Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrate
        
(Message started by: mroc71 on Jul 29^th, 2006, 12:15am)

Title: im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrate
Post by mroc71 on Jul 29^th, 2006, 12:15am

Afeter suffering from CH for 16 years, i finally figured out what was wrong with me, no thanx to the many doctors/accupucturists i've seen. needless to say, i'm relieved that not only do i know whats wrong with me now, but i'm not the only one who suffers from this condition....now knowing, again no thanx to the doc, all the thanx to the good 'ole interweb, i was perscribed "ergotamine tartrate" ive been in my first cycle in more than 2 years, this one being the worst, on the kip scale, i've been hovering around 4-5, this stuff, so far seems to be sedating them aliitle, has anyone else tried this stuff???? thanx
mw

Title: Re: im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrat
Post by nani on Jul 29^th, 2006, 10:22am

Hi mroc, welcome and sorry we have to meet here.
I really can't help you with this question, I can't take that. I do however, live close. Check your PMs (upper right on this board). I'm looking forward to talking with you.
pf wishes, nani

Title: Re: im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrat
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jul 29^th, 2006, 1:45pm

I used it for many years even after Imitrex came to the market (it is too expensive for me). But, several of us have shifted to this med which is giving 100% response within 20-minutes for a much lower cost per dose compared to the triptans.

You should review the meds survey on the left. Valuable data.

Headache 2001 Sep;41(8):813-6

Olanzapine as an Abortive Agent for Cluster Headache.

Rozen TD.

Department of Neurology, Jefferson Headache Center/Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate olanzapine as a cluster headache abortive agent in an open-label trial. BACKGROUND: Cluster headache is the most painful headache syndrome known. There are very few recognized abortive therapies for cluster headache and fewer for patients who have contraindications to vasoconstrictive drugs. METHODS: Olanzapine was given as an abortive agent to five patients with cluster headache in an open-label trial. The initial olanzapine dose was 5 mg, and the dose was increased to 10 mg if there was no pain relief. The dosage was decreased to 2.5 mg if the 5-mg dose was effective but caused adverse effects. To be included in the study, each patient had to treat at least two attacks with either an effective dose or the highest tolerated dose. RESULTS: Five patients completed the investigation (four men, one woman; four with chronic cluster, one with episodic cluster). Olanzapine reduced cluster pain by at least 80% in four of five patients, and two patients became headache-free after taking the drug. Olanzapine typically alleviated pain within 20 minutes after oral dosing and treatment response was consistent across multiple treated attacks. The only adverse event was sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: Olanzapine appears to be a good abortive agent for cluster headache. It alleviates pain quickly and has a consistent response across multiple treated attacks. It appears to work in both episodic and chronic cluster headache.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Olanzapine has a brand name of "Zyprexa" and is a antipsychotic. Don't be put off by this primary usage. Several of the drugs used to treat CH are cross over applications, that is, drugs approved by the FDA for one purpose which are found to be effective with unrelated conditions--BJ.

Title: Re: im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrat
Post by ccbiggsoo7 on Aug 16^th, 2006, 2:57pm

tried it for about a year, worked but ws slow. imitrex shots much faster. that shit tastes horrible too. good luck

Title: Re: im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrat
Post by Bob P on Aug 16^th, 2006, 6:49pm

I've used it for 35 years.

"cafergot" - pills, inhaler, sublingual tabs.

It is slow and marginal in effectiveness. Some studies have shown it somewhat effective as a preventative. Subjects take a tab twice a day to prevent attacks.

Trouble is you are not supposed to take more than ten hits a week. When you are getting hit 3 times a day it just doesn't compute. I have, at times, taken up to 25 tabs in a week. I get cold fingers and toes due to the reduced blood circulation but haven't had any didgets fall off yet.

Title: Re: im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrat
Post by unsolved1 on Aug 16^th, 2006, 6:52pm

Make sure you don't mix this with Triptans, DHE, or other Ergotamines !!

Goodluck

UNsolved

Title: Re: im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrat
Post by Jasmyn on Aug 16^th, 2006, 8:47pm

I used Ergot "Cafergot" for a few years as a preventative with added Belladonna. It worked relatively fine as a preventative until it stopped working at all. I always have cold hands and feet but it was even worse then.

Look on this link (http://www.drugs.com/MTM/ergotamine.html) at:
What other drugs will affect ergotamine?

just to be on the safe side.

Title: Re: im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrat
Post by chewy on Aug 16^th, 2006, 10:07pm

Glad it is working for you but "ergotamine tartrate" sounds like something served on crackers at a gay bistro.

Title: Re: im new, just got perscribed ergotamine tartrat
Post by jon019 on Aug 16^th, 2006, 10:45pm

Hi mroc71,

Yup, used ergotamine tartrate in the mid to late 80's. One of the few treatment my docs at the time had to offer. Somewhat effective but OMG what a terrible taste.
Have always believed only a clusterhead (through desperation) would subject themselves to THAT!

Early in the 90's it was stopped being produced and I moved on (without much regret). If it works for you, GREAT. Always worth a try.

My current regimen includes solu medrol to break a cycle, verapamil to prevent, and oxygen inhalation therapy for break throughs. You REALLY need to try this. Inexpensive (get a clustermask) no side effects, and rapid.

Welcome and read on, you will find here what is available nowhere else.

Regards

Jon