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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
        
(Message started by: EstieSA on Oct 29^th, 2007, 3:46pm)

Title: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by EstieSA on Oct 29^th, 2007, 3:46pm

Hi all

I tend to READ much more than post , but need to ask a question:

I am currently on 2000mg Neurontin daily, and lately had at least one breakthrough per day.

My Dr wants to combine/supplement the Neurontin with either Topamax or Verapamil.

1) Can I do a Dexamethasone/Prednisone taper for relief as well as to let the T/max or Verap. settle in while continuing the Neurontin?

2) Which is best as a taper ?

PF wishes!

Title: Re: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by DennisM1045 on Oct 29^th, 2007, 9:56pm

Hi Estie! I was on Neurontin and Verapamil for about a month. I couldn't hack the side effects of the Neurontin and had to stop it. I'm still on Verapamil.

Neurontin made me really fuzzy most of the time. I never got used to it. But when I think of combining that with Topomax, well let's just say you'd better get good at writing notes to yourself.

Wishing you PFDAN.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by Globi77411 on Nov 9^th, 2007, 5:22am

Topamax made me feel like floating around in a balloon all day. Even simple problems (like things with the computer) seemed big. Just sitting in front of the screen….and no idea at all what to do. I’ll never use topamax again. But it will help some people without too many side affects.

Title: Re: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by bladewell on Nov 11^th, 2007, 7:38pm

The American Indians had a cure for cluster headaches. They used to cut a small hole in the skull to release the evil spirits. It worked due to the fact that it releaved pressure. I would like to say that we have come a long way. [smiley=huh.gif]
My first bout with the evil spirits started over 30 years ago. As far as I am concerned, I am far more educated on the subject than any of the Docs I have seen.

The T-Max and V-Mil is the best thing I have found for me yet. The problem with it for me, is that it knocks you on your butt until you get used to it. For me, if I stop taking them, I get to wake in the middle of the night in the worst pain since the last time.

It seems to me that things work, then, over time, they don't. I have to say that I am sick of it. I hoped as I grew older they would go away. I just have a simple wish. Find the cause and treat it, the evil spirit in the form of a headache from hell will no longer be an issue.

Title: Re: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by Gator on Nov 12^th, 2007, 9:05am

on 11/11/07 at 19:38:35, bladewell wrote:

I'd like to say we've come a long way as well, but we won't go anywhere if people keep spreading bogus information as fact.

Cutting/drilling a hole in the skull would not cure cluster headaches. (If so, Ali would be our patron saint. :P) The pain is not caused by pressure inside the skull. The immediate pain of CH is caused by swollen blood vessels pressing against the branches of the trigeminal nerve, primarily the ophthalmic and maxilary branches.

Title: Re: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by kcopelin on Nov 12^th, 2007, 10:37am

How about leeches?

Gee Gator, you mean I should not have drilled that hole in my skull? ::)

Seriously, ancient egyptians, greeks, romans, and aboriginal peoples on every continent used trepaning (sp?) to cure all manner of illness. Did it work? Well, since the patients usually died-therefore no longer had whatever ailed them-I suppose it did.

Seriously, its not about pressure its about extremely dialated blood vessels-and a dicey hypothalumus.

PFDAN y'all,
kathy

Title: Re: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by puppylove41 on Nov 12^th, 2007, 6:07pm

Husband was on 3600mg and Topamax he was spacey but it did not help headaches

Title: Re: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by E-Double on Nov 12^th, 2007, 8:13pm

I couldn't find any interactions between neurontin and topomax however why anyone would want to take one nasty mood stabilizer and add it to another is beyond me.
I do not mean you but why your doctor would go that route.
Verapamil would be more like it.

You are on a very high dose of neurontin at the moment so I do not know what you are expecting by adding to the cocktail.
Another med will not necessarily get rid of your 1 breakthrough.

I personally would stay put and abort with whatever method you use and not add anymore meds.

Just me.

Oh yeah........I had horrible side effects with neurontin and topomax. Verapamil standard release did help somewhat.

Good luck

Title: Re: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by EstieSA on Nov 13^th, 2007, 3:17pm

on 11/12/07 at 20:13:40, E-Double wrote:

You are on a very high dose of neurontin at the moment ...Another med will not necessarily get rid of your 1 breakthrough.

I personally would stay put and abort with whatever method you use and not add anymore meds.

Just me.
Good luck

A bit of feedback:

I am busy tapering OFF Neurontin and ONTO Topamax whilst taking a steroid taper.

Reason being is that Neurontin has become ineffective.

It is still early days but I'm hoping for the best.

Topamax question:

Is it better to take 50mg twice daily vs 100mg once off at bedtime ?

Title: Re: Verapamil/Topamax/Neurontin combo's ?
Post by Gator on Nov 14^th, 2007, 5:41pm

You couldn't pay me to take Dopeymax again, but it does work for some people.

BarbaraD says she gets maximum relief and minimum "dopeyffect" by taking it all before bedtime. We're all different though. All you can do is try and see what works best for you.