Headaches

LIFE1963

just had my first AC treatment period developed a horrific headache to the point of nausea? Any suggestions on how I can deal with this if this continues?

Meg101

LIFE1963 - When I went through chemo, I had headaches. I discovered that the cause wasn't the chemo. It was the meds my doctor prescribed to prevent nausea and vomiting. It's called Zofran (generic is Ondansetron). My doctor prescribed Imitrex (generic is Sumatriptan) for the headaches. It's prescribed for migraine headaches (migraine headaches often cause vomiting). It worked well for me. By the 2nd round of chemo, my body adjusted to Zofran. I could take it without getting the headaches. You don't have to suffer. Be sure to call or email your oncologist about the headaches, and ask if Imitrex might work for you.

Be sure to follow some of the chemo threads here on BCO. I know of others who have gotten headaches and nausea. They, too, will suggest remedies for you during chemo.

Best of luck. Hope you feel better soon. You are not alone.

Meg

SpecialK

I am another who had a brutal headache from Zofran, and it did not prevent nausea or vomiting for me. I was sent home with three medications, in addition the the steroids and Aloxi I received in my pre-meds infusion. The instruction was to start with Zofran, if that didn’t work go to Compazine, then to Ativan. All three drugs work by different mechanisms so it was not a problem to move to the next one fairly quickly. I was to start at 9pm same day as treatment. I vomited through the Zofran, with the headache, and then took the Compazine. It worked great and I never had to go to the Ativan. There are additional anti-nausea meds - Kytril, the aforementioned Aloxi, Emend, and the time release skin patch Sancuso, and I’m sure there are some others.You can also return to your center for additional fluids the next day or over several days, some centers add dexamethasone to the IV as well.

LIFE1963

I also had killer headaches during chemo. The headaches were when I was doing the red chemo. They were bad. I actually had to pop hydrocodone. I am not a huge fan of taking pills, so you know it was bad. Compazine was my go-to as well. Works like a charm. Also ginger tea helped a lot.