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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Want info on melatonin
        
(Message started by: athome on Jan 12^th, 2005, 6:43pm)

Title: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 12^th, 2005, 6:43pm

I am desperate 3rd night with the beast and I have had enough. My cycles before where one day on one day off but this time it seems to have changed. I know some have said about taking melatonin and I wanted to get some recent input about how much to take and if or not it has been helpful. I am finally going to see a neuro on Mon - I have usually just dealt with the pain but this year my oldest is in school and it is effecting her and I will not allow this to continue!! I am hoping for help of some sort and praying that this dr on Mon will be able to offer this.

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by E-Double on Jan 12^th, 2005, 6:53pm

Many of us (myself included) have found that taking 6-9mg (some take more) about a 1/2 hour to 45minutes prior to bed have Knocked out the night visits and can finally get sleep.

good luck!

E.

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by Langa on Jan 12^th, 2005, 8:02pm

9 mg of Melatonin 1/2 hr before bedtime combined with Benadryl stopped the night-time hits for me completely.

Good luck.

Langa

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jan 12^th, 2005, 8:42pm

Ditto to Langa,

9mg Melatonin and 25mg Benedryl seemed to work well for me. But I caution - I was also on Verapamil as a prevent. Be sure to get the other meds you need - preventatives and abortives (oxygen or Imitrex injects are best).

Best wishes,

Kris

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 12^th, 2005, 9:02pm

thanks everyone for the info! at this point I will try anything especially since I am feeling that something wierd going on in my head - I fear that I will get hit again tonight. I must wait until Mon when I see the doc to get meds or something (hopefully he will have background with CH) Thanks again E., Langa, and Kris!

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 13^th, 2005, 10:23am

So I took 9mg last night - I went to bed and I woke up several times because I felt the shadows haunting me and I could only wonder if the beast was going to wake me up but the beast never really got to me. The shadows are still there and again I did not feel well enough to take my daughter to school so my husband had to do mommy duties but I was able to sleep (sort of) and to that I am grateful. I will take it again tonight and see what happen. Thank you

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by guesst on Jan 13^th, 2005, 10:49am

Try mixing in some "time-release" melatonin also.

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 13^th, 2005, 11:07am

Guesst,
I did not see any of this at the drug stores? If I find it should I take it like others have suggested 9mg about 1/2 hour before bed? Let me know and thanks for the input!

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by guesst on Jan 13^th, 2005, 1:23pm

Take about 3-6 mgs of regular melatonin, and 2-4 mgs of time releas together, it really helped me sleep the whole night through.

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by RichardN on Jan 13^th, 2005, 2:25pm

GET SOME OXYGEN!

You must have an abortive! . . . . to keep the bastard from hitting the high KIP levels.

I currently use 6mg Melatonin to good effect I believe, and may increase to 9mg. 240mg Verapamil is my preventative and I credit Verap for keeping them to a manageable level (most under a KIP 5) that I can kill with the 02.

PFDANs.

Richard

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 13^th, 2005, 10:48pm

Guesst and Richard thanks for the info - I will try the 9mg again tonight and see what happens? I will also see if I find the time released melatonin. Neuro appt is on for Monday so I just need something to get me thru till then.

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 14^th, 2005, 7:25pm

Last night was not good - got hit twice 1st time kip 6 & 2nd time kip 8. I didn't get hit till about 5am so I got some rest before that. I will continue to take my 9mg and hope for a better night. I am so over this and its only week 2. :(

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jan 14^th, 2005, 8:42pm

Hang in there!

Just be sure your doc gives you the other meds you need. That would include an abortive like oxygen or Imitrex injectibles and a preventative like Verapamil (or other Calcium-channel blocker). A Prednisone taper will sometimes help knock out the CH until preventatives have time to work. Check out this link if you need some info to take with you:

http://www.future-drugs.com/admin/articlefile/ERN020304.PDF

Be Well,

Kris

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 15^th, 2005, 9:58pm

Kris, thanks for your support and advise! I had a good night even though I woke up feeling a little off (that's the best way to explain) I did sleep. I think the melatonin might be dragging me down but I rather that then being in pain. Thanks again.

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by E-Double on Jan 15^th, 2005, 10:02pm

For some of us it takes a little while to reach an effective point......It took me about a week......First few days was still getting hit...even waking up too groogy to find my tank but after I acclimated I have been pretty much sleeping through the night since the end of July with the exception of 5-6 times.

I even gave myself a bit of a break from it for a few weeks in December. Back on it now.

Good luck!

E.

