Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Zomig-ZMT
        
(Message started by: SeanM on Jan 17^th, 2003, 5:14pm)

Title: Zomig-ZMT
Post by SeanM on Jan 17^th, 2003, 5:14pm

Hi everybody,

I have recently started trying the Zomig-ZMT 5 mg tabs, and I have had several CH's that have just blown right past it. How much can one really take? I know it says 10mg in 24 hrs...but can this be two 5 mg tabs in 1 hour?

Also, any comments on zomig vs imitrex effectiveness would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Sean

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by hornedone on Jan 17^th, 2003, 5:33pm

Sean,
I too have had hit and miss success with my combination of Zomig 5mg and Butalbital. I've had one instance in which the pain was completely gone in 10 minutes. However, I had Level 9 CH that was completely unfazed by this combo. My Neuro, recently prescribed Topamax, but I am very hesitant to try it after reading all of the possible side effects. I am trying to avoid narcotics, but I think I would rather deal with the side effects of an as needed narcotic then the daily dosage of Topamax.

Hornedone

PS
This site and the information provided has been a Godsend. I now know that what I am not alone in what I am going through. Thank you all!!!!!

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by Karla on Jan 17^th, 2003, 7:26pm

I used to take zomig and then repeat in 1-2 hours if needed. Not to exceed 2 in 24 hours. That is why I liked the imitrix because I know that can be exceeded. I used to take 4 imitrix ns a day. It gave me more coverage and narcotics the other half of the day to complete the coverage. Something to think about.

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by hornedone on Jan 20^th, 2003, 1:22pm

Well, had two episodes this weekend (level 10 on Saturday that lasted 2 hours) that my combo did not relieve. My Neuro prescribed me Ultracet to use instead of the Fiorcet (Butalbital) to use before I start my Topamax treatment. My question for y'all (I'm a Texan so forgive my use of this word) is this. What narcotic seems to work best for the pain of a high level CH? I know that this isn't a long term fix, but when the big ones hit, I'll try anything.

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by SeanM on Jan 20^th, 2003, 2:31pm

hornedone,

This cycle I have tried 100 mg propoxyphene but I can't say that it was much help. It seems you have to be willing to be on constant narcotics, or be able to predict when the beast will show, cause it just takes too long to get the narcotics on board once the headache starts...unless the headaches are lasting several hours.

I have not tried the injectible imitrex, but I thinbk I will because the zomig has been hit or miss.

Any advice for relieving verapamil induced constipation?

Thanks to all of you.

Sean

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by K. on Jan 20^th, 2003, 3:53pm

Hi SeanM,
Sorry to hear you're in pain. I have tried both Maxalt and Zomig. They didn't work very consistantly for me. Imitrex injections are your best bet but you have to space them out if you can (see imitrex tip to the left) or you may get rebound. Are you using O2 because that will abort an attack some of the time to let you use imitrex at another time. As far as verapamil induced constipation....it sucks, doesn't it?? If it is really bad, then use a fleet enema and then start on metamucil (spell?) two times a day. Alway drink an extra glass of water after each dose. It will give you some relief...
Anyway....I'm no doc but suffer with the beast too. Make sure to check with your doc if you haven't tried the imitrex injections before.
Hope this helps and that PFDAN are ahead.
K.

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by cbolony on Jan 21^st, 2003, 9:04am

seanm imitrex injection should help you, a lot of people
on this site use it .They saved me a lot of times and using the imitrex tip will make them last longer because the insurance company are only going to give you so much

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by MadMan on Jan 21^st, 2003, 10:54am

Hi, I'm new here, but not to CH. @ 42 I've had them for as long as I can remember. And as of 2 years ago they became cronic. (For joy, for joy)

In my case, all the Meds, Imatrex, Zomig, Amerge, Ect, Ect. work for a while, then it's like the Beast learns to defeat them. And then I have to switch.

A year ago I started on Topomax @ 50mg, 6 months later the Beast burned through. I had to up the dose to 100mg. On Christmas Eve the Beast burned through again, now I'm taking 300mg & I'm not even sure that this is enough to keep it at bay.

After reading the posts about Topomax, I'm not sure I want to go any higher with the dosage.

This is Off Topic, but I'm new to these Boards, I've been cronic for 2 years now, Anybody out there gone into remission after a bout that long? At least gone back to episodic? Lie if you have to -

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by Karla on Jan 21^st, 2003, 1:34pm

For constipation my dr has recomended Docusate Sodium. It is an over the counter medicine and is safe to take on a long term daily basis. It is a stool softner. It comes in 100mg jel capsules. Dr. recomends starting at 100mg in am and 100mg in pm if after 3 days you don't go you need to use a laxative and go. Increase dosage to 200mg in am and 200 in pm. See what happens. If after 3 days you haven't gone use a laxative. Increase to 300mg am and 300mg pm. You may take up to 400mg in am and 400in pm. No more than that. If you are still having problems then talk to your dr about this problem. You should start to see results around the 200 - 300mg dose. Good luck!

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by Mr.Happy on Jan 22^nd, 2003, 8:37am

Would somebody please straighten me out on the "fast dissolving" Zomig tablets? Asked my neuro for one to keep in the pocket pill box just in case. He replied that the fast dissolving tab was no different then chewing a 5 mg pill thoroughly and washing it down w/a cup o coffee. Said the med was not absorbed rapidly....like nitro....the drug takes the same amount of time to get into the bloodstream whether fast dissolving or well chewed - too long.
Dunno ......just asking, just asking.......I'm an Imitrex kind of guy myself.

The Verap/constipation thing is much easier. Every day, eat a bunch of dried prunes & apricots, then chase it down with a bowl of chili. A _colon blow_ is pretty much guarenteed.......

"Stool" Pigeon,
RJ

Title: Re: Zomig-ZMT
Post by SeanM on Jan 22^nd, 2003, 10:49am

I have now heard the same thing regarding the slow absorption of the zomig-zmt. I think the idea was to make it for migraineurs who are too nauseus to swallow a pill...

Sounds like injectible imitrex is the way to go.