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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Combination meds
        
(Message started by: Wartooth on Jun 7^th, 2007, 12:52pm)

Title: Combination meds
Post by Wartooth on Jun 7^th, 2007, 12:52pm

Hi all,

Although I do not post much, I have been signed on to this site for a few years. I normally do not post, but read most of your posts for suggestions. Anyway, it has been 1.5 years since my last ep and they are back. The 1.5 years is the longest I have ever gone. My neurologist had me on imitrex stat dose which really does the trick for me. However, he also combines it with 40mg of prednisone twice a day. I hate taking the pred with all the bloating and restlessness, so I decided not take it when the onset begain three weeks ago. The headaches started off slow with low pain as usual, but then started to ramp up. I was getting approx 5-6 a day and going through the imitrex like water. I decided to start taking the pred and they have slowed to 1-2 a day this past week since being back on. It seems that the pred does not stop them completely, but sure seems to spread them out and lengthen the time between attacks. It may be something for you to think about as somewhat preventative. And, getting a scrip for 240 10mg pills is cheap and insurance has no problem covering it. Anyone else found success with prednisone, aside for the usual side effects from taking a steroid?

Title: Re: Combination meds
Post by Wartooth on Jun 7^th, 2007, 1:06pm

Also, I wanted to mention amerge. It seems to help at night. Alslo, I take maxalt disolve 10mg tabs when I can bear a longer headache and take a rest from the imitrex. My pharmacist goes nuts when I get refills on everything as he states they all do the same thing. However, I use each med at different times and depends upon whether I have to slow down on taking the imitrex. BTW, another helpful hint for those that are only allotted 8 injections per refill. Have your doctor write out the prescription for 8 "boxes" The pharmacy still turns it into your insurance as 8, even though you will get now get 16 injections (two per box). Its been working for me...

Title: Re: Combination meds
Post by Kevin_M on Jun 7^th, 2007, 3:07pm

Most episodics would be familiar with prednisone, taken at the start of a cycle in a descending taper over 10-14 days only while a preventative is worked up to an effective level, which cuts down the number of hits or even eliminates them if the preventative works very well. Oxygen then is an excellent abortive also for much less trex use.

Title: Re: Combination meds
Post by E-Double on Jun 7^th, 2007, 7:45pm

Prednisone should not be taken haphazardly!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Combination meds
Post by lionsound on Jun 8^th, 2007, 2:55pm

You really should NOT mix different the different triptans (trex, amerge, maxalt) within 24 hours of each other!!! it could be life threatening.