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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Imitrex qestions from new user
        
(Message started by: gpolma on Aug 17^th, 2002, 4:30pm)

Title: Imitrex qestions from new user
Post by gpolma on Aug 17^th, 2002, 4:30pm

I am going through my first cycle of two weeks and counting, and a neurologist has diagnosed me (at age 39) as a cluster headache sufferer. I get one headache a night, waking me up about two hours after I go to sleep. I used an Imitrex self-injector for the first time last night and, to my amazement, it quickly eliminated the headache. Two questions: (i) Will I develop a tolerance, i.d., will Imitrex become less effective at eliminating my headaches after I've been using it for a while? (ii) Since I'd prefer to avoid frequent injections, how does the Imitrex inhaler compare in terms of speed and effectiveness?

Title: Re: Imitrex qestions from new user
Post by KaseyD on Aug 17^th, 2002, 5:03pm

I have been using Imitrex injections since they became available and I never developed a tolerance (thank God!!). However, I am an episodic user and tend to go long periods of time (more than a year) between cycles. I'm not sure if chronic sufferers get immuned. I was able to use the injections a minimum of twice in a 24 hour period for over 11 straight weeks and it worked perfect every time.

As far as the nasal spray goes - I tried it and it made me throw up and did absolutely nothing for my CH.

Title: Re: Imitrex qestions from new user
Post by Svenn on Aug 18^th, 2002, 3:43am

The only thing that work fast enough for us is the shots if you ask me.
6-9 minutes after taking the shot you are "normal"again :)

Svenn

Title: Re: Imitrex qestions from new user
Post by gills on Aug 18^th, 2002, 4:47am

Ive heard a lot of people who take Imitrex have heart attacks. I would find out more about this if I were you. Maybe other clusterheads can help here if they know about the dangers if any of Imitrex.

Gills

Title: Re: Imitrex qestions from new user
Post by Chronic on Aug 19^th, 2002, 1:20pm

Gill, I think you may be scaring people. While Imitrex has caused heart attacks for some people, it is only usually those with existing heart conditions. If you have a neuro with any sense, he won't prescribe Imitrex if you are at risk. I have been using Imitrex for over 5 years and I have never had a problem. As far as the original post.....I have never developed a "tolerance" for the stuff. As a matter of fact, my current cycle is going on 11 months, and it is still as effective as day 1. The nasal spray barely worked for me and it took a hell of a lot longer than the shots. While I'm not into being a human pin cushion, its a small price to pay to get rid of the devil.

PFDAN

Title: Re: Imitrex qestions from new user
Post by Ueli on Aug 19^th, 2002, 2:53pm

Gills,
From hearsay one learns to lie.

Before spreading horror stories you've heard somewhere you'd better read about indications and contraindications, by example by typing Imitrex or Sumatriptan into the search box of http://www.rxlist.com/ and read what comes up.

Do you want to frighten people away from the only thing that helps them?

PFNAD's
Ueli