TNF Blockers and Migraines -- Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, etc.

[LR23]

I am trying to figure out if my headache is related either directly or indirectly (infection) to Humira.  Is anyone else having headaches and/or CNS problems due to one of the TNF Blockers? If so, I would be interested to know your symptoms.  Thanks.

[TAJ07]

I just had a Humira shot last night and am suffering from a horrible headache/migraine today. I've asked my nurse if it could be related but haven't received an answer. I've had shots since August. No other symptoms other than extremely painful injections and a little soreness after the shot.

[LR23]

Thanks for your reply.  Sorry about the headaches.  

FWIW, my headaches are characterized by pressure on one side of my head, as well as pressure in my neck, ear and eye.  I have nausea with the headaches, but no aura or other eye symptoms.  The headaches seem to be triggered by movement of my neck, Humira and alcohol, but sometimes they come on without an apparent cause.

I have not yet found a drug that works well to control the pain, whether the headache is mild or excruciating.  Icy Hot patches on my neck can be soothing at times.

My neuro has prescribed Topamax, but I think that may be overkill.  Not sure if getting off Humira will help.

Hope Humira is working well for you otherwise.

[bobby38]

I've had to stop using Remicade because of excruciating migraines that weren't the  usual ones I normally get.  They lasted days in varying degrees of pain. It lay just below the surface sometimes and just a feather light touch such as a newspaper tap from a fellow passenger reading the paper behind me on the commuter train. These were occuring 2-3 times a month   Switched to Humira and was fine for a year but now am hypersensitive to odors especially chemicals i.e. perfumes,colognes, smoke.  Even some one elses body odor gives me a migraine.  I have them weekly and am taking too much Tramadol.  Maxalt works great but it turns me into a zombie and cant take it while at work. It does start out feeling like a sinus headache and disorientation gradually worsening.  

[LR23]

Thanks for your message.  You described exactly what I have been going through with Humira.  It has re-introduced me to migraines, but almost a combination tension/migraine.  They are different from what I used to have as a kid.  It's like I am hypersensitive to triggers: neck tension, food (and allergies), medications (synthroid), eye strain, certain postures.  

Like you said, the slightest trigger will get them started and they last in varying degrees for days.  Relpax seems to turn mine into normal migraines where I can sleep off.  But it only works about 50 percent of the time.  The headaches can be unbearable to the point that I take a percocet or imitrex (which makes me violently sick in other ways).

The sinus-type beginning of the headache is also right on point!

Anyway, thanks for telling me your story.  It's nice to know that this is not totally unheard of.

[marsha_ann]

When I was 16, I had my first baby boy.  After having him, I started getting migraines.  The first one I ever had lasted over 48 hours.  I had to get a shot to get rid of it.  
Since then, I've had too many to count.  I've tried several different medications over the past 13 years.  A few years ago, it got to the point where if I used a med to get rid of the headache ... I'd get a rebound headache the next day.  The cycle didnt stop unless I didnt take pain meds. Maxalt Melts were the best for stopping the migraines, but after using them for awhile, I started the rebound headaches after using it.   -  Plus I take a muscle relaxer for my neck.  My neck knots up along with my migraines.  I have to use an ice pack for my neck.

Now I take Amitriptyline (Elavil) 25mg daily,  and Gabapentin (Neurontin) 300mg daily to prevent my Migraines.   I started with the Amitriptyline first ... and it worked alone for almost a year, then I needed to add the other med to prevent the headaches more.  I do still get migraines every now & then, but they are not as severe as they use to be.  I can actually get up & tend to my kids & do other things (not just in the bed like before).  

Before I started those meds,  I was getting up to 6 migraines a month.  The BAD ones that keep you in the bed (no light, no noise, & sick to stomach).  After I started taking the Amitr... med, they slacked off to once a month, then once every other month ...and so on (but they were less painful).  They became a little more frequent after a year, & that's when I added the Gabapentin.  This helped even more.  I do still get small migraines, but they usually follow a sinus headache now.  I have bad sinuses too.

I treat my migraines with Advil or Tylenol Rapid Release ... and a 1/2 muscle relaxer (if I have any - I'm out right now) ... and an ice pack.  Sometimes I just have to sleep it off, if the over-the-counter pain meds dont work.  

Today I woke with a migraine.  I have taken some Tylenol & advil over the past few hours, and no relief.  I called & left a message for my dr to call me about meds.  I hope he'll give me some that work.  I might have to go in & get a shot if this gets any worse today.

If anyone knows of a migrain pain med that works without getting rebound headaches,  please let me know !!!!   As infrequently as I have migraines now, I think I could use something without rebounds.