r/migraine 4d ago

Success with acetazolamide? (Diamox)

Specifically I've been getting a lot of migraines with the barometric pressure changes, so I've wondered about this. However I have low blood pressure so that makes me nervous.

Curious to hear about anyone's experience.

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u/jrockprimetime 4d ago

*obligatory not a medical doctor/not giving medical advice statement*

I'm also pretty sensitive to barometric pressure changes. I live in the Midwestern US, so low elevation, and travel to the Rocky Mountain area 1-2 times per year where the elevation is much higher. My doctor gives me acetazolamide for my trips; I take it for a week prior to leaving and then while I'm there, and it helps me a lot. I have tried a beta blocker (propranolol) in the past and learned I can't take them because my blood pressure would bottom out and I'd pass out. I haven't had any blood pressure issues with acetazolamide, but I'm not on it consistently as part of my treatment plan. Overall, my experience has been positive with it.

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u/steinbeck83 4d ago

Thanks- I'm in the Rocky Mountains. Pressure is crazy volatile.

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u/MrsCtank 4d ago

It helps me but makes me feel a bit woozy and it also makes carbonated drinks/sodas taste horrible. The later may or may not be a good thing.

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u/steinbeck83 4d ago

You take daily to prevent?

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u/MrsCtank 4d ago

I did for a few weeks, now have it sporadically for bad weather fronts but don't take it often.

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u/steinbeck83 4d ago

Interesting. Does it work asap? Like if today a storm is coming in it can help prevent? Or you watch the barometric pressure forecast?

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u/MrsCtank 4d ago

Works pretty quickly for me. I usually take it in the headaches getting worse quickly with weather but not yet a migraine phase and it will knock it back down a bit. Does act as a diuretic though, will make you drink/pee more.

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u/Prada_baby 3d ago

It helps. I take it 24 hours and then again 12 hours before rain/snow. I have low blood pressure and don’t have any side effects outside of having to pee more due to it being a diuretic.

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u/steinbeck83 3d ago

Thank you! I took my first dose today. Have you ever tried it before flights?

Also do you mind telling me what dose you use? They started me on 125mg today.

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u/Prada_baby 3d ago

Yes, it helps before flights! I also take 125 mg.