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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Coming out of cycle or is it the medicine??
        
(Message started by: marcko00 on Apr 7^th, 2002, 8:44am)

Title: Coming out of cycle or is it the medicine??
Post by marcko00 on Apr 7^th, 2002, 8:44am

Hi,
I was wondering, how do you tell if you are coming out of a cycle, or is it the preventative (pred and v) kicking in? What is the downside of taking these meds longterm if you are out of the cycle and don't need them

Thanks,
Mark

Title: Re: Coming out of cycle or is it the medicine??
Post by Lori on Apr 7^th, 2002, 12:00pm

This is my first cycle ever being treated with proper meds. I am on verapamil and topamax. Never did start pred because by the time I was able to get to the neuro, I was 4 weeks into my cycle. Usually my cycles last only 6 weeks and usually get a cycle once every 2 years. So, I am in my 7th week and it is not over yet but I have not had explosive ha's since meds kicked in. Only took 3 days for verapamil to kick in for me. May not be the case for everyone. I see myself as blessed. So I'd rather prolong my cycle if that be the case with much less pain than what I would have been in for without the meds. I am assuming I will know my cycle is over when i know longer feel shadows, twinges or any breakthrough HA's. This is just my experience...but like I said this is the first time I've ever been diagnosed and treated for my CH and I've been episodic for 12 yrs.
Good luck and PFDAN

Title: Re: Coming out of cycle or is it the medicine??
Post by kim on Apr 7^th, 2002, 12:11pm

Lori, was glad to hear you doing so well Us episodics are blessed comparatively speaking. Big Smile and best wishes.

As for coming out of cycle, you will "feel it". That's my best (feeble) explanation. HOWEVER, regarding pred (prednisone?). I THINK that it is a no no to take prednisone long term. I only used it once (going back some years) I think you are supposed to wean off it. I also think that it could be detrimental to suddenly stop taking it. So, my advice is to ask your doctor about letting go of the meds. Good luck! :) Kim
PS: I made the really dumb mistake and just stopped taking it. Well, you had to be there, but it was HIDEOUS. Totally palsied me out and face went red and flushed to the point scared the hell outa me. I went to get out of bed and literally HIT THE FLOOR. And so, reiterating the importance to keep communication w/dr.

Title: Re: Coming out of cycle or is it the medicine??
Post by NotH20 on Apr 7^th, 2002, 2:22pm

I totally agree with Kim - Prednisone should NOT be taken for a long period of time. It is a drug that is given to you to shock your system and to give you some relief from the beast...and maybe even allow your body to react with the other meds you are taking....Prednisone should be tappered off - not stopped all together. Definitely check with your doc on this med - also check out this site and OUCH for some more specifics.

As for the Verapamil - my neuro says that drug is okay to be on for a longer period of time - it's one of the more "innocent" drugs (if that exists ??? ) Depending on your dosage, you may need to have your blood pressure checked periodically.

If you are out of a cycle - you probably want to give your body a rest from all medication if at all possible. I'm not a doc, but I would think that our bodies need a break from all that we put them thru to get some relief....

Good luck to you,
NotH20