Premenstrual migraine

Premenstrual migraine may respond to mefenamic acid or to a diuretic. After six months it is worth trying slow withdrawal of the prophylactic drug. 

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) have been used in adults for a wide variety of disorders, including major depression, social anxiety (social phobia), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), eating disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trichotillomania, and migraine headaches. Some of the specific SSRI agents have an approved indication in adults for some of these disorders, as reviewed later in this chapter. The SSRIs have also been tried in children and in adults for symptomatic treatment of pain syndromes, aggressive or irritable ( short fuse ) behavior, and for self-injurious and repetitive behaviors. This chapter will review general aspects of the SSRIs and discuss their approved indications in children and adolescents. 

Eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, mastalgia, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis Migraine prophylaxis... 

A good herbalist treats people, not diseases. Ten patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis would get ten different protocols based on their unique constitutions and symptom pictures. Some parts of the treatments may overlap, but Chris Smith, who is 72 years old, chronically constipated, has impaired circulation, and suffers from insomnia in addition to rheumatoid arthritis, presents a very different picture than does Angela Jones, who is 32 years old, has terrible premenstrual and menstrual problems, hyperchlorhydria (excess stomach acid), and migraine headaches as well as rheumatoid arthritis. A well-done herbal protocol will use differential diagnosis and energetics to create a specific treatment for each person. 

The tranquilizing and sedative effects that have been attributed to dong quai may help alleviate of mood swings and irritability in premenstrual syndrome (Johns, 1996). Dong quai has also been recommended for the treatment of migraine headaches (Walker et al., 1998). 

A series of article abstracts about various magnesium-deficiency symptoms, syndromes, conditions, or diseases are supplied at http //www.mgwa-ter.com/abstract.shtml. These include the following alcohol-related hypertension and strokes, alcohol-induced contraction of cerebral arteries, amyofrophic lateral sclerosis and aluminum deposition in the central nervous system, cardiac arrhythmias, asthma therapy, attention deficit disorder (ADD), cerebral artery disorders, constipation, diabetes, heart muscle disorders or myocardial infarction, hypertension, HIV, kidney stones, menopause, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and premenstrual syndrome. In all cases, an increase in magnesium levels had beneficial effects. 

Chaste tree berry (fruit of the Vitex angus-castus) premenstrual syndrome Dong quai (dried root) menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome Echinacea (purple coneflower) inunune system booster, topical, preventative Feverfew (dried leaves) migraines Garlic (fresh dried bulb) cholesterol... 

The primary uses for the SSRIs include MMD and bipolar depression (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and citalopram), atypical depression (i.e., depressed patients with unusual symptoms, e.g., hypersomnia, weight gain, and interpersonal rejection sensitivity fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and citalopram), anxiety disorders, panic disorder (sertraline and paroxetine), dysthymia, premenstrual syndrome, postpartum depression, dysphoria, bulimia nervosa (fluoxetine), obesity, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline), alcoholism, rheumatic pain, and migraine headache. Among the SSRIs, there are more similarities than differences however, the differences between the SSRIs could be clinically significant. 

---