Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Propranolol
        
(Message started by: Alylonna on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 11:42am)

Title: Propranolol
Post by Alylonna on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 11:42am

Hi,

I was only diagnosed as having cluster headaches this morning. I am a migraine sufferer but for the last 6 weeks have been having banging headaches, blocked right sinus and nausea. My doctor has prescribed me propranolol (beta blocker) in an effort to prevent the attacks happening. I can't see anywhere that this is an accepted treatment. Has anyone else been given beta blockers and do they work?

Title: Re: Propranolol
Post by LeLimey on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 12:34pm

It's one of the older treatments for CH that isn't used so much any more. Its what we call a preventative which means it works on blocking attacks rather than helping when you get one. The meds we use to stop an attack once started are called abortives - have you been prescribed any of those at all?

I've just answered your post on the new board and then seen this as well. Don't worry, we will get you sorted! If you can answer the qestions on there then we can go some way to recommending other things that you can suggest to your GP

Hope that helps a bit!!
Helen

Title: Re: Propranolol
Post by Alylonna on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 1:05pm

No I haven't been prescribed any abortives. I think he just wanted to see how I got on with these first.

Title: Re: Propranolol
Post by LeLimey on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 1:17pm

You need to see a proper neuro hon, I'm pleased your doc has at least heard of CH but you need an accurate diagnosis and up to date treatment. We'll do all we can to help you get both.

Helen

Title: Re: Propranolol
Post by Rosybabe on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 1:55pm

HI! Welcome Aly!!
when you get to see your Doctor it will be helpful if you show him this information:
http://www.plainboard.com/ch/chtherapy.pdf

Hope you get to feel better soon!

Rosy.

Title: Re: Propranolol
Post by Alylonna on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 5:09pm

Thanks so much for all the information. Having read a lot of what I can find on the site I'm not convinced cluster headaches is what I have. I have a high pain threshold but I don't think the headaches are severe enough. There are a lot of similarities and symptoms of CH that match up but I don't know...

Title: Re: Propranolol
Post by LeLimey on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 5:14pm

It IS confusing at first hon, don't be too put off though. Like in the X Files, the answer is out there! In the meantime we do understand the pain, the fear, the depression, the worry - we'll help.

You absolutely definitely need that neuro appt though!!

If you need help getting that through your doctors head let me know okay? And please - if you do ONE thing - PLEASE DO NOT WAIT WEEKS BEFORE ASKING. Please go to your doctor on Monday and get that referral okay?

The sooner we get you sorted the sooner you can take your life back :)

Title: Re: Propranolol
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Nov 3^rd, 2007, 12:48am

I think the thing that helps is a calcium channel blocker, not just a beta blocker.
I take propranolol for another condition, it does nothing for the CH.

Title: Re: Propranolol
Post by Charlotte on Nov 4^th, 2007, 5:32pm

I took propranolol for 3 or 4 months in 2006 and it knocked the 8's down to 6's, which was a great relief. Unfortunately, for me, I was one of the ones whose libido it killed so my husband asked me to stop taking it and try something else.

Charlotte