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Title: Red Bull really worked for me Post by ShawnW on Jul 7th, 2006, 11:58pm I had read about Taurine on this board (which I had never heard of previously), and that Red Bull (which contains it and caffeine) can have an abortive effect on a cluster headache. I started drinking it on Sunday, and it seems to have done more than that: it seems to have aborted my entire episodic bout, or at least put it into remission. For the past 4 weeks, I had been suffering 2 to 3 headaches a day: being woken up by a "Kip 7" at 2 AM, then a "Kip 8" at 8 AM, and then sometimes another one at around 10 PM. On Sunday morning, I started drinking a cold Red Bull each morning shortly after I woke up, followed by coffee. I was completely pain-free on Sunday. I woke up with a "Kip 6" headache at 4:30 Monday morning, and went back to bed. I continued drinking Red Bull each morning, and have been pain-free for five straight days now. On Tuesday (July 4) I was at a block party and really wanted a beer - and on Independence Day, I figured it was worth the risk. I found I still felt a "shadow" after drinking a beer, on the same side of my head as my CH comes, but it faded away without any headache. Wine didn't even produce a shadow. I'm not sure if my CH bout is gone, or just in remission because of the Red Bull, so I'm going to keep drinking one each morning for a couple of weeks. My starting the daily Red Bull and my headaches suddenly stopping may have just been a coincidence, but that seems unlikely to me. I didn't read any posts that Red Bull had this strong an effect on anyone else I read here, but it really seems to have worked for me. Thanks to everyone on the board who's mentioned it. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Melissa on Jul 8th, 2006, 8:59am It could very well be that your cycle was already on its way out. Either way, I'm glad you are no longer in pain and that you've found the Red Bull to be of value in treating your attacks. Take care, :)mel |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by spidey426 on Jul 8th, 2006, 1:58pm Yeah, it may have just been coincidental.. how long are you cycles usually? Mine's usually 4-5 weeks, except this 2 week cycle thanks to mushrooms: ) Otherwise I definately found taurine to be helpful, before I took the shrooms I used it as well with pretty positive results. Anywho, glad your pain free now: ) spidey |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Barry_T_Coles on Jul 8th, 2006, 8:51pm Hi Shawn Good to hear your getting some PF time; I'm chronic and have been taking Taurine tablets for near on 3 months and having some good results, beer is a killer for me but wine and stout dont effect me. It could be as Mel say's that your cycle was already on its way out. Regards Barry |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by cberry5102 on Jul 10th, 2006, 6:35pm i just wanted to say that the energy drinks are working for my husband...he was in the hospital for a week and i would run get him the drink while he was starting the o2...we used that with ice on the base of his head...it worked for him... |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Charlotte on Jul 10th, 2006, 6:46pm Just one question - How bad does Red Bull taste? Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Barry_T_Coles on Jul 10th, 2006, 7:00pm on 07/10/06 at 18:46:00, Charlotte wrote:
I'd rather suck on a dry piece of wood but the Red Bull does work. Barry |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by ShawnW on Jul 10th, 2006, 11:29pm I suspect you guys may be right in that my cycle was in its tail end. My cycles in the past were about 6 to 8 weeks in duration, this one ended after 4 weeks when I started drinking Red Bull. I was expecting it to taper off a bit more slowly over the next few weeks, not end suddenly like that (I'm still PF now, on day 8 - still not daring enough to try beer, though). Charlotte: Red Bull is an "acquired" taste. The first time I tried it, I thought it was pretty hideous, but I got used to the taste, and actually like it now. It tastes best when it's served cold. It's carbonated like soda pop, but not too sweet. You can buy it in the grocery store in single cans, so if you want to buy one can and see what it tastes like, you won't be stuck with a whole case if you can't stand it. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Charlotte on Jul 11th, 2006, 6:48pm I'll try it after work. Do you drink the wohle can? It's huge. It is not like a canned starbucks double shot. Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by kcopelin on Jul 11th, 2006, 9:33pm Gotta slam it Charlotte! kathy 8) |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Charlotte on Jul 12th, 2006, 11:04am OK. That's what I did wrong. I sipped. I'll try it again. Charlotte ps I guess the good news is when you,re chronic you can always count on another hit, so you can be your own guinea pig. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by sandie99 on Jul 13th, 2006, 1:42pm Shawn, I'm glad to hear that RB works for you. :) It's my treatment these days. I drink a can (the whole can, Charlotte... ;)) as soon as I feel hit coming. I drink it ice cold with ice. Works in 5 minutes, which means that it works quicker than any other 'painmed' I've tried. My ch is in remission now, but the next time it comes to bother me, I try it as a preventative and drink a can/day. There must be something wrong about me because I liked its taste from sip one. I have tried all energy drinks with the same amount of caffeine & taurine than RB and I must admit that the Red Devil does taste best, but RB comes second. They all work to stop the hits, though. Best wishes & PFdays, Sanna |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by roy21302 on Jul 13th, 2006, 3:53pm Shawn, I feel inspired by your entry, I am going to the super market in the morning and buy some RB and try it, I'll try any thing for some PF. I will let you know if it works for me. Have not touch alcohol for 27 years, do I wish I could go for a Pint now and then :-X------Roy |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Charlotte on Jul 14th, 2006, 1:47pm Ok. I've tried it 3 times. Today, the 3rd time, it is working as well as maxalt mlt, or better. I started to get the burn and swelling & now it's subsiding. It now feels like what I understand to be a shadow. Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by JeffB on Jul 14th, 2006, 5:26pm on 07/10/06 at 18:46:00, Charlotte wrote:
