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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Finally, Relief!!
        
(Message started by: JohnBoy on Jun 2^nd, 2002, 3:06pm)

Title: Finally, Relief!!
Post by JohnBoy on Jun 2^nd, 2002, 3:06pm

After 25 years of Cluster Headaches I have found something that works for me (or did during the last cluster attack last year). Over the years I have taken Sansert, Dalmane, Benadrel, Inderal, Decadron, Bellergal, Egotamine, Fiornial w/codine. Most of the time I took a combination of the drugs listed during the time the cluster lasted. Usually 2 to 4 headaches a day for a period of about 4 to six weeks about every 18 months to 2 years. Somestimes longer between episodes. No need to explain the pain. I could handle it as long as I knew the cycle would eventually run its course, and I had the meds to stop it/handle the pain. Anyway in January of 2001 I had another round of clusters. I went the Dr. (actually a PA this time) and he perscribed Maxalt (Rizatripan). He told me this would "do the trick". I told him I needed something for the pain too and he said I would not need it. I was skepeital to say the least. Actually mad at him for not giving me pain pills. I got the perscription filled and waited. That night I awoke with a CH and took a Maxalt (dissolves under the tongue). Within 10 minutes, it was completely gone. Not even pain medication could act that fast. I had a couple dozen clusters over the next few weeks and every time the Maxalt did its job. Usually within 5 to 10 minutes. During this time I also took the "preventive" type meds (steriods, beta blockers) but no pain medicine when I did get the headaches. Using a hot jelpack over the left side of the head helped as did inhaling hot spiced tea (sounds weird but it works). Don't know if anyone has used Maxalt, but it really helped me last year. I hope I never have to use it again, though. Has anyone else used Maxalt?

JohnBoy

Title: Re: Finally, Relief!!
Post by simpson1974 on Jun 2^nd, 2002, 3:09pm

I tried it once a couple of years ago. It seemed to help one time and not the next. Glad you're having better luck with it.

Title: Re: Finally, Relief!!
Post by Svenn on Jun 3^rd, 2002, 1:23am

I have tried maxalt,but it did not help me.Some clusterfriends say it does give them some relief.Have heard that it helps a lot of migraines.Sorry if i cant give any more info

Svenn

Title: Re: Finally, Relief!!
Post by Svenn on Jun 3^rd, 2002, 1:25am

I have tried maxalt,but it did not help me.Some clusterfriends say it does give them some relief.Have heard that it helps a lot of migraines.Sorry if i cant give any more info.But i have found the medication that help me.Imitrex shots. ;D

Svenn

Title: Re: Finally, Relief!!
Post by NotH20 on Jun 3^rd, 2002, 11:31am

Hey JohnBoy - I'm a believer in Maxalt (and Zomig too) - they both got rid of the pain totally in about 20 mins. I also use the Imitrex injections which works for me the best. ;D

Pain meds, in general, don't do the trick for the CH pain. Most of the people posting have found little luck w/ pains meds too.

Glad you found something that is helpful.

NotH20

Title: Re: Finally, Relief!!
Post by williamsmh on Jun 3^rd, 2002, 9:18pm

I've tried Maxalt... it worked some of the time (more than imitrex pills), but not as well as imitrex injections.

It also made me feel sick afterward... sort of like the imitrex nasal sprays do... I get a funky feeling in my head afterward (only the injections leave me totally pain free).

Mark