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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> When imi stops working?
        
(Message started by: southwalessunshine on Oct 29^th, 2007, 2:01pm)

Title: When imi stops working?
Post by southwalessunshine on Oct 29^th, 2007, 2:01pm

hey all,
I'm writing this in between hits, which are happening within 20 ins of the last one stopping. I just finished a pred taper and had 11 PF days. I knew the CH would start as if it never stopped but this is ridiculous. it wasn't even this bad before the taper! For 3 days I've been hit non stop. nothing is helping. My Imi injections don't touch the pain which has really scared me as they were my last line of defence and haven't ever let me down before now.
The only thing I can put it down to is the fact I'm ow on verapamil. I had 2 weeks on 80 mg three times a day,now I'm coming up to 2 weeks of a higher dosage, of 160 mg twice a day. Now I know that verapamil can cause headaches but do they mean just normal headaches or killer one's? If this is a side affect then i'd rather be prevent free than cope with this. It's not too bad this week as the kids are off school but next week they go back to school, and if I'm like this i know I cannot do the school run etc.
Has anyone else experienced this with verapamil? Or am I just having a really bad run? Has anyone had a cycle when imi stopped working? Any advice would be gratefully recieved.

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by Brewcrew on Oct 29^th, 2007, 2:47pm

That's not really a high dose. Depending on your body weight, I've seen folks around here on anywhere from 480mg to over 1,000mg/day.

It works like a charm for me at 480mg/day, but I hate being on it due to the side effects. And yes, I used to get more frequent "hat band" headaches while taking it.

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by Ray on Oct 29^th, 2007, 2:49pm

Dear Southwalessunshine:

It's been a long time since I was on verapamil, but I've never had Imitrex "stop working". I think there are times when I'm in High Cycle that the frequency of the CH increases where I'm having them every 2 hours or so.

Have you tried O2 as an abortive? It may be just the thing to get you through...

Best wishes,

Ray

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by birdman on Oct 29^th, 2007, 4:47pm

I always swore by verap but have recently had second thoughts after I was forced to stop takign it due to heart rythmn problems. I am startign to think that verap made my cycle longer then necessary. Not sure but this cycle is verap free so I will find out. There have been some that trex has not helped as quickly but it usually kicks in eventually. Sorry about the tough road, hang in there!
Tim

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by southwalessunshine on Oct 29^th, 2007, 9:06pm

02 is taking the edge off,taking a kip 9 down to a kip 7 but that's all. I've had 2 trex injections a day for three days and it's doing nothing! usually I get the pressure feeling in my face, neck and chest and have to lie down til that passes, and by then it's kicked in and the Ch is aborted, but I'm not even getting the pressure feeling these last 3 days. I inject and lietherewaiting and waiting. No pressure and no relief. it's pretty darn scary.
Brecrew, you're right it's not a high dose which is why I'm concerned. I've only been on it coming up to 4 weeks, and it's only my second upping of dosage. i get an ecg and another up of dose on wednesday.Hatband is exactly what I'm getting , as well as constant hits. Is this what you got?Were they like normal headaches or intense? What other side effects did you have?

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by thebbz on Oct 29^th, 2007, 9:30pm

I have had topomax, Keppra, other prevents increase and intensify my CH.
Trex doesn't work all the time either. My doc had me mix up the triptans. AFTER 24 hours try frova or relpax. Use 02, other triptans, or caffeine to abort or minimize ,then hit it with the trex again. Never mix triptans.
I have used lithium for a transitional med with the prednisone. Seemed to hold off the return longer. Get better soon. The demon keeps me guessing, I feel it only polite to return the favor.
thebb

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by Brewcrew on Oct 29^th, 2007, 9:35pm

on 10/29/07 at 21:06:49, southwalessunshine wrote:

I got regular hits while the verapamil was reaching theraputic levels in my bloodstream. Then I learned to do a prednisone taper while the verapamil and lithium were building up (about a week).

The other side effects of verapamil were only two: constipation and sexual side-effects. That's why I don't like to take it anymore. But I will if I have to because it was very effective for me.

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by DennisM1045 on Oct 29^th, 2007, 9:39pm

Hi Sunshine,

I'm sorry to hear you are getting nailed like this. I've heard from others that coming off a pred taper can be hell for a few days. It's kind of like the beast making up for lost time. I've not heard of Imitrex not working at all though and I doubt its because of the Verapamil.

Is it possible you are suffering from Imitrex rebounds? I know if you take too much you can get some nasty rebound headaches. I'd stick with the O2 and call your Dr if this doesn't clear up by tomorrow.

Sending you PF wishes. Hang in there hon. You are tougher than the beast.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by Jonny on Oct 29^th, 2007, 9:45pm

If your like me and more folks, Imitrex will triple the amount of HA's you get, try Zomig....no rebounds and the half life is three times as long as Trex.

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by southwalessunshine on Oct 30^th, 2007, 4:36am

Thank you for your kind words guys. To answer a few questions,......zomig doesn't work for me, I tried maxalt and no results there. I don't think these headaches are rebound because i just came off a pred taper, no pain for 11 days. Then the first hit came and it had no effect, it's been the same since. Maybe a few rebounds have crept in yesterday because of the imi but that doesn't explain why it's having no effect on the pain. I'm seeing the doc tomorrow for my ecg, so i'll have a word then.

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by DennisM1045 on Oct 30^th, 2007, 12:48pm

Thanks for the update. PF Vibes coming your way. I hope the Doctor has some answers for you.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by southwalessunshine on Oct 30^th, 2007, 3:51pm

Hi all,
i saw the doc today and he says it looks as if I'm sensitive to the verapamil, which is why I'm getting the headaches and nausea. He says the reason why the Imi isn't working is because they're not true headaches, so that's a relief. Feeling a little more positive now. The only worry now is that i have to taper back down to 80 mg three times a day to see how I go and if I'm still experiencing the side effects I can come off it. I took a tablet this morning and am not taking anymore today. I took the last one at 7 this morning, and within 3/4 of an hour I had a headache, and come 6 tonight i was suddenly pain free. I'm dreading putting the next tablet in my mouth. i'm so tempted to just not take it, but I know i can't do that, but the thought of another week of these side effects is not a good thought. well' at least it's only a week eh?

Title: Re: When imi stops working?
Post by DennisM1045 on Oct 30^th, 2007, 9:50pm

Wow, I never heard that one before. I'm glad you have an answer. Is he going to try another prevent?

PF wishes to you my sister...

-Dennis-