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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Comming off Clonidine/Dixarit
        
(Message started by: Daujamara on Sep 9^th, 2002, 10:09am)

Title: Comming off Clonidine/Dixarit
Post by Daujamara on Sep 9^th, 2002, 10:09am

Hi, My husband has made a huge discision, he's trying to quit taking the medicine that has been subscribed for his clusterheadaches which is Dixarit/Clonidine.
He has been taking this medicine for over 20 years, we're not sure that this medicine has ever had any effect at all because the only thing that does somewhat help is immigran (only the injection, the nose spray has little to no effect).

It has been over a year now since he's had his last propper attack (YEAHH!!) and we're both full of hope that he has somehow overgrown his attacks........ (don't know if that's posible?)
And because he suffers from migrane every day we thought it might stop the daily headache if he were to quit taking his medicine. (because headache is one of the side -effects)

His docter is verry sceptic and she doesn't co-operate in any way, so we have set up our own scedule for him to take his medicine every other day. At the moment he's feeling verry ill, but we have agreed that he will only start full medication again if the cluster attacks will start appearing more than usual (usual for him was about 5 to 10 attacks a month).

I couldn't find any other messages that state they were taking Dixarit/Clonidine, and I wonder if anyone has ever tried it or better even tried to quit taking it?

I must say I'm ever so happy to have found this website, and I'm really proud of you all. (I often feel guilty that I can't share his pain....)

Title: Re: Comming off Clonidine/Dixarit
Post by Ueli on Sep 9^th, 2002, 10:51am

Hi Daujamara,
Welcome to the board. Here you will find lots of information, much more then your hubby's doctor seems to have.

Clonidine is a med that is used to control high blood pressure. I don't know if your hubby needs that, but one thing is certain: it does nothing against CH. However, many here have success with another class of meds used for high BP: the calcium channel blockers like Verapamil, and this may even be helpful for the migraines too.

Good luck,
Ueli

Title: Re: Comming off Clonidine/Dixarit
Post by Marshall_D on Sep 9^th, 2002, 4:02pm

Please ensure he is taken off this medication very slowly. Clonidine is an anti-hypertensive, that also has proven effect for localized pain and narcotic withdrawal. It comes in a patch that would be good for a cluster headache, if you don't mind wearing a large patch on your face :D. Seriously though, if he comes off of it too quickly his blood pressure could sky-rocket and become out of control. Especially since he has been on it for 20 years.

I would have it withdrawn under medical supervision.

Title: Re: Comming off Clonidine/Dixarit
Post by Jim R on Sep 10^th, 2002, 3:29pm

Hi,

I'm on clonodine also for a two fold purpose: my high blood pressure and CH. The neuro told me and later borne out by reading that clonodine does work for CH in some people but its mechanism of action is unknown. Good luck - Jim R

Title: Re: Comming off Clonidine/Dixarit
Post by Daujamara on Sep 11^th, 2002, 2:48am

Thx ever so much for your replies, he is still ill but lukily the fever has gone down abit. Thx for the tip regarding the blood -pressure going "sky rocket"! He's still got a weird pressure in his head but hasn't had an attack, dizzyness and lost of appetite were expected. Continuing the scedule of one pil every two days....... will let you know the outcome, thx for listening

Title: Re: Comming off Clonidine/Dixarit
Post by FTW on Sep 11^th, 2002, 4:38am

Hello All,

I'm the luckiest guy alive, cause Daujamara is my wife ;D

I'm feeling way better and am taking it easy; I had CH + Migraine for several years indeed but thankgod (!!) the evil pains have lessened. Only my "daily headaches" remain. But thanks to the love & support of Daujamara I'm willing to quit the daily medication. Hopefully this will be better for my body & soul... (and please don't bring the CH back!!)
I know what ya all going through and wish you not only the best, but want to give you some hope also: IT IS POSSIBLE TO OVERGROW THE CH ATTACKS (although it can take as many as 20 years :()

Further it always helps to smoke a joint instead of taking medicine (or mushrooms , I've heard :P) but I know when you're in the midst of an attack, nothing helps really...

Stay positive and enjoy life as much as possible, thanks for the replies!