." I was in the health field so I know the different drugs that can be used and have tried everything even in the ER. By the way, you should only go to one ER for your migraines so they get to know you, your specific problems, and what does and does not work. Then, you won't be judged quickly as a "drug seeker". Docs cannot really tell if a person does have a headache/migraine and for a while, people went to the ER to get Demerol for the "high." I did check out the residual effects the doctors are claiming now that Demerol has but the other pain meds have the same if not worse effects in the information I have found. Again, that is just me and I am not a doctor. I have had a liver problem before so I do research meds often for new studies. I am allergic to Morphine, thank God I was in the hospital when I got the injection. My allergies include DHE45, this so called new migraine med, made me VERY ill. I am allergic to Codiene, Newbain, Tordol, Vicodin, and Diloded. I have a verbal pain contract with the hospital since I do have to go a couple of time a month to get migraines broke that I cannot at home. I was getting Stadol, along with a large dose of Benedryl because of the side effects it gave me. The doctor that owns the company that contracts for the ER, I am on a first name basis with, came into my room the last time I was there and we discussed everything that I have had, so now I am back to Demerol with Phernagan(sp?) for nausea, and it also has a good side effect that for some reason does help migraines without boosting the effect of Demerol. Through my many different trials of meds, I am to be on pain killers and muscle relaxers daily. I do not take them daily anymore though, it is to hard on your organs and you build up such a tolorance to any kind of pain meds that when you do go to the ER, sometimes it does not help. I have transformed migraines, which basically means I have a head ache every day and if I get over stimulated wether it be positive or negative, it can turn into a migraine. On the onset of a migraine, I do take the pain pills, muscle relaxers, and one sinus pill(ask your doc about the sinus pill first!). I learned of the sinus pill from the Mayo Clinic when my sister went there. I live in Missouri and as the old saying goes, "If you don't like the weather here, wait 15 minutes and it will change." Germany has studied weather associated with migraines for 60 years and the EDA and docs in North America are finally taking notice that it is very much a problem for some, this is why journaling migraines is important. Write down little notes about the time of day, everything you ingested that day and the day before, what you were doing when it came on, where you were at the time of onset, and the weather. Anyway Demerol, not used often,such as a couple of times a month as I do, we have found is much more productive and less harmful to my system. Talk to your ER doc, most of them will tell you that they don't use it in the ER. For someone that is basically allergic to everything but Demerol, then Demerol is used. I also save my discharge papers, and I ask the nurse or doctor I want what they gave me and the amounts hand written on them because I do save them. Also, keep them in one place that way if you need to go to the hospital and need something different, you have proof in hand that you have tried what they wanted you to, and you can tell them why you need something else. Good Luck! I have had migraines for 30 years, been to all kinds of neuroligists, even The Midwest Neurological Institute where I had 3 neurologists at the same time. We figured out that my trigger is the weather. Mainly low pressure systems or extreme quick weather changes, also a 25-45 degree change in the weather which happens in the spring and fall seasons more than any other. I have been through sleep studies(I have sleep apnea but the machine made no diffrence in my migraines), have had botox injections, as as the institute concluded, “I’ve had everything in the closet for migraines.” I was in the health field so I know the different drugs that can be used and have tried everything even in the ER. By the way, you should only go to one ER for your migraines so they get to know you, your specific problems, and what does and does not work. Then, you won’t be judged quickly as a “drug seeker”. Docs cannot really tell if a person does have a headache/migraine and for a while, people went to the ER to get Demerol for the “high.” I did check out the residual effects the doctors are claiming now that Demerol has but the other pain meds have the same if not worse effects in the information I have found. Again, that is just me and I am not a doctor. I have had a liver problem before so I do research meds often for new studies. I am allergic to Morphine, thank God I was in the hospital when I got the injection. My allergies include DHE45, this so called new migraine med, made me VERY ill. I am allergic to Codiene, Newbain, Tordol, Vicodin, and Diloded. I have a verbal pain contract with the hospital since I do have to go a couple of time a month to get migraines broke that I cannot at home. I was getting Stadol, along with a large dose of Benedryl because of the side effects it gave me. The doctor that owns the company that contracts for the ER, I am on a first name basis with, came into my room the last time I was there and we discussed everything that I have had, so now I am back to Demerol with Phernagan(sp?) for nausea, and it also has a good side effect that for some reason does help migraines without boosting the effect of Demerol. Through my many different trials of meds, I am to be on pain killers and muscle relaxers daily. I do not take them daily anymore though, it is to hard on your organs and you build up such a tolorance to any kind of pain meds that when you do go to the ER, sometimes it does not help. I have transformed migraines, which basically means I have a head ache every day and if I get over stimulated wether it be positive or negative, it can turn into a migraine. On the onset of a migraine, I do take the pain pills, muscle relaxers, and one sinus pill(ask your doc about the sinus pill first!). I learned of the sinus pill from the Mayo Clinic when my sister went there.
I live in Missouri and as the old saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather here, wait 15 minutes and it will change.” Germany has studied weather associated with migraines for 60 years and the EDA and docs in North America are finally taking notice that it is very much a problem for some, this is why journaling migraines is important. Write down little notes about the time of day, everything you ingested that day and the day before, what you were doing when it came on, where you were at the time of onset, and the weather.
Anyway Demerol, not used often,such as a couple of times a month as I do, we have found is much more productive and less harmful to my system.
Talk to your ER doc, most of them will tell you that they don’t use it in the ER. For someone that is basically allergic to everything but Demerol, then Demerol is used.
I also save my discharge papers, and I ask the nurse or doctor I want what they gave me and the amounts hand written on them because I do save them. Also, keep them in one place that way if you need to go to the hospital and need something different, you have proof in hand that you have tried what they wanted you to, and you can tell them why you need something else.
Good Luck!

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