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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Migranal Nasal Spray
        
(Message started by: Ray on Sep 7^th, 2007, 1:42pm)

Title: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by Ray on Sep 7^th, 2007, 1:42pm

Hello:

I wanted to ask you all about your experience(s) with Migranal Nasal Spray. As a few of you may know, I am considering DHE infusions to give me a break from this awful high season of CH.

The neuro cannot possibly get me in for infusions until sometime next week and proposed that I try Migranal. I know that Imitrex (and other triptans) must be stopped for minimum of 24 hours of the use of this medication.

Nothing compares to first hand experience though, and this is one of the few medications that is used for headaches that I have NOT tried.

Thank you for your responses,

Ray

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by Karla on Sep 7^th, 2007, 4:13pm

I used it for about six months. Then I was introduced to imitrex. The migranol worked just as well but had some long term potential side effects I didn't want to deal with. I would recomend that you talk to a pharmacist about migranol compared to imitrex and see what your told and make a decision from there.

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by E-Double on Sep 7^th, 2007, 11:19pm

i used it prior to going into the hospital for dhe pretty much for the same reasons.
doctor couldn't get me in for another week and wanted to see if i could tolerate it.

It did not seem to abort nearly as quick, however, i do think that it had some preventative qualities

best of luck!!!

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by soulroach on Sep 8^th, 2007, 7:32am

I tried it for a little, results were so-so. Seemed to abort minor attacks, but did not kill the big bombers. It did lessen the severity, going from a 10 to a 6-7, but did not abort. I gave up on it rather quickly though going back to the trex, so my data isn't based on long term useage.

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by Brewcrew on Sep 8^th, 2007, 8:45am

I used it as my primary abortive for about a year, maybe 6 or 7 years ago. Did a pretty good job, but I hated having to go through the process of breaking the vial and assembling the spray contraption.

What I really couldn't stand was the stuffiness it caused.

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by Ray on Sep 8^th, 2007, 1:33pm

Thank you for the responses so far!

For some reason, the beast has been a bit less of a problem for the past few days, down to 3-4 CH a day from 8+, and the severity is down also.

I don't think I'll consider going inpatient at this time and may or may not use the migranal. If you have more feedback on this medication, I would still like to know!

The @#$%ed thing about the beast is he's so unpredictable. I could have a break of a few days, then have 8 the next.

I used to be better at just dealing with him when he comes and forgetting about him when the hit is over. Not wanting to let him drive my life or responses to situations. It seems to me to be much more in my face of late and I am not liking it.

Wishing you PF days and nights,

Ray

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by whart on Sep 8^th, 2007, 10:42pm

I had the full-on DHE drip via IV in the hospital last week for 2.5 days. It broke the cycle. The Doc gave me a pile of Migranal spray to use as 'maintenance' for about 4 or 5 days thereafter, ie, regular sprays, 3 times a day. I am now supposed to use the Migranal only if I get an attack, as an abortive, like Imitrex. Thankfully, I have not had to use it since getting off the stuff after the 5 day post-hospital interval.
I found that it had a fairly strong effect- but then again, so does Imitrex.
The Doc said that just using the spray would have been insufficient to break my cycle. I was in week 7, after trying all kinds of prophylactic meds and getting a serious Imitrex injection habit going. Obviously, I had to be off the Imitrex for 24 hours before I got near the DHE or Migranal. Perhaps your Doc wants you acclimated to the DHE before you go in, and off the Imitrex, in anticipation of the drip. (I don't know if ramping up on DHE would give you better results pre-hospital visit, because once i got to the hospital and got hooked up, I beat the headaches- first night there was largely pain free).
Bottom line- the DHE worked for me, to kill a difficult cycle that was not responding to the usual cycle of prophylactic meds.
I also agree that the nasal congestion from the Migranal was more than annoying.

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by Ray on Sep 10^th, 2007, 5:11pm

It turns out that the warehouse for CVS no longer stocks this medication. I may never get a chance to try it. That could turn out to be a good thing.

Ray

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by cash5542 on Sep 11^th, 2007, 5:29pm

Check your pm

Charlotte

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by UN solved on Sep 11^th, 2007, 6:55pm

Ray - If you've got an RX for Migranol, you can get it by ordering online if you can't get it locally. I'd supply a link, but the only other pharmacy I've dealt with that'll mail out RX's is Pharmacy Solutions in Michigan.

Migranol is DHE spray and is a very powerful vasoconstrictor. You already know not to mix with Triptans or you may trigger a 'cardiac event'.

Migranol Sprays and DHE IM injections are not as powerful as inpatient IV infusions, but you still need to watch for side effects like whitening of the extremeties (constriction of blood flow), and pain in the knees, legs, and arms.

Goodluck & be careful :)

UNsolved

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by Ray on Sep 12^th, 2007, 2:47pm

Mike and all of my CH family:

I was going to let this thread fade into obscurity. However, I received a call from the CVS and they have the Migranol NS waiting for me to pick up.

The bottom line is this: The computer at the pharmacy had quantity 6 per box of the NS. That has been discontinued and now the packages contain 8 per box.

When the pharmacy ordered the medication, that was discontinued, with no references to the newer packaging.

I have to make it 24 hours+ without Imitrex before I can try the Migranol.

Thank you all for your input, I should have this later today.

With PF wishes,

Ray

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray - Updated
Post by Ray on Sep 15^th, 2007, 8:16pm

Update:

I've been PF for 4 days after using migranal NS for 48 hours, 3x per day. I don't know how long this will last, but I welcome the break.

PF wishes to all of you,

Ray

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by Brewcrew on Sep 15^th, 2007, 10:25pm

DHE is some pretty amazing shit, Ray. You just don't want to get into the habit of using it as a prevent. Not good for the ol' ticker.

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray
Post by Ray on Sep 15^th, 2007, 11:54pm

on 09/15/07 at 22:25:22, Brewcrew wrote:

DHE is some pretty amazing shit, Ray. You just don't want to get into the habit of using it as a prevent. Not good for the ol' ticker.

10-4 Good Buddy. This is a Neuro's compromise to use in place of going in-patient for 3 days. I needed a break!

Ray

Title: Re: Migranal Nasal Spray - Updated
Post by DennisM1045 on Sep 16^th, 2007, 7:45am

on 09/15/07 at 20:16:10, Ray wrote:

I've been PF for 4 days after using migranal NS for 48 hours, 3x per day. I don't know how long this will last, but I welcome the break.

That's awesome Ray! I'm glad you are getting a break. God knows you were due for one. Enjoy your PF time.

-Dennis-