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Are Beta Blocker Effective In Treatment Of Migraine?
Question: Is there a beta blocker I can take that is effective for migraine but won't slow my heart down much?
Hello, I have vestibular migraines. I am looking for relief. So far verapamil had helped a little but not enough. I have noticed that beta blockers are supposed to be a real help for migraines. My blood pressure is average, high during stress but otherwise normal. The issue I have is my hr. Sometimes during the day (while sitting in a chair) it dips into the upper 40s. My echo was normal. My 24 Holter was good. it showed in sleep my HR hits the upper 30s. Anyways all.was good. Is there a beta I can take with having a low resting pulse?
Hello, I have vestibular migraines. I am looking for relief. So far verapamil had helped a little but not enough. I have noticed that beta blockers are supposed to be a real help for migraines. My blood pressure is average, high during stress but otherwise normal. The issue I have is my hr. Sometimes during the day (while sitting in a chair) it dips into the upper 40s. My echo was normal. My 24 Holter was good. it showed in sleep my HR hits the upper 30s. Anyways all.was good. Is there a beta I can take with having a low resting pulse?
Brief Answer:
I would not recommend any betablockers in your situation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that all betablockers can cause further decrease in your heart rate and are not indicated in your clinical situation, because of possible intolerance (they can lead to severe bradycardia).
Coming to this point, I would recommend discussing with your attending physician other treatment options for this type of migraine:
1- Anticonvulsivants. What is your weight? I would recommend starting Topiramate if you are obese or lamotrigine if you are fit. Valproate is another treatment options, very effective in this type of migraine.
2- Another class of drugs to consider would be antidepressants like amytriptiline or nortriptiline. Although these drugs can lead to postural hypotension, and other possible adverse effects like dry mouth, constipation, arrhythmia, etc.. They should be started slowly to avoid possible adverse effects. SSRIs are another class of antidepressants, which have fewer adverse effects than amytriptiline, but are less effective in the management of vestibular headache.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would not recommend any betablockers in your situation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that all betablockers can cause further decrease in your heart rate and are not indicated in your clinical situation, because of possible intolerance (they can lead to severe bradycardia).
Coming to this point, I would recommend discussing with your attending physician other treatment options for this type of migraine:
1- Anticonvulsivants. What is your weight? I would recommend starting Topiramate if you are obese or lamotrigine if you are fit. Valproate is another treatment options, very effective in this type of migraine.
2- Another class of drugs to consider would be antidepressants like amytriptiline or nortriptiline. Although these drugs can lead to postural hypotension, and other possible adverse effects like dry mouth, constipation, arrhythmia, etc.. They should be started slowly to avoid possible adverse effects. SSRIs are another class of antidepressants, which have fewer adverse effects than amytriptiline, but are less effective in the management of vestibular headache.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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