Lamotrigine for migraines, "visual snow," tinnitus...? gabapentin doesn't do enough for me, doc recommended this as an option, how common are the side effects? what do you think of this drug as an option? he talked about other anti-epileptics like depak

Migraine prophylaxis: First why are you taking imdur, clonidine and Prazoson. You are young and did not reveal any diagnosis of hypertension or heart disease. For palpitation this is not the appropriate medication either. Beta blocker, calcium channel blocker could be used for palpitation and migraine prophylaxis. depakote also could be used for prophylaxis.

Migraine treatment: anti seizure meds, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers are all good migraine prevention meds (preferable for pts with frequent migraines instead of overuse of tripans) Lamotrigine, if not allergic, has one of the least side effects of the seizure med group but might not be as effective as Depakote. You have to experiment to find the best for you with the least side effects.

Alternatives: All medications have at least potential side effect. Lamictal and depakote require very close monitoring. Depakote requires frequent blood monitoring for at least the first 6 months. Alternatives, that are commonly used and can be very effective include propranolol, amitriptyline, and Topimax, each of which require much monitoring than lamictal and Depakote

My opinion: I am NOT impressed with either lamotrigine or gabapentin, as preventatives for migraine headaches, and feel that Depakote, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and topirimate are far superior. OTC remedies also work, such as butterbur, riboflavin, CoQ10, magnesium, feverfew. BOTOX also. ?headache specialist?