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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> What about this cocktail?
        
(Message started by: 7yrscronic on Nov 5^th, 2002, 10:43pm)

Title: What about this cocktail?
Post by 7yrscronic on Nov 5^th, 2002, 10:43pm

I just want to run this by a few of you, to see what you think and to get some suggestions as to what I can as my Dr. for.
My current daily prevenative meds are: Verapamil 240mg 3x a day, Neurontin 600mg 3x a day, and Lithium CR 450mg 2x a day. My only abortives are 5mg Zomig and O2.
With all this my HA's are still uncontrolable. I'm getting 1-3 a day. They unsually only make it it a k5 since I don't go anywhere without zomig and O2. Last time I saw my Neurologist he thought I was doing alright (I could of slapped him) Imitrex injections didn't work in the ER a while ago. Should I try them again? What about other prevenatives? Do you think the Verapamil is doing anything? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by Ted on Nov 6^th, 2002, 12:07am

Listen brother, you're doing alright. What you just described is what I take the shrooms to get to. 1-3 attacks per day that don't beat a kip 5? That is ideal and don't drop the verap in case that's what is what brought you down to this. And as for the Imitrex? try it again. they don't work for me either, nor does Maxalt. But when I get on a plane I bring the Maxalt with me to convince myself I have something there to attack an attack. It won't do it but the psychological effect of pretending I have something lets me relax, at least. Anyway, that's off the subject. try it again. Sometimes what hasn't worked will later.

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by suzy617 on Nov 6^th, 2002, 2:25am

Thats true Ted. Still after all these years while having an attack I would pop a million advils along with my meds knowing they have never helped. I guess psychology does play a role here.

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by Svenn on Nov 6^th, 2002, 2:39am

This is my coctail

Verapamil Retard 120mgX5-7/daily during cycle
Oxygene alone at 10ltm for 15 minutes or combined with imitrex-shots does miracles.The shots should start working in 6-9minutes.a few seconds after that you are almost painfree
Prednisolone in high doze for 10 days 80mg
then over a 3 weeks periode step down like 60-40-30-20-10-5mg /daily
This work fine for me

Svenn

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by NotH20 on Nov 7^th, 2002, 8:21am

Hey 7.....

I would definitely try the injections again. When they work - they are HEAVEN!!!!!!! Also you may want to try Maxalt as another abortive instead of the Zomig. The Prednisone should give you a little "holiday" from the ch's if you can get your doc to give it to ya......

Keep the faith 7....

NotH20

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by Chronic on Nov 7^th, 2002, 12:40pm

7yrs....I feel for you. While I've been chronic for a year and a half now, and eposidic for 13 years before that, I usually have found some success with the drugs you have used. Here's my suggestion (and I'm sure plenty of others who will disagree) -

1. Drop the Neurontin and the Lithium. While they have worked for me in the past, give Verapamil a whole hearted try. It has worked wonders for me over the last 6 months. I'd try 240 mgs x 3 a day.

2. To help you get some sleep (even though it keeps you up) and give you time to let the Verapamil kick in, I'd go on a Prednisone cycle like Svenn suggests. Svenn's cycle is pretty heavy duty, I'd give 60mgs a day for a week...then tapering down to 40 mgs a day for a week and finally 20 a day for a week. If the original 60 doesn't stop the CHs by day two, then give Svenn's dosage a try.

3. Definitely try using Imitrex injections again. I don't know the exact stats, but I'd say at least 4 out of 5 Clusterheads find relief when using them.

Try the Varapamil for two weeks to build up the level in your blood stream....if that doesn't work, try the neurontin....then if that doesn't work, the lithium. Each usually needs some time b4 they kick in. Again, like I have said, they all have work for me in the past at various times (the Neurontin and Lithium no longer)...but I'm a true believer in overkill, and being on 4 different meds at one time can't be good for you.

Just my opinion, hope it helps

PFDAN

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by Chronic on Nov 7^th, 2002, 12:40pm

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by 7yrscronic on Nov 7^th, 2002, 3:10pm

Thanks, I have been on the Verapamil 240mg 3x for a few years now. The neurontin 600 mg 3x and lithium 450mg 2x for probably a little over a year. But since I'm still getting 2-3 Ha's a day. What good are they really doing? My nuero hasn't wanted to put me back on prednisone, because it took so long for me to come off of it last time, although it worked. There has got to be something else.
???

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by Marc on Nov 7^th, 2002, 10:38pm

7yrs,

Thought about shrooms?

Marc

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by 7yrscronic on Nov 7^th, 2002, 11:25pm

It's funny you mention that. I have been reading about acid and shrooms, and it dawned I remembered that my HA's were not as bad as when I was in school. Then I remembered that I was doing LSD and shrooms during those years. It's been about 4-5 years since I've tripped. I think I'll have to give it a shot.

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by justin on Nov 9^th, 2002, 4:26pm

please try suggesting this to your doctor . it worked for me 99%

1000mg ER depakote at night
240mg morning & 240 mg night time of Verapamil

i've tried everything else and this is the combo that worked for me! good luck

jd

Title: Re: What about this cocktail?
Post by 7yrscronic on Nov 9^th, 2002, 8:19pm

Thanks for the info, I've just requested an appointment with my neuro. I'm going to ask for Prednisone, to break the cycle. I will also ask for your combo. Thanks Again
-Todd Amundsen