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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> How much is too much?
        
(Message started by: supanovaheights on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 8:39am)

Title: How much is too much?
Post by supanovaheights on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 8:39am

Hi

Suffered since 1978! and still only in my mid 30's! Finally diagnosed in 2001, no cycle since 2003 (lucky me) Until 6 weeks ago and cycle still going strong....3 to 6 hits a day...some 6 some 9/10's.
I'm on Imitrex injections and unfortunately have been going over the 12mg in 24hours...I'm off to London soon to see a Neuro as the local Neuro is not very helpful in this field.
I'm worried that I am taking to much Imitrex...but feel I have to take the chance...hopefuly the new Neuro will put me on 02 which my Dr will only perscribe on his advice (my Dr is generally sympathetic). Any advice would be great....6 weeks and I'm getting more concerned and so very very tired.

Title: Re: How much is too much?
Post by NotH20 on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 8:55am

We all make decisions that are best for ourselves...I've been guilty of taking too much Imitrex in a 24 hour period as well - with the shots and the pills. Heck I'm taking injections now that expired in 2003 only because of my insurance boundaries. :o

Hopefully your new doc will prescribe O2 which will be very beneficial and you should be able to cut down on some of your Imitrex.

Best of luck to you.....
Mia

Title: Re: How much is too much?
Post by Gator on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 11:42am

If you are using more than two shots in a 24 hour period, you might try the imitrex tip (link on the left). Many people find they can abort with 1/2 or even 1/3 a shot. This will increase the number of hits you can abort and maybe keep you from going over 12mg in 24hours.

Hopefully you can get a doc to prescribe oxygen. It is great. Less expensive with fewer side effects that any of the other abortives out there and will further lower your triptan consumption if it works for you. It is the first line of defense for many clusterheads, myself included.

Title: Re: How much is too much?
Post by Richr8 on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 1:17pm

on 03/22/06 at 08:39:43, supanovaheights wrote:

...hopefuly the new Neuro will put me on 02 which my Dr will only perscribe on his advice

If he doesn't, there are commercial approaches that do not require a script. Come back and ask.

pf wishes,

Rich

Title: Re: How much is too much?
Post by Bob_Johnson on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 1:28pm

Funct Neurol. 2000 Jul-Sep;15(3):167-70. Related Articles, Links

Sumatriptan overuse in episodic cluster headache: lack of adverse events, rebound syndromes, drug dependence and tachyphylaxis.

Centonze V, Bassi A, Causarano V, Dalfino L, Cassiano MA, Centonze A, Fabbri L, Albano O.

Dept of Internal Medicine and Public Medicine, University of Bari, Italy.

This observational study was designed to examine the pattern of sumatriptan use in patients with cluster headache using more than the recommended daily dose of subcutaneously injected (s.c.) sumatriptan. Thirteen patients suffering from episodic cluster headache were asked to record the characteristics of their attacks and drug intake for 1 year. All reported a high daily frequency of attacks (more than 3 per day) and the related overuse of s.c. sumatriptan. The results show that the overall incidence of adverse events among patients receiving sumatriptan injections for the treatment of cluster headache is low. The extended administration of this drug in episodic cluster headache did not result in tolerance problems or tachyphylaxis. Only 4 patients experienced minor adverse events and recovered more slowly than the others. They suffered from migraine without aura and cluster headache, and showed a family history of migraine. Even though they must be viewed with caution, due to the observational nature of the study and the low number of patients included, these results suggest that the profile of sumatriptan may differ in cluster headache compared with migraine.

PMID: 11062845 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Title: Re: How much is too much?
Post by supanovaheights on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 3:58am

Thank you for the replies

By the Grace of God I finally got a break and slept thru the night, woke up with strong shadows but have taken no medication for nearly 24hrs which has eased my concern a little.
I just need to try to make it thru until the 30th march when all being well I will get the 02 along with a transitional/preventative drug.

Thanks again