any lainak's List: Migraines

"What is the most important information I should know about Depakote?
* In rare cases, Depakote has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially in children younger than 2 years old. Children of this age may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection).
* Depakote has also caused rare cases of life-threatening pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreatitis can come on suddenly and symptoms may start even after you have been taking Depakote for several years.
* Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may also be early signs of pancreatitis.
* Do not use this medication without your doctor"s consent if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
* Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. It is important to take Depakote regularly to prevent seizures from recurring. Call your doctor promptly if this medicine does not seem to be working as well in preventing your seizures.
* Do not crush, chew, break, or open a delayed-release or extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
* Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Depakote, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking Depakote.

"Imitrex is used for:
The treatment of migraine headaches with or without aura (eg, flashing lights, wavy lines, dark spots). It is also used to treat cluster headaches.Imitrex is a serotonin 5-HT 1receptor agonist ("triptan"). It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, which helps to relieve migraine and cluster headaches.

How to use Imitrex:
Use Imitrex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Imitrex . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* A health care provider will teach you how to use Imitrex . Be sure you understand how to use Imitrex . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
* Do not use Imitrex if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
* Inject Imitrex just under the skin. Do NOT inject Imitrex into a muscle or a blood vessel. Talk with your health care provider about suitable injection sites, how to load an autoinjector device, and how to give an injection.
* Imitrex will relieve migraine pain at any time during an attack. It is best to inject a dose of Imitrex as soon as you notice symptoms of a migraine attack.
* If your migraine symptoms go away and then come back, you may use a second dose as directed by your doctor. Wait at least 1 hour between doses.
* If your symptoms do not improve after the first injection, do not use a second dose for the same attack. Contact your doctor.
* Do not use more than 2 doses in a 24-hour period or treat more than 4 headaches within 30 days without checking with your doctor.
* Do not throw away the autoinjector.
* Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.