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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Not a cure....... but it worked for me!
        
(Message started by: Douglas_A on Apr 14^th, 2006, 11:05am)

Title: Not a cure....... but it worked for me!
Post by Douglas_A on Apr 14^th, 2006, 11:05am

Hi all, I suffered, and I use the past tense deliberately, from life stopping cluster headaches for about two months. I was on the verge of losing my job, feared the night as sleep seemed to trigger them, 2 -3 attacks a day, unbelievable pain, I’m sure you all know the cycle.

My GP did her best with Beta Blockers, migraine medication the whole works, I stopped smoking, drinking alcohol, ditched coffee, cheese all the standard triggers but to no avail. One appointment my regular GP was not available and I saw another doctor in the practice. She prescribed Amitriptyline 25mg, 1 - 2 tablets at night, I was confused at first as they are anti-depressants and apart from the headaches I was not depressed, I talked to the pharmacist and he told me that Amitriptyline is commonly prescribed for sufferers of chronic back pain. After taking the first dose that night I have now been pain free for three weeks! (Apart from one attack when I went away for the weekend and forgot the tablets) The weird thing is I still have the attacks as I get the red eyes, droopy eyelid and runny nose but none of the pain.

As for side effects, I have a dry mouth occasionally and the diuretic effect is present but compared to the headaches this is heaven! I don’t know if this will work for everyone but what have you got to lose?

Good luck

Doug

Title: Re: Not a cure....... but it worked for me!
Post by Icey on Apr 14^th, 2006, 2:17pm

I agree Doug , it worked for me too in one cycle but the next cycle it didnt touch it . The ol beast got used to it , but as for the side affects I would have them anyday compared to the CH

Title: Re: Not a cure....... but it worked for me!
Post by Dragnlance on Apr 14^th, 2006, 4:27pm

I took Amitriptyline for 8 months and found it didnt help at all. I hope it keeps working for you.

Stay pain free!!

Dragn

Title: Re: Not a cure....... but it worked for me!
Post by Guiseppi on Apr 14^th, 2006, 8:40pm

Tickled to death it works for you, aint it great?? I take lithium, normally used for bi-polar I believe. When you pick up your prescription everyone is real nice to you and talks reeeeaaaallllyyy soft!!! Embarrasses my wife and cracks me up!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Not a cure....... but it worked for me!
Post by mynm156 on Apr 15^th, 2006, 10:37pm

Good for you! I will keep my fingers crossed that this will continue to help you!

Good Vibes

MYNM156