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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Flonase???
        
(Message started by: twsnnva on Jan 25^th, 2007, 6:51pm)

Title: Flonase???
Post by twsnnva on Jan 25^th, 2007, 6:51pm

Hi Everyone, I've been lurking on the forums for a while, just haven't had anything to say yet. The site is wonderful, I have used lots of info gathered here during my current cycle.

My normal aug-sept cycle began in June and is still going, maybe. I went to the doc because I had been feeling bad, and turns out I have a sinus infection. Along with amoxicillin, I was prescribed flonase. I began taking the meds that night. I wound up with a headache until about 2 that morning, I don't know if it was a bad sinus headache or shadows, but it finally went away and I got some sleep. I normally get a cluster in the morning, as I'm getting ready for work, but I didn't, and still haven't had one since. It's only been 2 days, but considering I have not been more than 12 hours headache-free since June, I'm optimistic. I am waiting for the next one though. I just *know* it's coming...

This is actually the second time I've been sick this cycle, and was give amoxicillin then also, so I doubted that was the "cure". I began looking at the flonase. Apparently, it is a corticosteroid, which is known to help those that suffer from cluster headache. Could this be it? I hope so, as no other prophylactic has helped me yet. Even better, intranasal corticosteroids like flonase are safe for regular use, unlike other forms.

Then again, maybe it was just time for the cycle to end. I'll update this in a few more days, or if I have another cluster. In the mean time, does anyone have any thoughts? Am I just grasping at straws?

Best wishes to you all,
Thomas

Title: flonase
Post by clavers on Jan 26^th, 2007, 11:24am

I started using flonase about a year age and for eleven months or so I was CH free. (I'm chronic) I thought that I had found the magic bullet, but around November the headaches returned. Mild at first but now they are classic. I am grateful for that year but disappointed that it did not last forever.

Title: Re: Flonase???
Post by twsnnva on Feb 3^rd, 2007, 6:56pm

Thank you for your reply clavers. I'm very sorry about your relapse. :'( I can't imagine how it would feel to believe they're gone for good, then getting hit. Is it common for chronic sufferers to have such long breaks?

Well, it's been nearly two weeks and I've yet to have a cluster. I did have a few rebounds, but that was to be expected. I don't know if it was the flonase that helped, but since I have a three months supply of the stuff, I see no reason not to keep using it. Either way, flonase is relatively inexpensive and safe, so it may be worthwhile for others to give it a shot, especially those that can't use BP meds for whatever reason.

Best wishes,
Thomas

Title: Re: Flonase???
Post by Wilbur on Feb 4^th, 2007, 9:03am

Flonase is a topical steroid as opposed to a systemic one (like prednisone). I could be wrong, but I don't believe the volume of the actual drug that is delivered in a nasal spray even comes close to what a person would normally take orally to stop clusters.

I've taken Flonase on and off for years. It usually takes a few days to start working (keeping my sinuses clear while I sleep), works well for a month or two, then stops or even makes my head slightly stuffier than without. Sometimes I'll switch between Flonase and Nasonex (a month or so each). Other times I just don't need it and will stay away from all topical steroid sprays.

I have severe sleep apnea and use CPAP while sleeping, so it is imperitive that my nasal passages stay clear. After years of using topical steroids up my nose, I can tell you that I have noticed no connection between them and the onset or disappearance of CH. Of course, that's just me. Your mileage may vary.

Title: Re: Flonase???
Post by clavers on Feb 5^th, 2007, 11:01am

One thing that is obvious about this disease is that what works for one person will not work for another. Also, the CH's will eventually find their way around almost any medicine. It is not only horrible, it is wierd.
To answer the question about chronics and the length of remissions, lithium gave me about four months, shrooms gave me three months and flonase about 10 months. That is all in a nine year period.