Is Taking Nubain Safe For Migraine Treatment?

Posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 Answered on

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have migraines, have since '84. Both grandmothers had them, my sister has them and both her children have them. Nubain gets rid of my migraine immediately. All my doctors tell me it is a controlled drug, one told me he no longer could get it. I never go to doctor until I have had migraine for over 4 days and have never needed more Than 2 injections per month. I am in a migraine cycle now and all I get us torodol. Is nubain that bad or am I just Living in a bad community, i.e. Don't want to be bothered.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Not a controlled drug Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query Nubain is a semi synthetic opiod analgesic and it is not controlled by the Controlled Substance act. I suggest you to use Nubain if you feel it is better over Tramadol. The analgesic effect of Nubain is seen within 3 minutes and it is as effective as Tramadol or codeine. However doctors might be worried that you might become dependent on Nubain and they want to use lesser potent analgesics so that in case of a severe attack more potent ones can be used. Availability of Nubain is also another issue as many doctors have stopped prescribing this drug as better drugs are available in the market. I hope I was of help Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (26 minutes later)

I throw up with migraines, cannot take anything by mouth, even my phenergan Tabs...also, allergic to codeine, Vicodin, etc. I just do not understand how 1-2 Shots per month (6 total last year from family dr where I used to live) could Be addictive?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Permissible dosage Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for getting The doses at which you are taking is permissible and you can definitely take it. You could approach your doctor with my suggestion and take it is a second opinion. It is possible that your doctor is more comfortable with tramadol over this. Please get back to me with the exact reason why they are refusing to give this drug when you are approaching them the next time Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar