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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Pred - Verapamil - Maxalt - Questions
        
(Message started by: jamie_h on Nov 25^th, 2002, 10:57pm)

Title: Pred - Verapamil - Maxalt - Questions
Post by jamie_h on Nov 25^th, 2002, 10:57pm

I just started having cluster headaches about 2 1/2 monhts ago. It has been a rough ride at times with probably 15 kip 9-10's. Urgent care offered a shot of stadol which was great at the time, the nasal stadol made my nasuas and I could not sleep, so I ditched that.

I went to an internal medicince doctor during a 3-4 day period that I had only had some mild sypmtoms, and he prescribed Maxalt. Over the next 5 days, I had numerous attack onsets and the Maxalt works great to abort the HA as long as I take it quick and not try and stick it out to see if it materializes.

I have now seen a headache specialist and he has prescribed pred 60 mg a day tapering over the course of 15 days. I am also taking verapamil 120 mgs x 4 daily. It has only been 5 days, how long does it normally take to feel the effects of the verapamil? While the cycle is not completely broken, I do feel much better between the shadow and HA time periods. Much less stress on my jaw area and neck.

Should I look at oxygen too as an abortive? My doctor mentioned it as another option with the Maxalt.

Last, as for myself and I am sure for many others, I am counting on the LORD to heal this thing completely. I cannot resign myself that this is permanent. I join everyone willing to agree with me in prayer that God can and will conquer this beast that has invaded so many of our lives! :)

Title: Re: Pred - Verapamil - Maxalt - Questions
Post by NotH20 on Nov 26^th, 2002, 3:08pm

Jamie,

I'm not doctor, but the Verap usually takes a little bit of time to start working (maybe 2 weeks or so). What you are probably feeling the best from is the Pred. That usually works within abou 24 hours.

IMHO, you probably should look into getting some O2 - it helps so many ch'ers.

We wish you much luck - keep us posted...

NotH20

Title: Re: Pred - Verapamil - Maxalt - Questions
Post by Dave_W on Nov 26^th, 2002, 3:14pm

Hi Jamie,

I'll just duplicate NotH20's post -- verapamil takes a couple weeks to get up to speed for me, and the prednisone burst helps get thru the waiting.

I do oxygen first for almost all of my attacks (unless one comes on so fast and hard that I skip to step 2 right away). It aborts maybe 3 out of 4 in about 10 minutes. I use imitrex for the bad ones that won't go away, it always works -- similar to your maxalt.

Your doc sounds like a good one, hope you get things under control soon!

Pain Free Days!

Old Dave