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 15^th, 2005, 10:40pm

E. Thanks for replying - I am not going to give up on the melatonin because I do feel it has helped some. The night I got hit the worst I woke up about 3am (because of the kids) and when I went back to sleep thats when I got hit. I think the waking up had something to do with it but who knows? I am feeling groggy when I wake up but that might be from lack of sleep or melatonin? Everything seems to be a big ?? Is it lack of sleep or melatonin? Was it the dairy I drank or the kids? Who the hell knows and when I think I do it seems to change? I need to remember one day at a time... sorry to vent - thanks!

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by TxBasslady on Jan 16^th, 2005, 3:21am

The first couple nights I took the Melatonin, I slept more than I ever have, I think.

It's a great med for those of us who have the nightime hits. Of course, not everything works for all. But for the price in comparison to the triptan's, it's certainly worth it.

You can expect the CH to break thru sometimes, but taken on a daily basis, it will give you some PF time.

Good luck, hope you get some rest.

PF vibes,

Jean

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by E-Double on Jan 16^th, 2005, 9:47am

Don't give up!
It appears that for most of us that use it, things to get better and eventually you will have full night sleeps.

Good luck :)

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by miapet on Jan 16^th, 2005, 10:11am

We second adding in the time-release variety, there are several who use it that way and are able to sleep through the night.
When you see the neuro, ask for o2, and a non-rebreather mask . . . (read all the o2 info over there <---------on the left, maybe print it out and take it with you . . .
Anyway, good luck in your battle.
*positive light and energy*
miapet

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by toolong on Jan 16^th, 2005, 12:38pm

Learning things from this site I tried 9 mg Melatonin 1/2 hour before sleep along with 15 ltrs 02 for 15 min.It kicks butt for nocturnal CH.I know nothing works the same for everyone but this sure helps me.Good luck.Have a PF day! ;;DDavid

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by rickyshot on Jan 16^th, 2005, 10:47pm

I am also interested in Melatonin for my next go round. But I am worried about depression and grogginess from it. Anyone know about possible side effects? I have to go to work. I had a recent very bad reaction to Topamax and almost committed suicide. Went psycho from that med. That never happened to me before. I take a calcium channel blocker called sibeillim which already gives me some depression don't want to add more. >:( I am sorry you are suffering so much at present. My kids grew up with this with me and they have suffered as well. My heart is going out to you. :'(

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 17^th, 2005, 1:00pm

So yesterday was the worst hit I can remember - I was in pain for what seemed like an eternity. I lost it to the point I felt I had to slap myself to try and snap out of it and try to compose myself again. That did not last because my hubby came and put a stop to that but then I felt like an anxiety attack or something? I felt that I could not breath and asked him to open the door to the bathroom where I was in and that made me feel better. This all happened after about an hour or so of pain - I think I just could not take it? It eventually all passed and the shadow stayed with me till I went to sleep. Bad Bad Day!!
I continue to take the melatonin and last night was a good night! I think the melatonin is helping me get more hours sleep before I get hit (before I would get hit at 2am now I can sleep till 5am). Rickyshot - I am not sure about the depression side effect of melatonin but the tired effect I feel is manageable. Yes, I do feel tired but I can continue on with my daily routine. See what others post about it but it has helped me (some) and this is only my 5th day on it. Thanks to all for the good vibes!

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by RichardN on Jan 17^th, 2005, 9:03pm

athome - so sorry for your bad time

I credit the Melatonin with getting me more sleep - last night was PF - I'm using 6mg per night.......but, I also take Verapamil as preventative and use 02 as abortive.

Personally, I would be too afraid (and I mean that literally) to use [i][/i]only Melatonin. My worst attacks are memories I do not wish to duplicate.

For your sake, [u][/u]please push your doc for 02 (and high-flo regulator with non-rebreather mask - he will have to specify for med equip supply co) as abortive. If it works, you will be kicking yourself for enduring unnecessary pain

Wishing you a PF night.

Richard

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 17^th, 2005, 11:21pm

Richard I went to dr today (I posted it not a good experience) I did get a Rx for oxygen! I went to the med supply with the info I got from this site - so I am ready and keeping my fingers crossed that this will abort the beast. I know that I have put up with this pain long enough but before I don't think the pain was as intense as it is now or maybe my tolerance for pain was higher or maybe I was just so young that I did not let it get to me?? Who knows - I am just looking for something to get me thru this cycle and allow me to return to a normal life. Thanks!!

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by RichardN on Jan 18^th, 2005, 12:03am

Does that mean you have at hand?

Used it yet?

