Wellbutrin

I visited my PCP last week to talk about ending my prescription for Nortriptyline.

My concerns about the Nortrip (can I abbreviate it?) are that it seems to contribute to weight gain, the dry-mouth is annoying and causes dental issues, and I'd like to be able to try ADHD medicine.  I confessed that the weight-loss side effect of ADHD medicines really appeals to me.

I also explained to my doctor that I become a different person when I visit the desert.  I eat less, sleep better, have the desire to work out, and am generally more productive and busy.  Here in Seattle I sit in my recliner and get fat.

She recommended Wellbutrin.  Like Nortrip it is an anti-depressant that also helps alleviate migraines.  It's also effective for ADHD symptoms and for SAD.  So if it works, it's basically the magic pill I've been looking for.

But it was a scary start.  Side effects include thoughts of suicide or suicide, grouchiness, and, of all things, MIGRAINES.  But when it works, it's great.

So far, it seems to be working.  I've been aided by a week of warm, clear weather so there haven't been any issues with the barometer.  I'm sticking to my lo-carb diet so that there are no headaches due to sugar or wheat.

A Stormy Fall

We had a lovely summer here in the Seattle area, but now that fall is here, Mother Nature is taking revenge.  We've had one rainstorm after another, and each one has given me a migraine.  The low-carb diet that seemed to work wonders in the pleasant summer sunshine is no longer protecting me.  I need an abortive.

I've gone so long without taking any Axert that I can't get a prescription at Group Health.  Today I got up (very late, had a headache) and logged on to the site so I could choose a new personal physician and schedule an appointment.  Whew!

I'm concerned because I am about to start a long-term sub assignment at a local middle school.  I'll be covering for a teacher I really admire, and I want to do my very best work.  My best work includes arriving each day on time.  Which I can't do with these constant headaches.

A quick note about Thanksgiving:  I ate whatever I wanted on Thursday and Friday and Saturday AND Sunday.  Then I went back to lo-carb eating on Monday.  I think it worked well.  I enjoyed candied yams, stuffing, a fabulous sweet-potato pie baked by my son, grandma's apple pie and pumpkin pie, and a nice little scoop of ice cream.  And when it was over, I happily returned to my lo-carb diet.

Barometric Pressure

I don't know the exact relationship, but when the clouds roll in and it begins to rain, I've typically gotten a migraine.

For a while we had one of those hang-on-the-wall weather information plaques that told me whether the barometer was rising or falling, but I never quite determined which weather bothered me.  Was is the lowered pressure?  Was it the change to the pressure?  Was it something else entirely?  I don't know.

Well, the clouds have rolled in and my magical lo-carb diet continues to protect me. 

I should be clear about something, though.

I'm still taking 50 mg of Nortriptyline each night.  And a handful of vitamins and supplements.  The diet isn't my only weapon here.  I intend to experiment a bit by adding in a few carbs (I want some fruit juice!) to see if I notice a change in the headaches.  I also need to spend some time working to see if I can successfully pack a lo-carb lunch.

But I've cut my Nortriptyline in half.  And I've got the energy of a normal person.  I like it.

Olympics Headaches

I woke up Sunday and Monday mornings with headaches and finally figured out why.

When I woke Sunday, I felt sure the barometer must have dropped.  This diet has kept headaches at bay so well; why would I have one on a weekend morning?

Then this morning, I woke up with an even worse headache.

And then it hit me:  both nights I had failed to go to bed at the same time as usual, and both mornings I woke up many hours after normal.

That going to bed and rising at the same time trigger really affects me.  I need to remember it before I stay up later, even if it's to watch the Olympics.