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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> I don't like the sound of this
        
(Message started by: BobG on Mar 29^th, 2002, 10:29pm)

Title: I don't like the sound of this
Post by BobG on Mar 29^th, 2002, 10:29pm

I'm not a wiz but this serotonin thing doesn't sound very good.

Copy and pasted from
http://www.achenet.org/news/older/

A syndrome of thunderclap headache, stroke and seizures occurring with the use of multiple serotonin-active drugs was described in a case report in the January 8 issue of Neurology. Two patients experienced the Call-Fleming syndrome (a sudden and severe headache, seizures, and other neurological symptoms) that was attributed to combined use of serotonin-active drugs. Drugs with serotonin-stimulating effects are common and include antidepressants, anti-migraine agents, decongestants, diet pills, amphetamines, St. John’s wort, and several illicit drugs, including Ecstasy, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Two of the patients described in the report developed stroke after combining serotonin-active drugs. The use of multiple or high-dose serotonin-active drugs is already known to cause "serotonin syndrome," which is characterized by confusion, restlessness, muscle spasm, shivering, tremor, and sweating. Patients taking anti-migraine and/or anti-depressant medications should ask their doctor's or pharmacist's advice before taking other serotonin medications (including over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies and the herbal St. John's wort).

Title: Re: I don't like the sound of this
Post by chjohn on Mar 29^th, 2002, 11:06pm

Interesting. Especialy that decongestants are included in the list, with the sinus congestion that accompanies C.H. attacks, and my sinus problems, I take Sudephedrine pretty much daily. And if I understand correctly, C.H. itself upsets the Seratonin levels in us special folks. Maybe that's why I always feel cold when I have a C.H. attack, even a mild one? I put on a sweat shirt, and a wool cap. Even when I am able to go back to bed, I leave the wool cap on.
Sudephedrin is one of the primary ingredients in Meth Anphedamine you know?
John

Title: Decongestants
Post by ave on Mar 30^th, 2002, 6:07am

John,

there is a great decongestant that does not mess with serotonin levels. It is what old fachioned doctores used to prescribe before the pharmaceutical industry took over.

All you need is an eyedropper and a glass of lukewarm to warm water in which you have stirred a small teaspoon of ordinary salt.

Just drip it in, head well back and let it do its work. You can treat earaches with this too - just tilt your head all the way to the afflicted side.

Maybe feeling cold has more to do with blood vessels constricting after the attack, but it would be better not to take meds anyway, right?

Good luck

Title: Re: I don't like the sound of this
Post by NotH20 on Mar 30^th, 2002, 9:24am

Feeling cold ???

I thought it was just me!!!! I never feel cold during the attack - usually become extremely hot and end up taking most of my clothes off - my insides seem to be on FIRE - but after the peak and it is eventually subsiding (usually right after the Imitrex starts working) I become SOOOOO cold that my partner usually brings me a blanket/quilt that was thrown in the clothes dryer for a while to keep me warm. I get so cold that I am actually shaking & shivering.......I guess I'm glad to hear that someone else experiences that same sympton.

PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!

NotH20

Title: Hot/Cold not surprising
Post by Bob_P on Mar 30^th, 2002, 1:01pm

Since it is likely that the hypothalamus is involved in cluster headaches.

The hypothalamus also controls body temperature.

Also, even after the attack is over, the vasso-constrictors we take to stop the attack are still working. All of our blood vessels are constricted stopping the transfer of core heat to the extremities so we get cold.

Title: Re: I don't like the sound of this
Post by williamsmh on Mar 30^th, 2002, 9:58pm

My Doctor told me about the seratonin issues with multiple drugs. He had me go to a psychiatrist to balance my anti-depresant and my imitrex because he was concerned about the possibility of the things mentioned.

Psychiatrists supposedly know more about the use of psychotropic meds that affect seratonin. The guy I went to said that it would be fine as long as all I was taking was an SSRI and imitrex. He said DO NOT take Saint John's Wort and never take a super high dose of SSRI (paxil, prozac, zoloft, celexa). The MAO inhibitor anti-depressants are the ones you really have to worry about.....

Mark