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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> just started meds please help
        
(Message started by: nikasakki on Jan 20^th, 2007, 10:37am)

Title: just started meds please help
Post by nikasakki on Jan 20^th, 2007, 10:37am

Hello everyone. the quick story. 34 years old have had these headaches since 19 years old. 5 years ago I finally went to the doctor and after mri and cat scans dr says I have clusters. Although I dont really get the droopy eye but the right one closes more then the left while being attacked. Anyhow 3 years back I was subscribed Imitrex which I never took because after the vist with neurologist they went away for 2.5 years. A month ago a cycle started up went and got the Imitrex injections, which I really dont like to take but they work so whatevr. Questions - he says only take two shots per day. but I get four headaches per day? also this morning I took a shot at 6am how long will that shot take me ...will I get another ch during the day now? what happens if I take 3 6mg shots per day or if needed? I was also prescribed Medrol and Calan sr for hypertension..I hate taken meds but I had a 10 yesterday and now I will take whatever nesc to get rid of the pain...any suggestions would be great.

Title: Re: just started meds please help
Post by Kevin_M on Jan 20^th, 2007, 10:46am

The calan (verapamil) could be uses as a preventative for CH.

Over to the left on the tabs, click on Imitrex tip.

Welcome

Title: Re: just started meds please help
Post by nani on Jan 20^th, 2007, 10:50am

Also look at the oxygen info link. If you hate meds, this may be your answer (for an abortive, not a prevent, though). Is your Medrol a taper? It's not good to be on it for a long time...
pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: just started meds please help
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jan 20^th, 2007, 11:42am

Headache. 2004 Feb;44(2):178-82.

Frequent triptan use: observations on safety issues.

Robbins L.

Department of Neurology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. 60062, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety of frequent triptan use over extended periods. For a small group of patients with refractory migraine plus chronic daily headache, triptans are effective. METHODS: This retrospective study primarily evaluated the cardiac safety of daily triptan use in 118 patients and, in addition, hematologic tests were assessed. Each patient had utilized a triptan for a minimum of 4 days per week for at least 6 months. Patients with rebound headache had been withdrawn from the triptans. Most patients (97 of 118) averaged 1 tablet daily; most would occasionally go for several days without a triptan. Forty patients had taken a triptan for 6 months to 2 years, 37 patients from 2 to 4 years, and 41 for 4 or more years. RESULTS: Routine hematologic tests were performed periodically on all patients, and no abnormalities were attributable to triptans. Almost all patients had an electrocardiogram, and no abnormal electrocardiograms were felt to be related to triptans. Cardiac echocardiography was performed in 57 patients. The 10 abnormal echocardiograms were not due to triptans. All 20 cardiac stress tests revealed normal findings. Adverse events were minimal; 9 patients described fatigue due to triptans, and 5 had mild chest tightness. CONCLUSION: This long-term study of 118 patients indicates that frequent triptan use may be relatively safe.

PMID: 14756859 [PubMed ]
====================================================================
Funct Neurol. 2000 Jul-Sep;15(3):167-70.

Sumatriptan overuse in episodic cluster headache: lack of adverse events, rebound syndromes, drug dependence and tachyphylaxis.

Centonze V, Bassi A, Causarano V, Dalfino L, Cassiano MA, Centonze A, Fabbri L, Albano O.

Dept of Internal Medicine and Public Medicine, University of Bari, Italy.

This observational study was designed to examine the pattern of sumatriptan use in patients with cluster headache using more than the recommended daily dose of subcutaneously injected (s.c.) sumatriptan. Thirteen patients suffering from episodic cluster headache were asked to record the characteristics of their attacks and drug intake for 1 year. All reported a high daily frequency of attacks (more than 3 per day) and the related overuse of s.c. sumatriptan. The results show that the overall incidence of adverse events among patients receiving sumatriptan injections for the treatment of cluster headache is low. The extended administration of this drug in episodic cluster headache did not result in tolerance problems or tachyphylaxis. Only 4 patients experienced minor adverse events and recovered more slowly than the others. They suffered from migraine without aura and cluster headache, and showed a family history of migraine. Even though they must be viewed with caution, due to the observational nature of the study and the low number of patients included, these results suggest that the profile of sumatriptan may differ in cluster headache compared with migraine.

PMID: 11062845

Title: Re: just started meds please help
Post by BlueMeanie on Jan 20^th, 2007, 12:39pm

Welcome Nika,

Try to get some 02, it'll save you from taking so many shots. If you use the Imitrex tip, you can take 1/2 shot at a time. For me it's good for about 8 hours before the next one returns. Check on prevents too. They may not stop a hit, but may reduce the intensity and/or frequency.

Good luck and PF vibes heading your way.

Title: Re: just started meds please help
Post by froggy on Jan 20^th, 2007, 1:19pm

I think these guys have pretty much covered it.