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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> O2 decreasing effectiveness
        
(Message started by: Laurie on Apr 26^th, 2006, 6:20am)

Title: O2 decreasing effectiveness
Post by Laurie on Apr 26^th, 2006, 6:20am

Any tips on working around decreasing O2 effectiveness for multiple HA per night? Is this a common problem?

My clusters generally last 2-5 weeks, with 1-2 HA/night that last about 3 hours untreated. I’m using O2 at 10 liters/min for 8-10 minutes, and it’s working fantastic when get only 1 HA/night. However, I’ve been getting more than 1 HA/night lately (Kip 6-7), and my repeat treatment(s) with O2 are much less effective than the first. I’ve tried using O2 for >10 minutes, but that doesn’t seem to provide any additional benefit. Before O2, I used Zomig + neurontin. Zomig was effective with tolerable side effects, but I wasn’t thrilled with the slowness (45 min). I'm not sure neurontin reduced the HA, but it helped me get back to sleep. I’ve also used Imitex, which was more effective than Zomig, but the side effects scared me.

Thanks,
Laurie

Title: Re: O2 decreasing effectiveness
Post by marlinsfan on Apr 26^th, 2006, 8:07am

I assume you're using the non-rebreather mask? Even if that is so, you may want to spend the $25 and get the clustermasx. http://www.clustermasx.com

You may be able to cut down the number of hits per night by taking melatonin. It's been a great help to me. 9 mg 30 minutes before bedtime has done the trick, and pushed that first h/a until 5 am or so, after which I just stay up.

PF wishes.

Title: Re: O2 decreasing effectiveness
Post by brewcrew on Apr 26^th, 2006, 9:54am

I've only gone chronic once (3 years ago), and this was the first sign. The h/a pain became untreatable by triptans and O2. I benefitted from the 3-day hospital stay with IV DHE-45 intravenously every 8 hours. Not saying this is the case for you, but just what happened with me. Good luck!

Title: Re: O2 decreasing effectiveness
Post by Guiseppi on Apr 26^th, 2006, 4:45pm

I take oral cafergot when my headache starts, then use the oxygen to abort. If I don't take the cafergot my headache returns in about 20-30 minutes. When taking the cafergot I've never had a second headache at night. The only downside is if you're caffeine sensitive, (I am), the cafergot sometimes jacks you up and you can't sleep for several hours. The upside is there's a lot of cool sh%# on TV at 2:00 am! Here's hoping you find something that works.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: O2 decreasing effectiveness
Post by Laurie on Apr 27^th, 2006, 9:04pm

Thanks very much for the input, all. I checked out the cluster mask website and ordered one. It sounds much nicer than my current non-rebreather mask. I also decided to start taking neurontin at bedtime again to help me get back to sleep.

Take care,
Laurie

Title: Re: O2 decreasing effectiveness
Post by Jonny on Apr 27^th, 2006, 9:11pm

You should be using 02 at 15 lpm....the more the better!

45 mins for Zomig to work?.....I guess you dont have the NS, it has never failed to work in under ten minutes for me.

Hope you get what you need!

Title: Re: O2 decreasing effectiveness
Post by Dave on May 21^st, 2006, 8:08pm

Laurie,

All treatments seem to become less effective when a stronger cycle hits.

Has your doctor put you on Verapamil?

Title: Re: O2 decreasing effectiveness
Post by LeLimey on May 22^nd, 2006, 5:44am

Laurie that has happend for me too.. the more it ramps up the less everything works - or so it seems. I came to realise that o2 works for me in about 97 hits out of 100.. some I just have to endure. When my CH kicks into overdrive obviously those hits come along much faster so it SEEMS as if O2 is working less than usual whereas its exactly the same.
When that happens all I can do is sit with bags of peas on the back of my neck and in my face (hit area), it doesn't stop it but somehow it numbs it a bit while I just keep chanting inside my head "this will end, this will end" over and over
I really feel for you, been where you are and I wish you didnt have to be but you aren't alone, remember that okay? We're all with you and we're all thinking of you so keep us updated okay? I worry myself sick when people are getting hit hard so don't be giving me any more gray hairs! ;)
Helen