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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Got my meds, now what?
        
(Message started by: AfraidOfTheDark on Apr 18^th, 2006, 2:37pm)

Title: Got my meds, now what?
Post by AfraidOfTheDark on Apr 18^th, 2006, 2:37pm

Ok, can y'all deal with just a couple more questions?? ;;D

I went to the doctor this morning, she was very kind and understanding. She gave me a script for Verapamil 80mg (3x a day), and gave me a couple samples of oral Imitrex 100mg. She also said she would give me more Imitrex samples if I needed them. Hubby filled my script and I also got him to pick up a bottle of Melatonin.

Is the Melatonin an actual sleep aid, or can I still take my Tylenol PM with it? (been taking the PM to ensure at least some sleep). Is it safe to take the Verapamil, Imitrex, and Melatonin together (in a 24hr period). The Tylenol PM?

I'm not used to taking so much drugs at once, wanna make sure I don't OD, lol. Anything else I should know?

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by vietvet2tours on Apr 18^th, 2006, 2:51pm

Put them away and get some oxygen. Potter

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by Jasmyn on Apr 18^th, 2006, 3:17pm

Yes, it is safe. I use Verapamil on a higher dosage , with the Imigtrex injections and Melatonin.

The Verapamil is your preventative. The Imitrex is your abortive and the Melatonin, 6 to 9mg, half an hour before bedtime will help you sleep. Melatonin is not a sleeping tablet, it does not work like that, it will just improve you REM sleep so that you will not wake in the middle of REM with a hit.

Verapamil takes about 7 to 14 days to kick in and reach the desired levels in your bloodstream, to prevent major hits. Imitrex tablets do not work as fast as the injections and you can only take the prescribed amount in 24 hours. Melatonin may increase your hits the first few nights (a few of us had this experience) but keep on using them as they real start to work when your serotonin levels begin to correct themselves.

Good luck and I hope someone will advise you on the taking of Tylenol with the Melatonin although I don't think it will be a problem as I use Normison(a sleeping tablet) and the Melatonin together without any side effects.

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by E-Double on Apr 18^th, 2006, 3:56pm

melatonin may prevent you night time attacks from coming at all.

imitrex pills will be useless during your wake up calls and may take too long during the daytime attacks.

Injections are key or snorts.
Somig zmt (rapid melt pills) are pretty quick too.

GET OXYGEN!!!!

Zyprexa is a fast acting non triptan med that works fast as well.

Good luck!

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by chewy on Apr 18^th, 2006, 4:52pm

Quote:

Is it safe to take the Verapamil, Imitrex, and Melatonin together (in a 24hr period).

Yes. You may find you need to up your dosage of verapamil.

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by marlinsfan on Apr 18^th, 2006, 6:40pm

When I used the trex tablets, I had the 50mg pills. You may be able to cut your 100mg in 1/2 and double the amount you have, but E-dub is right, it takes WAY too long to work. After 30 minutes you won't know if the pill got rid of it, or if it just ended.

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by MJ on Apr 18^th, 2006, 7:31pm

I would lose the tylenol and let the other stuff work.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) has a tendency to intensify the pain for me.

good luck.

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by Richr8 on Apr 18^th, 2006, 8:46pm

on 04/18/06 at 14:37:24, AfraidOfTheDark wrote:

Is the Melatonin an actual sleep aid, or can I still take my Tylenol PM with it? (been taking the PM to ensure at least some sleep). Is it safe to take the Verapamil, Imitrex, and Melatonin together (in a 24hr period).

I agree with the above posts. Lose the Tylenol. If it works at all it could lead to rebound headaches after a while. The Melatonin may take several days to be effective, so stick with it. Also, some folks supplement the Melatonin with Benedryl to aid with sleep if the Mel alone is not working for you.

Oh did did I mention, GET OXYGEN! If it works for you, it's like a miracle how quickly it will abort an attack and save you in many cases from having to use the Imitrex or other abortive.

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by TxBasslady on Apr 18^th, 2006, 10:22pm

You might also consider keeping a headache diary.

It really comes in handy when/if you have to change meds for some reason. It's also a great tool for your doc, he/she can see what worked/failed to work.

In my diary, I have listed the time of a CH, how long it lasted, what I took, and a Kip scale # of how bad it was.

When I go to see my doc, I always print it out and take it with me.

Good luck with your meds....I sure hope things get much better.

Jean

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by NotH20 on Apr 19^th, 2006, 9:51am

3Afraid,

Sounds like you've got some great advice and I won't repeat what Richr8 said....but it surely will help. I'm one of the fortunate one's who responds well to the Imitrex pills - 100 mgs. I can take it at the onset of a ch and get relief w/in 15 mins ;;D and that's with or without O2 (better w/ the O2 of course). I try to use the pills during the day and the injections at night which work even faster.

All of us at some point were not used to taking this much medication....but most of us are on the Medication Wagon - so jump on and join us crazy people LOL

Mia

Title: Re: Got my meds, now what?
Post by FramCire on Apr 19^th, 2006, 11:51am

I would get rid of the tylenol as well. Just use 6-9 mg of melatonin (I use 9) and your verap. Use the imitrex as needed.

You should really get O2 with a NON-REBREATHER mask. I am sure noone has suggested that to you. ;)

For sleeping, I think it is ambien that I used a few times but now that I am on melatonin, I don't need anything else. However, do heed the warning that the first couple nights on melatonin may be WORSE than before but then it gets better, for me MUCH BETTER.