I have a sugar free red bull everyday...love em' |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by floridian on Jul 14th, 2006, 5:31pm on 07/10/06 at 18:46:00, Charlotte wrote:
Too fruity for my taste - wouldn't drink them if they didn't zap headaches. Work much better than coffee for afternoon brain fog. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Charlotte on Jul 14th, 2006, 6:37pm This is one of my better days. No maxalt today. I'm using my kudzu, and had the red bull a little before 9:00 a..m., and at 3:30 pm still nothing worse than a burn where the nail usually is. This is definitely a good day. Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by FRANKYT1963 on Jul 14th, 2006, 9:05pm JUST TRIED RED BULL. :D IT SEEMS TO HAVE WORKED. I AM EPOSODIC NOW, FELT THE START OF A CH, DRUNK A RED BULL, AND IT SEEMS TO HAVE STOPPED IT. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Barry_T_Coles on Jul 14th, 2006, 11:18pm Red Bull is my mobile first aid kit; I keep four in the fridge in my work 4x4, another 2 in the fridge in the office and 4 more in the fridge at home. Iv'e been working away out bush this week & got a hit Wednesday night around 11pm, I dont carry o2 with me when away from home so I slammed a can of RB and it was gone within 5 mins. Regards Barry |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by sandie99 on Jul 15th, 2006, 2:52am on 07/14/06 at 21:05:44, FRANKYT1963 wrote:
That's fantastic!!!! :) Best wishes & PFdays, Sanna |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by toonzboss on Jul 18th, 2006, 12:49am Hey Guys, I have been impresssed with RB and it may be an "Acquired" taste but after my first one I really like them, kind of a "Sweet Tart Wang Thang" if you know what I mean. The COLDER the Better! I wonder if anybody knows if your level of effect with RB is affected by your normal consumption level of caffeine, because I have been a steady, daily coffee drinker for years. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by danm on Jul 18th, 2006, 11:12am on 07/10/06 at 18:46:00, Charlotte wrote:
It's not bad with vodka :) |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by sandie99 on Jul 18th, 2006, 2:01pm on 07/18/06 at 00:49:36, toonzboss wrote:
I used to drink soft drinks with caffeine for years until 2004 when I quit doing that. I've never been a coffee drinker. So, basically, when I started to use Red Bull/other energy drinks with the same caffeine & taurine amount, that became my only source of caffeine. These days I use also Vicks Red Energy throat tablets to kill shadows when needed. Those tablets have 25mg of caffeine per tablet, the taurine amount is not mentioned. Best wishes, Sanna |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by roy21302 on Jul 18th, 2006, 2:12pm ShawnW I have got some RB and tried them twice now and they do seem to help if catch it quick enough. Does not seem to help with big hits that wake me in the night. Still I will carry on trying Cheers Roy |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Berbank on Jul 18th, 2006, 11:57pm I think that if Red Bull stops your cluster headaches then either you don't have CH or you are taking the Red Bull at the tail end of your attack. Were CH such a simple disease that a drink like Red Bull (S..t) would work. I am a transplanted Englishwoman and have tried RB, as well as other so-called "cures" and none have worked. I am chronic for 5 years and my docs laugh when I tell them of Red Bull-I would laugh too, but it hurts too much! Still, good luck to those of you who believe that it works-maybe I'm not drinking it correctly? |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by roy21302 on Jul 19th, 2006, 12:56pm Shame RB did not help you, everyone is different. Many of us on the site will try almost anything for some Pain Free time, however silly it may sound to others. I have been chronic for 27 years, so I think I do have CH. I have met many Doc's who know little or nothing about CH, or anything else for that matter. We are not dianoising here or prescribing, just sharing experiences----- Cheers Roy |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by smorpheus on Jul 21st, 2006, 6:39am Hello everyone, I should preface by saying when I say "Red Bull" I mean "Sugar Free Red Bull" Not sure how helpful this will be as my experience with my CH is pretty limited (lucky me, right) In Winter of 2003 I started getting regular 2x/day Kip 6-9s for about two weeks. During that time I was unable to work because the headaches were so debilitating (while the headaches were active anyway.) Mushroom therapy cured me instantly. So I'd say that was about 3 weeks total before I could score and dose mushrooms. For 2004 I was able to score mushrooms through a now defunct website called Mushroom Cove, and have not had a headache until the Summer of 2006 about a month ago I got a Kip 4 while working on the computer. This Summer would mark 2 years almost exactly since I had last dosed shrooms. I came