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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> when is the preventative going to kick in?
        
(Message started by: mezza on Mar 20^th, 2008, 10:00pm)

Title: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by mezza on Mar 20^th, 2008, 10:00pm

i went to the neuro the other day- thought I got script for verapamil , but actually turned out to be cardizem , but did get script for oxygen ( not delivered yet) and changed steriod taper - this is my third try at a taper in 3 weeks ( started at 60 for 3 , 40 for three- got hit at 40 - so got shot and started taper again at 40 for 1 week, 20 for 1 etc) Haven't been cluster free since a week and half ago when i tapered to 40. ) Medrol packs aborted my past cycles the first day- starting that again tommorrow for the heck of it!

I am taking 240 mg of cardizem today is my second day. Today I got 3 hits ( one at 12:30 am this morning, one at 7:45 am and one at 8pm). I until yesterday have only been getting one per day - middle of the night despite trying melantonin

So my question- how long does it take to for calcium channel blockers to kick in? Does it sometimes get worse before the prevents take effect? Could this bad time indicate the end of the cycle?

I am trying to remain hopeful. I have never had an episode that lasted 3 weeks. All of my cycles have been stopped by medrol packs in the first week.

Any thoughts?

I

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by brewcrew on Mar 20^th, 2008, 10:05pm

10-14 days.

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by mezza on Mar 20^th, 2008, 10:09pm

WOW! I was so hopeful yesterday- i just am having a hard time imagining 10-14 days more of this!

Luckily I don't have to work next week but I do have a colonoscopy scheduled. Should I cancel that due to sedation meds they may give?

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by brewcrew on Mar 20^th, 2008, 10:19pm

That's a question you need to ask your doctor.

Most people who start up a preventative also start a prednisone taper at the same time if the next 10-14 days promise to suck.

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by mezza on Mar 20^th, 2008, 10:50pm

thanks brewcrew! i am on the pred taper - starting over again tommorrow- not too hopeful though!

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by superhawk2300 on Mar 20^th, 2008, 11:49pm

yeah i am pretty reliable at about 2 weeks myself.

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by thebbz on Mar 20^th, 2008, 11:56pm

I've never had a prevent do anything but piss the demon off, and make things worse. You will do better.
all the best
thebb

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by Linda_Howell on Mar 21^st, 2008, 12:00am

Quote:

i just am having a hard time imagining 10-14 days more of this!

:-X Drop in the bucket. You will get through this, I pormise you will.

Head up....and onward through the fog with everyone here behind you.

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by Guiseppi on Mar 21^st, 2008, 10:15am

I use lithium and it takes about 10-14 days to ramp up. Like Brew said, I use a 2 week pred paer while I'm waiting for the lithium to kick in. But on or off cycle, I always have several full E-Tanks of oxygen. I've found it'll aften take a week or two to get into the doctor so I never let the 02 supply run low.

Like Linda said, you can do it. [smiley=hug.gif]

Guiseppi

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by mezza on Mar 21^st, 2008, 10:27pm

feeling better already today thanks for the kind wishes-

no hits yet today after 4 yesterday- even took 4 hour nap today!!

:)

Title: Re: when is the preventative going to kick in?
Post by brewcrew on Mar 21^st, 2008, 11:04pm

on 03/21/08 at 22:27:29, mezza wrote:

even took 4 hour nap today!!

Isn't that a great feeling?