Don't try and see how much (pain) you can take before you use it. At KIP 2-3, I'll hit it 8-10 lpm til it's almost gone, then down to 6 for complete kill and a few minutes more to help prevent a rebound. If I wake with a KIP 4-5, it's 12-15 lpm till kilt . . .and back to sleep.

Got my fingers crossed for you,

Richard

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 18^th, 2005, 12:30am

Thanks so much Richard!! I have it at hand and just got off the chat room where I asked some last minute ?? I will experiment tonight and will be back to tell all what happened.

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by Mr. Happy on Jan 18^th, 2005, 2:03am

on 01/17/05 at 23:21:45, athome wrote:

I am just looking for something to get me thru this cycle and allow me to return to a normal life. Thanks!!

If there's one thing you need to hammer thru your head: This Ain't The Last Cycle. It's going to repeat itself. Learn from this one, so the next one won't be so bad, and you know who to call.

Of O2:
1. Cut the strap off the mask.
2. Make sure the intake valve (between the bag and mask) is functioning properly.
3. Put tape over the exhaust valves on the sides of the mask so they don't work.

Procedure:
1. Turn on the O2 and let bag fill.
2. Press mask against face with one hand and squeeze the bag with the other hand, inhale deeply.
3. Release the bag and pull mask slightly away from face, exhale through mouth, blowing the air down away from the mask.
4. Repeat #2 & #3.

That's the O2 thing,
RJ

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by JoeS on Jan 18^th, 2005, 6:16pm

For those looking for time-release melatonin: Melatonex is the only brand I've found that is time-release. I've found it in CVS pharmacies, but nowhere else. It is pretty expensive ($10 for 30 pills x 3mg), so I'm still looking for other brands. Sam's Club sells a large bottle of "Schiff" brand for very cheap (but it's not time-release).

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by River_Rat on Jan 18^th, 2005, 7:25pm

Thanks for this thread, I picked some up today.........We'll see

PFDAN

NORM

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by athome on Jan 18^th, 2005, 9:34pm

RJ
thanks for the info - I understand that another cycle will come but I am trying to just get thru this one. If I begin to focus on the fact that there will be another cycle I will go crazy :P One day at a time for me.
I will try that method with the o2 next time. I feel that the o2 helped - I still needed to apply ice since after 15 min of o2 I was still left with about a k2. I think the hit did not last as long and never got that painful (k4-5). thanks!
JoeS
Thanks for the info on time-released melatonin - I had not found any.
NORM
Good luck with the melatonin - PFDAN

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by River_Rat on Jan 19^th, 2005, 9:18am

Thanks for the well wishes, but I tried 6mg melatonin and 25mg benadryl at 9pm, I was hammered at 11, 3, 6, took .25 trex injections each time. It seems like that is all that works for me.

Last Cycle I took a 2.5mg Amerge morning and night and completely knocked them out, (no insurance this year, verry very expensive) anyway, they killed them so much so that I thought I was done and quit taking them, found out that they were just being controled.

For some reason the 02 wont even touch these things any more, I will make a seperate post on that, I may be doing something wrong.

Good luck everyone

PFDAN

NORM

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by Gator on Jan 19^th, 2005, 10:02pm

Don't feel alone, Norm. Melatonin doesn't work for everyone. It seems that especially for chronics it can make the attacks worse. I started off at 1mg, then 3mg, then 6mg, 9mg and finally 12 mg upping the dose every 4th day. I started getting additional hits throughout the night. I stayed on it until the bottle was empty giving it that one more night. I won't be buying more melatonin.

Next!

Gator

Title: Re: Want info on melatonin
Post by Mr. Happy on Jan 20^th, 2005, 1:59am

on 01/19/05 at 22:02:44, Gator wrote:

Don't feel alone, Norm.

Shit. I feel a picture coming on.....

http://mushys.com/despair/lonliness.jpeg

Quote:

Melatonin doesn't work for everyone. It seems that especially for chronics it can make the attacks worse. I started off at 1mg, then 3mg, then 6mg, 9mg and finally 12 mg upping the dose every 4th day. I started getting additional hits throughout the night. I stayed on it until the bottle was empty giving it that one more night. I won't be buying more melatonin.

I'm no friend of melatonin either, no (or not much) disrespect intended to those who find it useful. For me, it was more of a Nerf Football in the playoffs.

Much as I love O2, Rat, you're trying to beat down Night Time Nasties with it, and I never had no luck with that in under one very long 1/2 hour. Unless you're devoted to chewing Alt's (http://clusterbusters.com), it's triptan up and huff air at night, waiting for the nut to crack and drain.. Nasty situation, hell of a choice.

It's not my fault....
RJ