to the site and started reading about the success people were having with Red Bull. I'm a huge fan of Red Bull but hadn't been drinking it (due to it's costly nature) in any kind of regular pattern. I went to Costco bought two 24 packs and started drinking at least one can a day (but it'd vary from 1-3 cans.) I hadn't received another CH for the rest of June. In July I went to Scotland and was drinking alcohol heavily(which never seemed to have much effect on my CH) and drank maybe 1 Red Bull my entire time there. Since being back I was very intermittently drinking the Red Bulls. On Wednesday of this week I got a Kip 3 at work. Tonight I woke up with a Kip 6 in my sleep. Immediately I downed a refegirated Red Bull I had just in case (at this point I was unsure if Red Bull was actually helping me or if my cycle was just waxing and waning due to my inexperience with my own CH patterns.) The CH stopped dead 5 mintues after downing the Red Bull. I know at least some of this has to be psychological as there simply is no way there could be any active ingrediant in RB that's killing a headache in it's tracks like that. But, I'm going back to my one a day in the morning for the next two weeks to see if it staves off the headaches. Of course, if I do manage to locate Mushrooms in the meantime, don't doubt I'll abandon the RB for another year free of heacaches (both CH and normal!) Well thanks for saving my ass again guys! I'll stick around and report back at least by the end of August to let you know if the regular RB drinking does the trick. So elated! ~~Thom |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by smorpheus on Jul 21st, 2006, 6:46am Oh and Berbenk... It was said earlier in the forum... You really got to chug it, like the whole thing should be done in 5-10 seconds(I'm not exagerrating.) It's hard to do, but anything to cure a CH right? With me it's sincerely possible I have a completely mild case of CH, as I simply haven't had it long enough to have a complete understanding of my cycles. I have however experienced CH pain at it's worst, and I know what a CH feels like, I also know that RB seems to help me and others on here. I can't imagine the hell a chronic goes through, however. And I agree it makes no sense that RB would work as an abortive as consistently as it does for some of us. But hey if it's a psychological cure, then I can't believe it works so well, and thank god it does for so many. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Charlotte on Jul 21st, 2006, 6:56pm I am swinging into a higher cycle and it is still working as well as or better than the maxalt melt. I'm a hot drink drinker so this is different for me. I've been trying ice cold water also. Charlottte ps I am only using 1 or 2 a day. Is it safe to use more or is this a reasonable amount.? . |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Berbank on Jul 21st, 2006, 8:01pm on 07/21/06 at 06:46:02, smorpheus wrote:
Sorry smorpheus, don't believe in Red Bull Hockey, but if it works for you, fine, chug away :D(and my name is Berbank, not BerBENK, twit :PTTFN! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by FRANKYT1963 on Jul 21st, 2006, 8:18pm NUST STARTED THE RED BULL A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO. IT'S BEEN WORKIN REALLY GOOD FOR ME, AT LEAST IT SEEMS TO KEEP CH AT BAY ;;D ;;D ;;D |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Jul 21st, 2006, 9:09pm Hi Smorpheus et al! The reason red bull works is because of the caffeine and taurine. Caffeine is a vaso constrictor. In a hit the blood vessels on the affected side of your head swell by up to 20 x their usual size which is why they are so excruciating. Caffeine constricts them quickly when chugged like that and the effect is intensfied by the taurine which works by doing precisely that, increasing the effect of the caffeine.. so you see there IS a "magic" ingredient even if it isn't fungal! ;) Smorpheus, you may be interested to read up on Rivea Corymbosa or RC seeds as another alternative. Helen |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Barry_T_Coles on Jul 21st, 2006, 11:25pm on 07/21/06 at 21:09:28, LeLimey wrote:
Very well explained Helen. I knew how it worked but couldn't put the words together as well as you have. Kind Regards Barry |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Berbank on Jul 22nd, 2006, 2:19am Sex helps-takes me mind off of the pain, tastes better than Red Bull :P |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Jul 22nd, 2006, 6:34am Sex is also a vaso dilating activity Berbank, an instant trigger for most people. Whilst there have been some anecdotal reports that it has helped some people there have been at least as many if not more that it's more often the case that it exacerbates the problem. Personally when I'm getting hit the last thing I want is people in the same room as me never mind any closer! I can't imagine myself how anyone could possibly get aroused under those circumstances but it's horses for courses and one thing I have learned is that what works for one will not work for another. I think that is by far and away the most insidious aspect of our condition and we need to bear in mind that what may NOT work for you DOES work for someone else. Verapamil, Prednisone, Lithium, Topiramate and so on all did not work for me at all but are all proven CH Meds. The only things I will discount are troll therapies, people who come here to make money out of others and potentially cause harm. Helen |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by kenco on Jul 22nd, 2006, 9:57am I for one will be running not walking to the red bull store. thanks for sharing the encouraging story . lets all be happy that your not reporting great results from drinking used motor oil!!! i'm shaddowing or howling in misery constantly for the past 15 days. I'm 30 days into my 45 day cycle. my magic formula ( prednisone taper + 14o verapamil 4X daily) has failed me . immitrix still works (using imitrix tip i learned here.) but needing 3 pokes a day and fighting constantly to get it! