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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Medical Coctail
        
(Message started by: Judge_Smails on Apr 4^th, 2005, 9:19am)

Title: Medical Coctail
Post by Judge_Smails on Apr 4^th, 2005, 9:19am

I wish I could offer more advice on the effectiveness of specific meds that I'm on, but it's the same witches brew that many of you are taking it's tough to tell exactly what is and what isn't working.

As of now I am mid cycle on Pred, up to 75mg Topamax, kudzu, on my 3rd day of 9mg melatonin and I sprinkle in some aspirin.

This has been limiting me to about 1-2 mild CH per day, usually in the early evening or as soon as I wake up. If I'm home I treat these with O2, if I'm out I use Imitrex.

I think the melatonin has been helping me to sleep through the night, or it could be the Topamax finally ramping up. That's the thing, it's so hard to tell. This group of meds is new to me so I'm not sure what's working and what's not. Just trying to ride out the storm like the rest of you.

Title: Re: Medical Coctail
Post by BobG on Apr 4^th, 2005, 9:32am

Welcome to the board, Judge. That's quite a cocktail you're taking but glad to hear it is working for you.

Title: Re: Medical Coctail
Post by nani on Apr 4^th, 2005, 9:50am

Welcome judge. That's quite a cocktail allright! May I suggest you at least try to hold off on Imitrex for now? If the hits are relatively mild, maybe you can ride them out if your oxygen isn't with you. We still don't know what all the possible med interactions with kudzu are, so the fewer meds you take at once, the better. IMHO
We assume the kudzu and melatonin are probably allright together, but we have no info on kudzu and Prednisone or Topamax. We know that kudzu and triptans work on the same brain receptors, so they probably shouldn't be taken at the same time. Just some friendly suggestions. I'm glad you're getting some relief. :) Pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Medical Coctail
Post by Judge_Smails on Apr 4^th, 2005, 11:03am

Thanks for the advice, I actually haven't had to use the Imitrex since I've had the O2 (about 3-4 days). I should be able to make it another few days without the Imitrex - as I've said, for some reason (and I'm not complaining) the headaches I've been getting have been in the evening or as soon as I get up in the AM so I can use the O2 I have at home. However, I'm going on vacation later in the week so I'll more than likely have to return to the Imitrex by the weekend. I'll keep you updated.

It all stinks, but it's interesting trying to find ways to beat the beast. I'm nearing the end of the second week of my 4ish week cycle while winding down the Pred and ramping up the Topamax hoping to time it just right. We should all qualify for Phd's!

Title: Re: Medical Coctail
Post by De_Minimis on Apr 4^th, 2005, 7:54pm

Watch that asprin. Wife (the nursing student) was reading through her books about the wonders of the pills I'm popping. One of them (can't remember) was very clear regarding avoiding asprin. May have been Depekote (which doesn't concern you), but have not.

Title: Re: Medical Coctail
Post by BarbaraD on Apr 5^th, 2005, 6:22pm

Aspirin can cause rebounds so watch it.

Topamax worked on me for years and then stopped. I always refer to it as my miracle drug. I was so bad when it worked and it gave me my life back. The melatonin is great for getting thru the REM sleep. At least you get a little rest that you really need while fighting this demon.

good luck...

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Medical Coctail
Post by Judge_Smails on Apr 6^th, 2005, 7:57am

Thanks for the info. I know everyone's case is different but every bit of info helps.

I used to get migraines when I was younger before they developed into clusters so I still have the old aspirin/caffeine home remedy ingrained in my head.

I think the melatonin is DEF helping. I've been trying to drink a lot of H2O (I'll try anything!) so I've been getting up a lot at night and I can feel the beast trying to knock on the door, but so far he hasn't come in since I've been taking the melatonin.

Title: Re: Medical Coctail
Post by mynm156 on Apr 6^th, 2005, 1:04pm

I hear ya. Meds meds and more meds. I take a fist full of pills every day, nasal sprays, topical creams. I am anxiously awaiting the CH suppository myself.

MYNM156