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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> NIMODIPINE?  and Imitrex too...
        
(Message started by: schlags on Mar 8^th, 2008, 5:53pm)

Title: NIMODIPINE? and Imitrex too...
Post by schlags on Mar 8^th, 2008, 5:53pm

Has anyone else been prescribed Nimodipine? Monday will be three weeks for me; since I've started on it, the headaches, tingling and tooth pain have been a lot worse than on Verapimil. I've also gotten a lot more small attacks at night, killed pretty quickly by oxyen, but waking me up 3 or 4 times a night.

Good news: Neurologist prescribed Imitrex, works like a charm.
Bad news: only 6 refills of Imitrex a month.

I don't THINK it's rebound headaches from the Imitrex but I don't know that for sure. Have only really needed the shots sporadically, as the minor ones I get are shut down by oxygen. A week of tapering prednisone kept things at bay but they're back.

The big, headbanging Imitrex-needing clusters that I am getting are a lot more intense, and the shadows seem to be there most of the time now.

I know it's a lot of changes in a short period of time.....

Anyone????

Title: Re: NIMODIPINE? and Imitrex too...
Post by nani on Mar 8^th, 2008, 8:04pm

It's a calcium channel blocker, like verapamil.
I can't recall that anyone has had any significant relief from it. Verapamil is probably a better coice.

Title: Re: NIMODIPINE? and Imitrex too...
Post by Ray on Mar 8^th, 2008, 8:47pm

I've used Nimodipine. As Nani said, it's a calcium channel blocker. Unlike verapamil, however, it crosses the blood/brain barrier.

It did not work for me, but neither did any of the others. As I recall, it was a HUGE gelatin capsule and one of the nurses swore it was a suppository!

LOL

Ray

Title: Re: NIMODIPINE? and Imitrex too...
Post by schlags on Mar 8^th, 2008, 10:15pm

Ray you are right about the size of them...I have to take TWO of them at night. I feel like I should put them on a plate, throw on a bib and use a knife and fork, as is proper with a meal that big!!

Title: Re: NIMODIPINE? and Imitrex too...
Post by Redd on Mar 8^th, 2008, 10:19pm

Nimodipine is used to treat symptoms resulting from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhage). It increases blood flow to injured brain tissue.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a689010.html

NOT what we want to happen with CH....