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Jul 22nd, 2006, 10:48am Kenco I'm sorry to hear you're having such a crappy time of it :'( Red Bull is something that works for me if I use it according to the guidelines given and I hope it will for you too. You might want to have a look into some of the other alternative therapies too. Ask all the questions you like, we will move heaven and earth to help you get some pain free time. Have you ever tried O2? Looking forward to hearing more from you :) Helen |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by kenco on Jul 22nd, 2006, 11:30am thanks for the encouragement helen- 12 years ago I was alternative only! for the last several years I've been a subscriber to the idea if I don't have to suffer,i wont - no matter! ( bring on the pharmacuticals) as we know, what works for one does not always work for the next, and I'm now learning that what worked for me for the last 9 years of 3 month cycles has changed. I'll be watching closely and and searching for my new magic formula. alternative is definetely back on the table.-thanks, ken |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Berbank on Jul 22nd, 2006, 6:37pm [quote author=LeLimey The only things I will discount are troll therapies, people who come here to make money out of others and potentially cause harm. Helen [/quote] Whilst my boyfriend might give me a present every once in awhile, I never charge and I certainly don't harm him! TTFN! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Jonny on Jul 22nd, 2006, 8:15pm on 07/22/06 at 18:37:27, Berbank wrote:
You need a new boyfriend if thats all he gives you ;;D |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by ShawnW on Jul 22nd, 2006, 9:21pm I'm still pain free now, after a month or so of drinking one Red Bull per day. Of course, I can't say definitively that it was not just my episodic cycle ending on its own, but it seems an unlikely coincidence that my CH's stopped suddenly right after I started drinking a daily Red Bull. I suspect the taurine has more to do with its effectiveness than caffeine - strong coffee has more caffeine than Red Bull, and I was drinking 4 cups of coffee a day before I started the Red Bull. When I was having my headaches, I found coffee did help (especially if I drank a full cup before I was expecting my regular 8 AM CH), but nothing like what I saw when I started drinking Red Bull. A key point here is that everyone is different: what works for one person may not work for another. But, the three things I can say about Red Bull is that it won't kill you, it's cheaper than some other treatments (e.g.: Imitrex), and it doesn't have the nasty side-effects of something like Imitrex. In short, Red Bull may not work for everyone, but I'd say it's worth trying to see if it does work. PS: The CBC published an analysis of Red Bull's medicinal ingredents, here is a link http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/health/redbull/ingredients.html. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Barry_T_Coles on Jul 22nd, 2006, 9:39pm Here’s some links to Taurine info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurine http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/fulltext/taurine3-2.html Kind Regards Barry |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Berbank on Jul 23rd, 2006, 2:44am on 07/22/06 at 20:15:59, Jonny wrote:
Oh, he gives me a LOT more than that, jonny boy-by the way, you are kind of cute for an older guy ::)! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Berbank on Jul 23rd, 2006, 2:58am I take back the "cute" jonny-you are ugly inside-it's the war indeed! >:( |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Jul 23rd, 2006, 9:47am For the attention of anyone reading this thread. "Berbank" is a troll known to us all here under several names. This sad muppet comes back time after time solely to stir up trouble. People come here looking for help, guidance, support and answers to their questions. They do not come here to be subjected to mind games. Please do not allow this person to stir you up. Ignore contentious posts and maybe say a prayer for them. Lord knows help is needed for this disturbed soul. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by roy21302 on Jul 23rd, 2006, 11:45am Well said, I agree with you 100 per cent, some people are sad!!! ROY |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Berbank on Jul 23rd, 2006, 2:46pm on 07/23/06 at 09:47:24, LeLimey wrote:
Don't need your prayers, Helena. You are so self-righteous and always giving the same advice to everyone. I seriously doubt that you have chronic CH and I am sorry to say that I think poor Jasper has just picked up the symptoms from his neurotic mom-pity. You mentioned that you are single now-what happened to the bloke you were with last year? Had enough of your neurotic garbage? Why don't you get the DBS operation if you suffer so much-or do you like the attention that it brings to you? I'll be at The Trip next week, let us see if you have the ballocks to show up. I pity you, you once attractive woman who has blown up like a balloon and become a neurotic mess and has now passed the neurosis onto her child. Pity. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Jul 23rd, 2006, 2:53pm on 07/23/06 at 14:46:43, Berbank wrote:
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Berbank on Jul 23rd, 2006, 2:56pm And......? |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Jonny on Jul 23rd, 2006, 3:07pm on 07/23/06 at 14:56:11, Berbank wrote:
