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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Has anyone tried taking Axert before bed?
        
(Message started by: darrenferrell on May 29^th, 2007, 10:13am)

Title: Has anyone tried taking Axert before bed?
Post by darrenferrell on May 29^th, 2007, 10:13am

I was just wondering if anyone has tried taking Axert or similar sumatriptan just before bed?

I have had great luck with this. Before I was just waking up every morning at exactly 2am with a drill being bored behind my eye.

I found that O2 helped a bit, but not always. Also the Imitrex shot made me antsy and my chest tight and sometimes painful.

Is there any reason why this wouldn't work?

Thanks......

Title: Re: Has anyone tried taking Axert before bed?
Post by chhudson on May 29^th, 2007, 11:42am

I have been taking salsalate before bed and have noticed that when I do, 100% of the time I avoid the headaches and during the night and first thing in the morning. (I am also on propranol and tapering of prednizone) so maybe it is the combo of the drugs. Last night I thought I would try to go with out it and by 10:00 the think (beast) tried to attack me. I toot the salsalate and packed my head in ice and within 20 minutes it was gone. I am not sure wat Axert is but salsalate is an anti-inflammatory. Sheri

Title: Re: Has anyone tried taking Axert before bed?
Post by Ray on May 29^th, 2007, 12:37pm

Hello There:

Axert is a triptan, related to Imitrex that many people here, including myself, take to abort a cluster headache. I am somewhat dubious that oral triptans be taken for CH. I am dubious about taking an abortive while pain free, in advance of a night time headache.

If Imitrex caused chest pains, I would be really cautious about taking any triptans and worried about interactions with other medications or blood pressure or any other [hidden] heart or vascular problems.

Please discuss this with your doctor!

Wishing you well,

Ray

Title: Re: Has anyone tried taking Axert before bed?
Post by darrenferrell on May 29^th, 2007, 2:25pm

Thanks for your input Ray...

My thinking was along the lines that since I get a cluster headache every single night, can't I just abort them before they actually start?

I have discussed the side effects with the Dr. He says that since I have no BP or other cardiac issues that it is probably just a side effect. In the axert insert that came with the med it lists these as common side effects...

At this point I will do just about anything to stop this from happening every nite. It is disrupting my sleep and overall life in general....

I am sure the members of this group can certainly empathise....

Wishing everyone well and pain free....

Title: Re: Has anyone tried taking Axert before bed?
Post by Ray on May 29^th, 2007, 3:02pm

on 05/29/07 at 14:25:49, darrenferrell wrote:

At this point I will do just about anything to stop this from happening every nite. It is disrupting my sleep and overall life in general....

Darren:

I do sympathize and empathize. I don't want to over-react, however, this does not sound right to me.

Please look around this board, look at the links to the left and click on the "Water X 3" and "Oxygen" links and read, read, read.

If your doctor is NOT a headache specialist, PLEASE find one. I understand the desperation, but....

Ray

Title: Re: Has anyone tried taking Axert before bed?
Post by MDR on May 29^th, 2007, 4:38pm

INDICATION
AXERT tablets are indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. AXERT is not intended for the prophylactic therapy of migraine or for use in the management of hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Safety and effectiveness of AXERT have not been established for cluster headache, which is present in an older, predominantly male population.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
AXERT is a prescription medication for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. You should not take AXERT if you have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or have ever had heart disease. If you have risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, family history of heart attack, menopause, or are a male over 40 years of age), or if you are pregnant, nursing, or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking AXERT. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking.

AXERT, like other triptans, may be associated with a potentially life-threatening condition mainly when taken together with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), two classes of drugs for depression or other disorders. Common SSRIs are Celexa® (citalopram HBr), Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate), Paxil® (paroxetine), Prozac®/Sarafem® (fluoxetine), Symbyax® (olanzapine/fluoxetine), Zoloft® (sertraline), and Luvox® (fluvoxamine). Common SNRIs are Cymbalta® (duloxetine) and Effexor® (venlafaxine). If you experience symptoms such as confusion, sweating, flushing, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, muscle weakness, poor balance, or worsening headache, contact your doctor immediately.

The most common AXERT side effects are nausea, sleepiness, tingling sensation, headache, and dry mouth. Ask your doctor about side effects, possible drug interactions, and any other important questions you may have before taking AXERT.

Celexa and Lexapro are registered trademarks of Forest Pharmaceuticals.
Paxil is a registered trademark of Glaxo Smith Kline
Symbyax, Prozac/Sarafem and Cymbalta are registered trademarks of Lilly.
Zoloft is a registered trademark of Pfizer.
Luvox is a registered trademark of Solvay.
Effexor is a registered trademark of Wyeth.