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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Anti-Depressants and Cluster Headaches
        
(Message started by: GE on Jan 17^th, 2006, 2:09pm)

Title: Anti-Depressants and Cluster Headaches
Post by GE on Jan 17^th, 2006, 2:09pm

I have suffered from Cluster Headaches for over 20 years. In 1999 I found a doctor who actually recognized them for what they were. She started me on 75mg of Elavil and 10mg of Loratadine nightly. After about three months I was practically headache free and those that I did have were manageable. Last year I lost my health insurance and stupidly let my medication run out. Within one month I was suffering intensely. After many very expensive trips to Urgent Care clinics and Emergency rooms I got back on my meds. I am now back on them and though I do still have some headaches they are not nearly as intense as they have been in the past. The generic version of this medication is relatively cheap, talk to your doctor about trying this. I hope it works for you.

Title: Re: Anti-Depressants and Cluster Headaches
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jan 17^th, 2006, 3:51pm

You are, indeed, fortunate for U.S. headache doctors do not find this class of drugs helpful for cluster. Some individuals may have a good response but other meds are more effective for larger numbers of people.

You may find it interesting to read what one of the better U.S. headache docs recommends:

Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor. It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. (2002)

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

Title: Re: Anti-Depressants and Cluster Headaches
Post by Karla on Jan 17^th, 2006, 4:04pm

This is the first drug my dr tried me on after he took an intense year ruling out other things. It did nothing for me. There has been a study done on it and it has shown some limited sucess. Definitely a drug worth trying but most here haven't had luck with it but a few have.

I am glad you are back on your meds and finding relief again.