And your a piece of shit.....got it? |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by CHTom on Jul 23rd, 2006, 3:51pm You are so scary! :o :o You've been banned from my mail, don't have time to waste on drunks like you. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by CHTom on Jul 23rd, 2006, 3:55pm Been reading your posts, Berbank-good for you, don't let the arschlochs get you down! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Jonny on Jul 23rd, 2006, 4:25pm Tick.......tick.....tick......"Guest" |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Bingerboo on Jul 25th, 2006, 5:39pm So.....back to the Red Bull. Can anybody tell me what ALL the ingredients are? What about the sugar free? |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by nani on Jul 25th, 2006, 6:00pm The ones that do the job are caffeine and taurine. The sugar free works, too. read about it here: (in a book written by our Floridian) http://med-owl.com/clusterheadaches/tiki-index.php?page=Red+Bull pf wishes, nani |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Bingerboo on Jul 25th, 2006, 8:31pm I get the taurine and caffeine, but what else? I'm assuming the regular stuff has high fructose corn syrup (I'm on a pretty limited diet at this point, and that's one thing I try to avoid), and I'm assuming the aspartame is the ingredient in the sugar free. (Aspartame breaks down into some sort of aspartic acid, an excititory amino acid.---it may not be good for epileptics, like me.) Does anyone know what the full list of ingredients are? |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by brewcrew on Jul 25th, 2006, 9:00pm on 07/25/06 at 20:31:32, Bingerboo wrote:
Check out their website. I tried to cut and paste the list of ingredients, but it's one of those sites that doesn't let you do that: www.redbull.com |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by floridian on Jul 26th, 2006, 11:19am on 07/25/06 at 20:31:32, Bingerboo wrote:
No, no high fructose corn syrup. Glucose and sucrose. Also, taurine, glucuronolactone (a buffer, dunno what effect it may have on electrolytes??) sodium citrate, caffeine, inositol, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine, B12, flavors, colors. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Charlotte on Jul 26th, 2006, 3:38pm How much would be too much, per day? I haven't been able to locate on the can or the red bull site how much taurine is in the product. It seems like the sugar free works but not quite as well for me as the regular. SoBe even has a tea with taurine, only 28 mg per bottle, called Courage. Unfortunately, it does have a lot of corn syrup. Charlotte ps I found the info I needed higher up in this thread. Thanks Nani & Floridian. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by slacker032 on Jul 28th, 2006, 2:06pm Anybody know if shrooms and Red Bull can be taken in conjunction with each other? If I drink Red Bull on the days before and after I dose, will it interfere with the shrooms' ClusterBusting effects? |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by sarahanne on Jul 28th, 2006, 3:48pm this topic has been so wonderful. right now i'm in between pain, give me another few hours. i've always used red bull to combat my migraines (the caffeine works wonders for me) but i hadn't thought of using it for CH. my husband is taking me to the doctor shortly and i plan on picking up a four pack on the way. i swear by the stuff. and it's yummy. i don't touch the sugar free though. aspartame is one of my biggest migraine triggers. ~sarah |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by nani on Jul 28th, 2006, 11:25pm on 07/28/06 at 14:06:18, slacker032 wrote:
Not an "official" answer, but my experience: I started using Red Bull after my first busting dose. If I recall correctly, I used it more than a few times between those early doses, before I finally broke my cycle. I don't recall detoxing from it at all. Hope that helps. If I'm wrong...this would be the time for someone to say so.... hugs, nani |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Sovenite on Jul 31st, 2006, 3:43pm Yea, doctors pretty much laugh at any product that they dont get get kickbacks for prescribing, especially when it concerns a disease that most of them know virtually nothing about. Anyway, berbank, im sry the bull doesnt work for you (did you slam the whole thing??? sometimes on the really bad HAs i have to slam 2 to get relief...) but it DOES work, and a little research will reveal that taurrine has strange efect on neurotransmiters and further research indicates it may be usefull in treating cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, hepatic disorders,alcoholism, and cystic fibrosis. Also remeber that kudzu, the other leading "wonder cure" for ch is used to treat alchoholism so theres another tie in there... probably both substances are effecting the same group of checmicals in the body that are tied with alchoholism AND ch. