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Vow on Your Wedding Day: Keep Your Head While You Wed - Tips for
Migraine Sufferers
It’s no
secret that with budgets, time crunches, endless logistical
coordination and family expectations, many couples experience
increased anxiety and stress as their wedding day approaches.
However, for people with migraine, stress, along with other
potential triggers, can invite an unwelcome guest to spoil their
special day: a migraine headache. Thus, people with migraine
need to plan ahead to help avoid or alleviate certain triggers
and symptoms. Following are some tips to help “keep your head”
while you wed:
Stay Calm
Stress and
lack of sleep are two commonly reported migraine triggers.
While it’s only natural to feel anxious before and on your big
day, getting enough rest and managing stress are crucial to
avoiding migraine. Try to take a few minutes each day to relax,
such as doing deepbreathing exercises or taking a long bath to
wind down before bed, and don’t skimp on your sleep.
The Menu
When planning
the wedding menu, migraine sufferers should keep in mind that
cheeses, citrus fruits, and chocolate may induce or worsen a
migraine. Couples should consult with their caterer to limit
menu options that contain these ingredients. And although the
celebratory toast is a traditional part of the reception,
sufferers should consider raising something other than wine or
champagne, as alcohol, especially red wine, is a possible
trigger.
Location,
Location, Location
Climate is
another factor to take into consideration. While it’s popular
to hold weddings in the summer or in remote destinations,
couples must be mindful that weather changes, humidity, and high
altitude can trigger a migraine attack. Couples prone to
migraine who wish to have an outdoor ceremony should thoroughly
research the location, so they are familiar with the climate and
altitude, and understand the potential weather-related triggers
that may be present.
Taking
Pictures
Capturing
memories with photographs is essential for a bride and groom.
However, the glare and flickering light of the flash may trigger
a migraine headache. To minimize the likelihood of this,
couples may wish to take pictures outdoors, in natural light, to
avoid the need for a flash.
Last-Minute
Advice
If any member
of your wedding party suffers from migraine, it might be wise to
share with them the nuptial tips above. Dr. Carol Foster,
founder of Valley Neurological Headache and
Research
Center
in Phoenix, offers the following advice: “Along with lifestyle
changes, such as managing stress, staying hydrated and limiting
alcohol,” says Dr. Foster, “it’s important for people with
migraine to talk to their doctor to find a treatment that’s
right for them. Many sufferers may not be aware that there are
migraine-specific prescription medicines available, such as
Relpax, to relieve the pain and symptoms.”
“I’ve never
been as stressed as I was while planning my wedding. My fiancé
and I had to make sure we avoided all potential triggers when
making the arrangements,” says Kimberly Rollman, 29, a migraine
sufferer from Tucson, Arizona. “Talking to my doctor helped
tremendously. I strongly encourage couples everywhere to do the
same—it made our big day perfect!”
An estimated
28 million Americans suffer from migraine---a severe, throbbing
pain usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by
nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine usually
lasts from a few hours to several days, impairing the most
routine activities. Despite the impact and prevalence of
migraine, the condition remains significantly underdiagnosed and
undertreated.
Important
Information About Relpax®
(eletriptan hydrobromide)
The most
common side effects reported in clinical trials with Relpax
compared with placebo included dizziness (6 percent vs. 3
percent), nausea (5 percent vs. 5 percent), weakness (5 percent
vs. 3 percent), and tiredness (6 percent vs. 3 percent).
As with other
triptans, it is strongly recommended that Relpax not be given to
patients in whom unrecognized coronary artery disease (CAD) is
predicted by the presence of risk factors, unless a clinical
evaluation provides evidence that the patient is free of
underlying cardiovascular disease. Relpax should not be used
within at least 72 hours of treatment with the following potent
CYP3A4 inhibitors: ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone,
troleandomycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, and nelfinavir.
For more
information about Relpax, including full prescribing
information, visit
www.relpax.com
or call 1-866-4-RELPAX.
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