Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Antihistamines a CH cause?
        
(Message started by: NoAntihistamine on Feb 25^th, 2007, 8:38pm)

Title: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by NoAntihistamine on Feb 25^th, 2007, 8:38pm

I sufferred from ~eight clusters from ~1983-1998. Fortunately, it has been nine years since my last cluster. The longest respite during 1983-98 was only four years.

Looking back at my CH diaries, I had noticed that I sometimes, if not often, had had a cold or something similar in the days just prior to the start of the cluster. I typically would have taken an antihistamine (AH) for the colds. As a matter of fact, I know for sure that I took one for a cold just prior to the 1998 cluster.

Then the following popped into my head: could AH's actually be the main trigger of my CH's?? Besides considering my diaries, I figured there could be some logic in this idea. My understanding is that the symptoms of CH's are largely a result of histamine. So, I was thinking that perhaps AH's have actually caused a rebound effect on me shortly after finishing that cold's AH treatment? Maybe my body reacts to the stopping of AH's by overproducing the kind of histamine that causes a cluster?

Well, I have not taken a single AH since 1998. Being that I also haven't had a cluster since 1998, I'm now thinking more and more that there may be some validity to this idea for at least me. As a matter of fact, I intend to avoid them for the rest of my life as long as I feel there may be a connection for me.

Has anyone here ever heard of a possible AH/CH connection? Has anyone here suspected this as a possible cause of their own CH's? Thanks in advance for all replies.

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by BB on Feb 25^th, 2007, 8:47pm

Its actually the histamines released during a cold/infection/allergy that is believed to be a component in cluster headaches. Antihistamines actually are and were prescribed as treatment for CH.

However, many people have reported that a cold/flu/allergy can be a trigger for a cluster headache or even a whole cycle.

The exact mechanism is not known.

Glad you are in remission and hope it lasts forever for you.

Annette

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by burnt-toast on Feb 26^th, 2007, 10:27am

My journal shows a relationship between unusual increases in CH activity and use of antihistamines.

I've stopped using antihistamines to treat cold symptoms. Not sure what the relationship may be but at least in my case there has been reasonable/noteable improvement in the predictability of CH activity.

Histamine desensatization is a treatment for CH. Is it possible that rapidly decreasing/increasing histamine levels by treating colds with antihistamines can set CH activity off? Not sure but it is interesting that you noticed the same thing I did.

Tom

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by LS on Feb 26^th, 2007, 10:34am

to add just a completely different perspective...
i actually have found that my last two recent bouts with the flu (both in february) caused my clusters to become much less frequent and im a chronic sufferer, so any break is nice ;)

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by StressFree on Feb 26^th, 2007, 1:42pm

I've always wondered about antihistamine connection also. I won't take it either. Several years between cycles for me too. There have been discussions here regarding colds/flu as a trigger also. I had tried antihistamine and melatonin during some cycles as part of treatment and always had a bad reactions. Headaches increased in frequency and severity. Many find they get relief with these though. A very odd animal we battle isn't it?

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by pattik on Feb 26^th, 2007, 7:53pm

on 02/25/07 at 20:47:30, BB wrote:

Its actually the histamines released during a cold/infection/allergy that is believed to be a component in cluster headaches.

By that warped logic, then my last two cycles came out of nowhere, since I was having absolutely no infections or allergies at the time.

Quote:

The exact mechanism is not known

Thanks for clearing that up and throwing in a disclaimer.

Pat

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by UN solved on Feb 27^th, 2007, 9:44pm

on 02/26/07 at 10:27:50, burnt-toast wrote:

. Is it possible that rapidly decreasing/increasing histamine levels by treating colds with antihistamines can set CH activity off?

Too much Histamine, too fast, WILL cause a cluster headache immediatley.

As long as I get my Histamine from time to time, I'm doing okay. Without it, it's a cold day in clusterville !!

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Mar 1^st, 2007, 9:12pm

There are different kinds of antihistamine. I take diphenhydramine every nite with melatonin, and the cocktail helps a lot. Diphenhydramine is the drug in generic allergy meds, benadryl, tylonol PM and others.

There are others like pseudoeffedrin also. I haven't really ever taken any cold meds except sometimes nyquil, so i cant comment on others. A lot of these pills also have acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are triggers for a lot of people.

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by NoAntihistamine on Mar 11^th, 2007, 9:55pm

Thanks to all who replied and thanks Annette for your nice comments.

It looks to me like there is no strong consensus one way or the other. However, it does appear there is at least some support for my idea from some in this thread. I'm guessing that the right answer is that either AH's or the ending of a period of taking AH's may very well be the primary trigger for the onset of a cluster for some people.

Any other comments? Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by LeLimey on Mar 12^th, 2007, 4:41am

I think as you can see that the most insidious thing about CH is there are no rules. What triggers one of us helps another, some meds work fantastically for one of us and send another to the very depths of hell.

That is one of the hardest things about this condition, you don't just go through hell with the pain - you can go through hell trying to find your magic bullet to stop it too.

I'm glad you've found something that works for you and thank you for sharing your experiences - its always good to hear someone has found something that helps!

Without trying to rain on your parade though please, please bear in mind that this damn thing morphs and what works now may not work in six months or for your next cycle or whatever.

Stick around and learn some of the other ways we cope too, it can only help you to have a bigger armoury for when the beast comes calling!

Looking forward to getting to know you
Helen

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by NoAntihistamine on Mar 23^rd, 2007, 12:03am

on 03/12/07 at 04:41:42, LeLimey wrote:

Thanks Helen.

Does anyone else have any comments related to whether or not the end of a period of taking antihistamines is likely a trigger for the start of a new cluster due to a rebound effect of sorts?

Title: Re: Antihistamines a CH cause?
Post by pieface_49 on Mar 27^th, 2007, 9:11pm

I posted in another post I know my histamine levels are high. No one has replied. If I take nyquil, dayquil or alka selzer plus during a cycle I will no doubt bring on a hit. Almost a given. During my cycle my histamine level is high and in mid-cycle they are extremely high. My urine becomes foggy or extremely yellow and it stinks. Now that I think (pray) I am on the downside of my cycle, my urine is going back to normal. Coincidence, I don't think so.

I am also allergic to zyrtec, an antihistamine. It will take me to a state that I liken to fibromyallgia. Anyone have this experience with zyrtec, I would like to hear from you. Apparently not because no one else has replied to my topic on antihistamines.

Sorry Helen, can't reply on the menstrual cycle :)

Pie