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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> 3rd shift and Melatonin
        
(Message started by: Patrick_A on Dec 26^th, 2007, 2:36am)

Title: 3rd shift and Melatonin
Post by Patrick_A on Dec 26^th, 2007, 2:36am

Hey ya'll,
I am about in the middle of my cycle now. I just tapered down off of Topamax because of the ineffectiveness of it. My next regimen was to be the Prednisone/Verapamil taper. I don't like these side effects and was trying to read up on all of the success people have had with other drug choices. 70% of my hits occur approx. 1-2 hours after I go to sleep.
My problem and question is about the week-end when I change my sleep to night-time.
Do I take the Melatonin no matter what time it is, or am I supposed to take it at a regular time? For example, I go to sleep during the week every morning about 9am, But, on the week-end, Friday and Saturday night I go to bed around 11pm.
Just looking for any and all advice.

Thanks, Patrick

Title: Re: 3rd shift and Melatonin
Post by nani on Dec 26^th, 2007, 2:46am

I think you should take it before you sleep, no matter what time that is.
That schedule must wreak havoc on your clusters. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is probably much better for you...but I guess it's a price paid for shift work. :-/

pf wishes, nani

Title: Re: 3rd shift and Melatonin
Post by E-Double on Dec 26^th, 2007, 6:47am

melatonin is produced during the day and released @ night by the body.........pardon the clinical language ;;D

I am not sure if it would be affective with your schedule but I don't think it could hurt.

I am not a doctor so don't take my word :)

Title: Re: 3rd shift and Melatonin
Post by circus1031 on Dec 26^th, 2007, 5:56pm

I'm about 20 days into a cycle at the moment. Not taking any medication, 0xygen or anything. Water during the day helps me a lot it's the night that bothers me. I started melatonin two weeks ago.

First week I took 9mg about an hour / half an hour before I went to bed (exact time doesn't matter I found that the first headache of the night comes about 2 and half hours after I got to bed and then another about 3 hours after that.)

During the 9mg week no real change, KIP scale about 7-8 every occurance.

Second week I upped the dosage to 12 mg. Same number of occurances but intensity dropped significantly about 4 or 5.

Yesterday upped to 15mg (I'm stopping there. 9-15 was the dosages I've read recommended by others.) So we'll see how that turns out.

Hope this helps.

Title: Re: 3rd shift and Melatonin
Post by Jobette on Dec 27^th, 2007, 9:50pm

I am a shift worker and I take my meds at my SLEEP time whatever that may be. You will just have to ajust your meds to your work schedule.