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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> here we go again
        
(Message started by: klafata on Nov 5^th, 2006, 11:00am)

Title: here we go again
Post by klafata on Nov 5^th, 2006, 11:00am

Well this is my first time using a post board so bare with me if something goes wrong.
It's been 18 months since my last cycle, the Doc tried something new (for me at least) Calan. I thought we finely found a wonder drug. Well how wrong I was. They started 2 week ago and they were every 3 days, I boosted up the meds to 2 a day and wll ya know how that went. Nothing seems to work. I have been on every med out there and can't seem to find on that work and suggestions? My bro gets them as well so maybe there is something about haredity. He's been pain free foe a month now. He had 2 injections and he claims that after a week they were gone. He can't remember what his doc gave him, he's going to call tomorrow. Well I want to say I with those who suffer.
good luck

Title: Re: here we go again
Post by LeLimey on Nov 5^th, 2006, 2:23pm

Hello and nice to meet you!
Calan or verapamil is a good drug what actual dose are you on? You said two pills but they could be different mg quantities. Usually it takes a couple of weeks to ramp up, an average sort of dose is about 480mg with some on less and some on significantly more. The thing is, you have to find the level that suits you and that varies for everyone. Its commonly started with a prednisone taper at between 80-100mg a day (all in one go) for a week and then decreasing by 5 mg every 3 days until you're off it. It IS a steroid so you do have to be careful and you can only take it for a few weeks, usually around three weeks. This takes over while you're waiting for the verapamil (calan) to ramp up for you. You should also have an ecg at every increase of verap too.
I'd be interestedto know what injections your brother had, there are a few possibilities I can think of so do post when you find out!
Are you on any abortives, meds that get rid of an attack once it starts such as Oxygen or Imitrex?
You might want to read up on here about red bull and strong coffee as they can be very useful when you have nothing else to hand!
Looking forward to hearing more from you so we can help you a bit more
Helen

Title: Re: here we go again
Post by thebbz on Nov 5^th, 2006, 8:06pm

:( Sorry your getting HA. Try O2? you said everthing out there, more suggestions with more info..and what Helen said.

good luck back
jb :)