Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


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

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
        
(Message started by: superhawk2300 on Apr 6^th, 2006, 5:19pm)

Title: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by superhawk2300 on Apr 6^th, 2006, 5:19pm

OK - getting the lowdown on what others do.

If U like me then Mr. Insurance guy doesn't pay for more than a few a month of the same pill, BUT he will pay for different pills.

Obviously 6 pills isn't gonna do diddly for most of us, so I get six of everything I can, whichis usually Relpax (my fav) Imitrix, Frova, Zomig, and Migrinal (the spray - not sure if that qualifies as a triptan). Iwill use one kind and when it runs out switch to another and repeat until I am empty (and really f'ed).

I know not to mix them but it has been brought to my attention that some last longer in the system than I first thought.

How do the rest of you hombres dealwith this situation?

My insurance is actually pretty decent so there must be more people in the same "boat" as me. I sure as shit ain't gonna ride a 7-8 kipper while good meds that I respond well to are sitting around.

All aboard!!!!

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by Richr8 on Apr 6^th, 2006, 5:38pm

Relpax has alway's been a huge issure for me. My insurance will only pay for 6 a month. Well, as you know, in cycle that ain't diddly. I started petitioning the Insurance company last year for more, and last week I got a letter authorizing 12 a month. Whooopeee! Anyway, what I do is fill my script every month and then by the time my cycle rolls around I generally have enough on hand to get by.

I remember the first time I had Relpax, what a miracle it seemed to be, and then crying when I pulled up to the Walgreen's window to renew my script only to be told the insurance company had only authorized 6 pills. Fortunately, my neuro stepped in with a bunch of samples to tide me over, as she has everytime I have Insurance issues. Great Lady.

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by E-Double on Apr 6^th, 2006, 5:49pm

SAMPLES & CLUSTERBUDS!

If anyone has an inkling that someone is suffering, you'd be surprised as to how many "carepackages" get sent.

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by nani on Apr 6^th, 2006, 6:50pm

Don't mix triptans!
Doing so could cause some real problems.
Imitrex pills aren't gonna help much anyway. Why not switch to statdoses and use the imitrex tip (link on left). Continue to stock up on your monthly quota when out of cycle, and you may be able to collect a nice little stockpile. or......... you could always look at the alternative treatments. ::)
pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by Karla on Apr 6^th, 2006, 7:13pm

I use imitrix shots x 6 and imitrex nasal spray which is just as fast acting to me in 6-12 min., then I switch to imitrex pills, zomig ns, zomig pills, then relapax, etc. I just make sure that 24 hours passes before I swich from one med to another med. So Yes that Is a lot of days I go 24 hours pain free but however it is alot of days that are covered. I have been pain free for a long time now that I have a preventative that works but I wouldn't think twice about reverting back to my old using ways including free samples from drs and having dr write letter to insurance company to get me unlimited imitrex ns.

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Apr 6^th, 2006, 7:19pm

24 hours - that's the key. Don't mix your Tryptans within that period and you'll be OK.

And, I'm with the rest - stockpile even when not in cycle. An understanding doc will help with this. The expiration dates on these meds means absolutely "zip." Almost all meds prescribed for clusters are good for at least 10 years, though they might lose a little bit in effectiveness . They certainly don't become toxic.

PF Wishes,

Kris

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by Mr. Happy on Apr 6^th, 2006, 9:34pm

I salute you. If all the triptans work (EVERYTHING works for me) then stock the hell out of everything you can, and take them in a row, all according to the international treaty on not mixing triptans.
The _Real_ trick is not needing triptans at all.

That's the ticket. (http://clusterbusters.com)
RJ

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by vig on Apr 6^th, 2006, 9:57pm

on 04/06/06 at 21:34:54, Mr. Happy wrote:

The _Real_ trick is not needing triptans at all.

That's the ticket. (http://clusterbusters.com)
RJ

I haven't had to shoot up since.... (http://clusterbusters.com)

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by chewy on Apr 7^th, 2006, 7:00am

Quote:

you'd be surprised as to how many "carepackages" get sent.

Return Address:

Emma Trex
3-6 Glaxo Ave
Boston, MA

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by IpityU on Apr 7^th, 2006, 10:39am

I am confused now......
Can you mix triptons if you wait 24 hour before starting a new brand? We have the same issue with insurance as everyone else seems to. But..my husband has a few Dr. friends he beats up on the basketball court, who would give him samples of triptons. He is currently prescribed imitrex (which we are stock piling just in case..KUDZU is currently RULING!!!) :D
What I am asking is if he has zomig nasal and imitrex nasal can he use both if he waits for a certain length of time between usages?
Nani~ i know you're strict about not mixing triptans..I value your guidance..I just want to make sure.
Lizah

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Apr 7^th, 2006, 7:08pm

I'm not Nani, Lizah, though I admire her also.

The rule goes like this ... If you're taking Imitrex on day one, do not take any different Tryptan medication until 24 hours have passed since your last dose of Imitrex.

In other words, if you have to take Trex at 6:00 AM on Thursday and your next attack happens at 6:10 AM on Friday, it's OK to take Relpax or Zomig or whatever.

The danger is to your heart, as different meds have different proper dosages. By mixing meds, you can overdose on Tryptans even if you're taking them as prescribed.

Hope this helps. Hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by mynm156 on Apr 7^th, 2006, 10:27pm

The mixing triptans will kill you thing is more scare tactic than truth. You do need tobe careful and check with the pharmacy ask the pharmasist not the Tech. Your doctor might know but the ONLY REAL problem with mixing Triptans is that they each have different dosages and 6mg injected is really more thsn 20mg nasal its kinda funny I know but Lizzy could probably splain that one better. Bottom line ASK first! I have used zomig and trex together all the time with no ptoblems.

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by Mr. Happy on Apr 8^th, 2006, 12:33am

on 04/07/06 at 22:27:52, mynm156 wrote:

The mixing triptans will kill you thing is more scare tactic than truth.

DING.
Unless your ticker is already 1/2 shot, one can wreak all kinds of helpful havoc with triptans. Much as I appreciate them, it's better not to need them at all. (http://clusterbusters.com)

Burma Shave.
RJ

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by Sandy_C on Apr 8^th, 2006, 3:31pm

RJ is right! Check his link.......

Title: Re: Mixing Triptans on the USS CH
Post by mynm156 on Apr 9^th, 2006, 12:24pm

on 04/08/06 at 15:31:56, Sandy_C wrote:

RJ is right! Check his link.......

I've tried it more than a couple times and it just doesnt seem to help. Not to mention some of its OTHER possible unpleasant, non-chemical side effects.

MYNM156