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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Diltiazem Experience?
        
(Message started by: whart on Aug 12^th, 2007, 10:18pm)

Title: Diltiazem Experience?
Post by whart on Aug 12^th, 2007, 10:18pm

Because I don't tolerate Verapamil very well, I was prescribed this drug, at 240mg/day, using time-tested Prednisone as a stop-gap til it took effect. I am now 10 days or so into this medication regime, the Prednisone fully ramped down, but I'm still experiencing headaches. OK, so I've got the Imitrex 4mg injections for the worst of them, but I would think that this med should be effective, if it's going to be.
Anybody else have experience with Diltiazem? I am also experiencing some side effects- hot flashes, sweating, facial flushing, tingling of fingers, some fatigue, all of which is indicated for this drug. Happy to put up with all this if it would stop the f'king headaches.
NO doubt be talking to the doc tomorrow, to see if he has any brite ideas. Interestingly, I had one pain free night- Friday night, when the outdoor temperatures suddenly dropped about 30 degrees, into Saturday, when it was clear and cool here in the NE United States.

Title: Re: Diltiazem Experience?
Post by Bob_Johnson on Aug 13^th, 2007, 7:59am

Over the past 15-years, at least two other blood pressure meds have been tried to prevent CH but none have worked out in big trials. Verap continues to be the leader at this point.

http://www.headachedrugs.com/pdf/ha2006.pdf Dr. Robbins site. Then explore the entire site by deleting everything following. com/ and then hit enter.
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Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor. It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. Written by one of the better headache docs in the U.S. (2002)

http://www.plainboard.com/ch/chtherapy.pdf

Title: Re: Diltiazem Experience?
Post by whart on Aug 13^th, 2007, 10:52am

Thanks, Bob. Waiting to hear back from the Doc. I suspect this means ramping up on some other blocker- the Verap gave me so much grief in the digestive tract that the headaches were almost a welcome distraction.
My 'drug of choice' is Sansert, but I can't use it with Imitrex. Which means, I guess, Sansert plus O2.
I'll report.