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Carl_D on Jul 31st, 2006, 4:51pm Sanna recommended Red Bull today and so I am gonna get some in a bit. Anything is worth a shot. Although I will be getting the regular, as I will not consume any dietary products containing Aspartame, and also recently discovered what Brominated Vegetable Oil is (used in some sodas like Mountain Dew and some flavors of Gatorade) and will not drink anything containing BVO either. Peace, Carl D |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Sovenite on Jul 31st, 2006, 5:09pm Okay.. quick question for Floridian and anyone else that has tried the "home brew" taurine dose.... 1000mg pill mixed in coffee/sugar.. how ever you do it... simple question, does it actually work as fast and as reliably as red bull does???? |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Bond007 on Aug 3rd, 2006, 10:08pm I've read this entire thread and the whole Red Bull-Taurine-Caffeine theory seriously intrigued me, so I stopped by the store this afternoon and picked up a 4-pack and plopped 2 in the fridge at home and 2 in my office fridge to chill for my evening date with the beast. Sure as I'm typing, the beast showed up, about an hour late, but who am I to complain, right? I slugged my now ice cold Red Bull and........nothing. I didn't even feel "energized"!!!! I feel so screwed right about now. 2 whole hours of dancing with the beast and my tootsies are getting tired and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight yet. Fortunately, I'm only about a Kip 6 so it's not bad enough to snort some Stadol just yet. Oh well, there's always tomorrow and I've still got 3 more cans of Red Bull to put to the test. Please Lord, give me some rest...... :'( |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Charlotte on Aug 3rd, 2006, 11:31pm I'm sorry it didn't work for you. It didn't work for me until the 3rd try. It varries for me in how it works, but it may be my timing or the varrying intensity of the individual headache. Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Katherinecm on Aug 4th, 2006, 12:03am Try taking the red bull with the stadol- it will make the stadol work better and faster, but red bull probably won't work alone, at least not for me. It will *sometimes* delay an attack long enough for me to get to the pain killers or to get home if I am say, driving, but only if I am paying VERY close attention to my body and take it at the VERY first sign of attack. If you're in an area with the discount grocery store chain Aldi's, they sell a generic called Red Thunder. A 4-pack is usually 1.99, and it works just as well. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Aug 4th, 2006, 6:37am The generics' do work as well, if you read the tins they have the same caffeine and taurine content as the stuff that costs more than 3x as much so it makes far more sense to buy them. Bond you need to chug it at the first sign in my experience. If you leave it too late it won't help. Is funny, I still can't stand the taste and I look like a cow chewing a wasp while I'm trying to drink it but I do love the fact it can work for me! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Bond007 on Aug 4th, 2006, 9:39am Thanks for the advice and support gang! I'm thinking the timing may not have been quite right. Like I said, I've got 3 more cans and I'm not giving up on this yet! ARRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!! Even if I did just miss my 8:00 am date with the beast! Dayum! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Aug 4th, 2006, 9:42am You stood the beast up?! Thats my boy, I love it when CH'ers get so downright RUDE! ;;D Next time chug your RB at the first warning shot and see if that helps, Helen |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Bond007 on Aug 4th, 2006, 9:45am hehehehehehe [smiley=laugh.gif] It's the little things in life that I enjoy the most now! ;) |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Aug 4th, 2006, 9:48am Dear God, Please give me the strength to NOT ANSWER BOND'S LAST POST! ::) [smiley=laugh.gif] ;) Helen |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Bond007 on Aug 4th, 2006, 11:26am Hey, hey, hey!!! The beast met me promptly at 10:00 am, right on time.....good beast. But, I was ready with the Red Bull. 10 minutes later......NO BEAST! HA! I win one battle! Or, as Monty Python would say, "I fart in your general direction!" [smiley=laugh.gif] |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Aug 4th, 2006, 11:30am FAN-FLIPPIN-TASTIC!!!! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by floridian on Aug 4th, 2006, 11:51am on 07/18/06 at 23:57:59, Berbank wrote:
The list of meds that helps some people with CH is quite long - from blood pressure meds to meds for bipolar disorder to corticosteroids to migraine meds to epilepsy meds to atypical antipsychotics. Add two simple elements (oxygen and magnesium) and melatonin to things that help many of us. And taurine. CH is a complicated disease. But the simple truth is that there are many things out there that can help. Nothing works for every one. But for most of us, it doesn't have to be an expensive patent medicine. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by floridian on Aug 4th, 2006, 12:03pm on 07/31/06 at 17:09:45, Sovenite wrote:
I've been out of cycle since Taurine was 'discovered' but I would bet a baker's dozen of donuts that if you dissolve 1000 mg taurine in a cup of hot coffee, cover it, and put that in the fridge to chill it, it will work at the same pace as a commercially prepared beverage. I have been taking taurine as a preventive, and believe it is helping with palpitations, anxiety, and other neurological issues. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by erickthered on Aug 5th, 2006, 10:10am I have just started the "RedBull" Taurine treatment, and I have to say that its working great for me too, at least its keeping the constant shadow away, and when the Beast does come, slamming a RedBull sends him packing. Oh and I read on a different post.... If you have an Aldi store near you, they have a drink called Red Thunder (same as RedBull) for 1.99 a four pack ;;D, so my fridge is stocked up with that. