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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Verapamil and O2
        
(Message started by: starlight on Jul 20^th, 2006, 11:39am)

Title: Verapamil and O2
Post by starlight on Jul 20^th, 2006, 11:39am

Hi--
Kinda need advice/input. Right now I am on 13 mg melatonin--I started getting headache breaking through at night a few nights ago, of course the night after I saw my doc. So I waited and now have called his office--he is saying do not go any higher with the melatonin doses. He said it probably does not have any negative side effects but he would rather put me right onto verapamil. Also he told his secretary he does not want to give me 02 or Imitrex (things I have used in the past) cause he wants to see how the verapamil works????
Why can't he still see if it works even if I have 02 to abort a headache????
Well, I am nervous--I am afraid to take verapamil b/c I have heard things about it lengthening cycles, etc. Does anyone have any advice here?
Or similar experience?

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by Guiseppi on Jul 20^th, 2006, 12:40pm

The only thing I can say about verapamil is I tried it a long time ago and it didn't work for me. I have since learned I was at a way too low dose, 240 mg a day, which probably explains why it didn't work.

I don't understand why the doctor won't give you oxygen to back up the verapamil. If the verapamil works, you don't need the 02. If the verapamil doesn't work, or just takes a while to ramp up in your system, you use the oxygen to stop the headaches. Oxygen certainly doesn't react with verapamil so I don't understand his logic. You might need to stomp your feet, whine, pout, whatever works best for you and get the oxygen for a back up. Good luck!!!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by Racer1_NC on Jul 20^th, 2006, 1:57pm

I too don't understand your Doc's reasoning. Verap and O2 keep my CH at bay for the most part.

The goal is pain free ASAP........remind him of that.

Bill

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by E-Double on Jul 20^th, 2006, 1:58pm

unethical!!!!!!!!!!

can not withold abortives!!!!!!!!!

different purpose than the mel & verap

educate him!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

It will present the appropriate treatments that you should seek and your doctor should know!!!

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by starlight on Jul 20^th, 2006, 11:33pm

You guys thanks so much for the support.

E-Double, thanks for the link!!!

I called back and stood up for myself (very calmly) and just stated that the doc could certainly "see if it worked" and give me the oxygen so that I could get rid of the damn headaches if it doesn't. Geez. I don't know if it is just my experience...but I have run into this "oxygen phenomenon" before--where doctors suddenly act as if you are asking for something totally exotic and unattainable when you request oxygen. Anyway, doc ended up "caving" so now I have prescription. Thanks you guys for being there...it is always a low point for me when I encounter the "oxygen phenomenon".
Wishing you all a PF night! Starlight

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by E-Double on Jul 21^st, 2006, 1:00pm

[smiley=thumb.gif]

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by Charlotte on Jul 21^st, 2006, 1:36pm

I have a neurologist appointment 8-4-06. I'll be running into the 02 phenomenon then. I've never asked in the past because I can never sit still for long and I used to think my headaches were shorter than they actually are. Linda H suggested that I ask for O2 for at home, since my job entails running around and it wouldn't be practical for work.

I'm not good at confrontation. Anyone want to coach me?

Thanks, Charlotte

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by starlight on Jul 21^st, 2006, 1:48pm

Charlotte,

I hope you too do not run into the "O2 phenomenon"! I am starting to think O2 phenomenon may be something karmic for me??? Anyway, your neurologist may be very agreeable right off the bat--just make sure you emphasize that you would like oxygen--instead of letting them dictate what you will be getting. They may even offer you oxygen--this has never happened for me--but maybe for others??? The funny thing is is that the oxygen companies are more than willing to help you out--THEY have always been awesome to me--they know all about cluster sufferers (at least around here) but legally you need to give them a prescription to get ahold of the darn stuff (at least in this state). once you have the prescription you are gold. Also, oftentimes the oxygen company can/will give you a portable canister of oxygen tank along with the tank/machine you will have at home. you can easily bring that one to work with you. It is good to get oxygen :) Good luck to you, Starlight

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by starlight on Jul 21^st, 2006, 2:01pm

PS. One other thing, if you do encounter the "O2 Phenomenon", don't let them make you feel like you are asking for an "extra frill"--for many oxygen is an invaluable tool for treating breakthrough headaches or simply used all by itself to treat the occurrence of these cluster headaches. There is no reason why it should be denied to anyone with these headaches. Good luck!

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by paul2006 on Jul 21^st, 2006, 9:48pm

Charlotte, like Starlight said, your neuro might agree straight away.

My neuro told me that I need O2 as well as the verapamil and Imigran [Imitrex] because he/the [UK's] health service have a duty to ensure I have the best 'quality of life' possible...

Verapamil works great for me, but I still need the O2 & Imigran injections for those breakthrough ha's...

He said I need to have ALL the options available as it is my life and my pain and only I know how to deal with it all.

I know I am probably very lucky, but very grateful as well to have 'found' a neuro who cares.

Good luck to you Charlotte... will be thinking of you next week and let us know how you get on...

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by Skyhawk5 on Jul 21^st, 2006, 11:13pm

Make sure that you and the Dr know that you MUST have a NON-REBREATHER mask (NO nasal canula) and the regulator must be at least 10-15LPM. See the Oxygen Info link on the left of this page.

We suffer from a somewhat rare disorder and I have found many Dr.s have little knowledge of treatments for CH. We have to educate them. There is much more info on this site than the average Dr has about CH.

The best thing about O2 is it is not addictive, will not rot your insides, and works for many. There is no reason for a Dr not to give it other than ignorance . (no disrespect)

My two cents, Skyhawhk5 Don

Title: Re: Verapamil and O2
Post by rhino on Jul 24^th, 2006, 11:56pm

Why would you wait for a Doctor to give you Oxygen?
On the other hand have you ever priced the medical
grade stuff,, I am not paying that when the only differance is the paper work.
Everything revolves around oxygen for me, any kind of
med I am taking,, Red bull,, Coffee,, everything goes with Oxygen.
I have bottles at home,office,car and two cities that I
to travel to.
Wait for a Doctor to give you oxygen, you got to be jokeing. [smiley=laugh.gif]