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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Cycle questions
        
(Message started by: superhawk2300 on Apr 2^nd, 2006, 8:04pm)

Title: Cycle questions
Post by superhawk2300 on Apr 2^nd, 2006, 8:04pm

This is my cycle that has been different than the rest.

I;ve had two days now with not big attack at night, but I've been having ghosts all day (or an all-day ghost).

Usually I get attacks until my cycle ends, then it just stops.

Anyone else cycle change like this? Anyone think my cycle might be ending?

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by marlinsfan on Apr 2^nd, 2006, 8:23pm

What meds have you been taking? What you describe is how some of my nights are when the melatonin is working.

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by superhawk2300 on Apr 2^nd, 2006, 8:41pm

right now I am on Verapamil for preventative and O2, imitrex, relpax, frova, and zomig.

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by marlinsfan on Apr 3^rd, 2006, 8:12am

You know you should not be mixing Triptans, right? It can KILL you!

As for your your lack of big hits, maybe you're nearing the end of your cycle. My last cycle ended with a month of PF nights mixed in with nights with hits. I then had a big one, and that was the end of the cycle.

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Apr 3^rd, 2006, 6:49pm

Good Gravy, Superhawk!

You've got to drop at least 2 of those Tryptans! Stick with the Trex ... or the Relpax ... or the Zomig. Only one type of tryptan within a 24 hour period, or you could seriously die!

Now that the lecture is over ... I don't know how long your cycle has been so far, but when I haven't had a serious hit for a couple of days and am just suffering the constant all day shadows, it usually means my preventative (Verap) is working. I never assume my cycle is over until I haven't had any shadow pain for over a week. That's when I slowly (with doctor's help) wean down on the Verap. If the shadows return, I re-up the dose. Took several months last time to get off all meds.

Here's hoping your's is coming to an end.

Kris

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by Jonny on Apr 3^rd, 2006, 7:28pm

If one doc gave you all those triptans without instruction, he should be shot!

Hope the end of cycle is near, Man!!

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by burnt-toast on Apr 3^rd, 2006, 9:26pm

Here's a couple prescription drug/interaction links that may help you better understand your meds.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html

http://www.drugs.com/

Don't forget to discuss meds./interactions/side effects up with your Pharmacist. Docs. aren't necessarily experts in drugs, side effects and interactions. Know what you're taking and how to take it safely before you fill the script.

Tom

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by NotH20 on Apr 4^th, 2006, 1:38pm

I've read several posts where people experience the big hit and then no more and their cycle ends. Mine usually just starts to slow down both in frequency and severity and then they go away for approx 18 months. My cycles usually last around 4 months. Here's hoping that you're near the end.

Mia

PS - What a great group of people on this site - I agree w/ their warnings - talk to your doc ASAP. Until then, drop all buy one triptan. Good luck :)

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by thenucman on Apr 5^th, 2006, 6:33pm

When I first started having clusters, my GP gave me a shopping bag of samples ... no instructions other than "see what works the best for you".
Inside was all the triptans ... Imitrex, Frova, Maxalt, Relpax .... I think 1 or two others. Pretty scary that they will do that and not realize the risk associated :o

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by superhawk2300 on Apr 5^th, 2006, 8:01pm

Thanks for the info guys.

FYI - I guess I should clarify, I use all the meds I listed, but not at the same time. As far as the trips go - My insurance gives me about 6 each, so I use one kind until it runs out, then switch to another.

If I don't use them within a dau of each other I should be fine from what I understand - is that correct?

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by TxBasslady on Apr 5^th, 2006, 11:26pm

Frova has a half life of about 26 hours.

I'd wait more than 24 hours if you take this one.

Jean

Title: Re: Cycle questions
Post by Jasmyn on Apr 6^th, 2006, 2:07am

on 04/03/06 at 18:49:22, Kris_in_SJ wrote:

Good Gravy, Superhawk!

Now that the lecture is over ... I don't know how long your cycle has been so far, but when I haven't had a serious hit for a couple of days and am just suffering the constant all day shadows, it usually means my preventative (Verap) is working. I never assume my cycle is over until I haven't had any shadow pain for over a week. That's when I slowly (with doctor's help) wean down on the Verap. If the shadows return, I re-up the dose. Took several months last time to get off all meds.

Here's hoping your's is coming to an end.

Kris

Kris, I love your "Good Gravy" expression [smiley=laugh.gif]

I have to agree with Kris on this one Hawk and I do hope that this is a signal that you are coming to the end of your cycle.

Try strong coffee or a Red Bull to get a bit of relief from the shadow.