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by prcole18 on Aug 5th, 2006, 1:39pm Right, I think ive said on this thread that when I tried Redbull it hasn't worked, well......... Woke up an hour or so ago & got the usual CH, only got to a kip 3 or 4 or maybe a 5 so I didn't take anything ie Imigran jab. Anyway after an hour the CH is still there although maybe only at a kip 4 so I went to the fridge cracked open a Redbull & within 2 minutes the CH was completely gone! Now this obviously maybe a coincidence, the headache may have gone anyway but maybe before when Ive tried it I haven't caught them early enough. I will certainly be trying this again especially with shadows & the milder CH's, Im pretty sure with the more mental ones, as before I will need my Imigran jabs but i'll certainly keep trying the Redbull. Will keep you informed. PF days to everyone. Paul |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Aug 5th, 2006, 1:52pm Hi Paul, Its good to see you :) I always say the trick to red bull is using it early enough and your experience certainly backs that up.. keep going hon! Helen |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by prcole18 on Aug 5th, 2006, 2:00pm on 08/05/06 at 13:52:19, LeLimey wrote:
Hi Helen, yeah will keep trying it. Wont be about for a week, off to Greece tomorow armed with Verapamil, Pred & well, you wouldn't believe how many Imigran jabs! Will post some photos when back in a week. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Aug 5th, 2006, 2:03pm Greece... OUZO! ARGH Just destroy me why don't you?! LOL Have a fantastic time and take loads of photo's. If you have an ASDA near you they have those chemical icepacks you thump to activate @ 2 for a £1 so it might be a good idea to grab a couple for the flight. Red bull for the flight would be good too but all that aside have the most fun possible okay?! Bon Voyage! Helen |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by big_guy on Aug 6th, 2006, 9:46am Red Bull is very interesting but most of my CH this bout have been waking me up at night already intense. Yesterday at the store my wife found an energy drink called Power Edge. It's a powder you mix with water. Each contains 80 mg caffeine and 500mg taurine. This morning after a night of one CH after another, not really bad just enough to wake me up, I mixed up a Power edge and slammed it down while the coffee was brewing . Now after the Power edge and a large cup of strong coffee I have only a dull ache. I don't know if it's a coincidance or not but I will be trying this some more. Big Guy |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by bradboy on Aug 7th, 2006, 2:59pm This is very interesting and sure worth a try. I have two redbulls in my fridge, ordinarilly I drink one with a shot or two of strawberry vodka b4 a night at the club. So it's been a year since I've been in here and I've dreaded coming back, but here I am. I've been on verapamil the whole time, and no major problems until the past couple weeks. I'm finding a beer, OR one or two white russians will trigger a NASTY attack which sucks because I really enjoy my drink at night.... I have moved to Florida from CT and now starting over again with doctors. First I thought I had a sinus infection again because that is what it felt like and I was all stuffed up, and felt like crap.... the walk in clinic put me on anti biotics but my sinuses are still blocked so I went to a sinus specialist. He gave me a shot of steroids in my nose and I'm going for 2 more, 1 per week. He said I have something called hypertrophy turbinate which is where my sinuses are basically swollen. I'm not sure if this is triggering a cycle or what. Something is definately going on with my sinuses, whether it is related or not I do not know. Anyway, if a red bull a day will keep the CH away, count me in! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Aug 7th, 2006, 3:40pm Welcome back Brad, I'm sorry you're here but if you have CH there is no better place to be! Chewy posted a list of docs in Florida on another thread which I've pasted here for you - hope it helps. These are docs who have been recommended by other ch'ers. Dr. Roberta Rose Sebastian Potter Priscilla Miami David Torrisi Pensacola Steven Wheeler Miami Steven Kobetz Miami Frank Wierichs Venice Michael L. Waters Jacksonville John F. Wilker (Family Practice Associates) St.Cloud Dr. Todd Hartley Maitland Sam Synder Ft Lauderdale James L. Cimera Ft. Lauderdale As to the red bull.. generic equivalents work just as well and are cheaper. The key point to remember when using it as an abortive is to chug it as soon as you notice it starting up. Most ch'ers seem to find that alcohol is a huge trigger while in cycle although there are some (mainly chronic) who CAN drink without nasty side effects. I'm glad you have something working for you, thanks for sharing your experiences! Helen |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by bradboy on Aug 7th, 2006, 6:04pm thanks for the Dr list Helen, I will give Dr. Snyder a call since he is right here in Hollywood. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Aug 7th, 2006, 6:06pm Good luck Brad, let us know how you're getting on :) |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by sandie99 on Aug 8th, 2006, 3:31am It's so great to see how Red Bull and its generic equivalents work on so many on us in here. Fantastic. :) PF days to all! Sanna :) |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by bradboy on Aug 12th, 2006, 12:12am ok I tried the redbull. Here's my results, first a little sidenote. I usually have a couple to a few drinks a night (white russians), I really enjoy them but had to stop because they were causing CHs. I went three days with no drinks, 3 days with no headaches. One day with 1 drink, no headache, next day 1 drink, just as I was about to fall asleep the first sign of a headache, I bolt to the fridge, bust open a red bull and chug, and........My headache did not go away >:( .....it did