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Amitriptyline For Migraines: An Effective Prophylactic Agent

Amitriptyline (brand name “Elavil”) is a medication that was initially approved by the FDA in 1961 for the treatment of major depressive disorder.  Due to its three-ring chemical structure, it is formally classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA).  Though not formally approved in the United States to treat conditions other than major depression, Amitriptyline is …

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Imitrex (Sumatriptan) Side Effects & Adverse Reactions (List)

Sumatriptan (brand names “Imitrex”) is a synthetic medication that was initially approved in 1991 for the treatment of migraine and cluster headaches.  Chemically, it is classified as a “triptan” or tryptamine-based agent and is identified as a structural analogue of various alkaloids such as bufotenine and DMT (dimethyltryptamine).  When administered following the onset of a …

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Fioricet For Migraines: A Non-Evidence-Based Intervention

Fioricet is a brand name medication comprised of the following ingredients: butalbital (50 mg), acetaminophen (300 mg), and caffeine (40 mg).  The combination of a barbiturate (butalbital), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (acetaminophen), and central nervous system stimulant (caffeine) – seem to act synergistically to alleviate various types of headaches.  Medically, Fioricet is approved by the …

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Low Serotonin Levels (Symptoms)

Everyone’s heard that low serotonin levels are associated with depression. While the serotonin theory of depression may be valid for some people, clearly not everyone with depression has low serotonin. However, we do know that for the majority of people, SSRIs (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors) help treat depression. This has lead many people to wrongfully conclude …

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