change the CH though......it seemed to take a few extra minutes to kick in, then instead of feeling like someone was shoving an ice pick up my nose, my upper forehead hurt and my head felt like it was going to explode! However, the severety of the headache was about 20% more tolerable. I was still pacing the house with an ice pack but not moaning in pain for an hour like usual. Unfortunately most of my morning I felt hung over for some reason.......no white russians tonight!! So I'm not sure how long this cycle will last but so far on the verapamil for a year now I can almost count on no headaches unless I drink alcohol.... |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by hacktothefuture on Aug 17th, 2006, 10:57am Well first Id like to say thank you to all on this board and commitment you all have made to sharing and communicating your thoughts, issues and remedies concerning this debilitating illness. I have been basically lurking on this board for a while reading and learning, mostly during an attack because its really the only thing I can think about when I’m in the grip of the beast. I found this thread about two weeks ago and decided that I certainly have nothing too lose so I bought about four 4-packs of Red Bull, keeping 8 at home and 8 at work. I used a few prophylactically at first and it worked, the beast never came. I still wasn’t convinced because I didn’t know if it was actually effective. So I got brave and decided to wait to start feeling one coming on before I drank one. Guess what? IT WORKS!!!! If I catch it very early it aborts the CH altogether, on occasion I’ll experience a shadow or a KIP 1 or 2, but compared to my normal KIP 7’s or 8’s, I’m in heaven. I’ve aborted about 5 or 6 CH’s so far. Today I experienced my first CH in those two weeks and it was because I felt one coming on and I was on the road. I stopped at a drugstore and bought it and drank the Red Bull slowly because I was full from breakfast and after I was already at KIP 1. Even then it only lasted about 30-45 minutes at KIP 4 or 5, compared to my normal 1.5 hour duration at KIP 7 or 8. So far, I’m convinced and it has worked wonders for me. Now I’m just scared to be anywhere without a Red Bull. :P Thanks to all of you!!! |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by LeLimey on Aug 17th, 2006, 7:33pm Hack I'm really pleased for you! What a lovely first post and I do hope that now that you've come "out of the closet" so to speak you'll stick around and post some more :) Helen |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Barry_T_Coles on Aug 18th, 2006, 1:26am Hi Hacktothefuture & welcome to the best little nut house around. I noted with interest that you are experiencing lower level hits by using Red Bull, I have been running with Taurine & magnesium supplements for about 3 months now and that was what I noticed first up, although I am still getting hit about every three days the intensity is way lower than before & at times I can even get through with out the RB or o2. I went away for a few days break last week and while traveling back home with the o2 packed away in with the luggage; I felt the pain starting in my jaw & gum which is a dead give way that a hit is on it’s way, pulled the car over, ripped a can of ice cold RB out of the car fridge and chugged it down, let the dog out for a twinkle and by the time she had finished I was as right as rain. As you are getting such good results with RB you may be interested in this thread on the Taurine Trial http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=meds;action=display;num=1146013283 Kind Regards Barry |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by hacktothefuture on Aug 21st, 2006, 11:34am Thanks Helen. I'll definitely give as much insight as I can. Thanks for pointing out the thread Barry I will definitley keep it in mind as it looks like you have had some real success. Good for you! As a followup for me, I drank A LOT of alcohol this weekend and pounded a red bull before heading out for the evening each night and guess what? NO CH. Yea! I will point out that it is rare for me to get a hit during a weekend night but it happens on occasion and especially when I'm mid cycle so this is not definitive evidence of RB's success but it certainly helps mount a convincing case along with all the other successes. Thanks again for all your feedback. |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by sekaufm on Aug 29th, 2006, 12:16am Hi Guys, I'm fairly new to this board but I have to say this is awesome! Explain to me the Red Bull. I tried one tonight and it didn't seem to work. Do I take one as soon as the beast comes on or do i take one first thing in the morning to try to prevent it? Thanks, Sylvia :-* |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Barry_T_Coles on Aug 29th, 2006, 3:07am Hi Sylvia At the very first indication that you are going to get hit chug a lug a can down as quick as you can, it may give you brain freeze but the colder it is the better. Down the hatch hard and fast. Kind Regards Barry |
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Title: Re: Red Bull really worked for me Post by Melissa on Aug 29th, 2006, 10:08am I've been having some twinges lately, not everyday, but once in awhile. My "normal" cycle should be appearing very soon, but I don't know if that'll happen now that I had a surprise cycle last Dec-Jan. :-/ Anyway, I just ordered the NSI Taurine 850mg from vitacost to add to my Kudzu arsenol. If I go full blown, all I have to do is call my GP and have him do a RX for O2. I really wish that Jonathon (Floridian) was still here... :( Anyway, thank you to everyone for your experiences. I really do appreciate it. mel |
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