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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> I have episodic clusters
        
(Message started by: bealfam on Aug 22^nd, 2003, 1:55pm)

Title: I have episodic clusters
Post by bealfam on Aug 22^nd, 2003, 1:55pm

After seven years, I thought they were gone. This summer, in the middle of the day at work, they started again. At first I wasn't sure, but they began to hit like clockwork for the first week, two per day. I went to the doctor and he prescribed Cafergot. That medication seemed to help, but it took WAY too many to control the pain. I think I had some kind of toxic reaction. The second doctor's visit, I ended up being given Vioxx to try. This seemed to really help as long as I used it at the onset rather than a preventative. I also tried soluble magnesium, gingko biloba, and ginseng. Before long, the beast grabbed hold and I was taken to the emergency room one Sunday night. The doctor gave me Medrin (generic duradrin) and told me to see the neurologist. The next day I was in to see the neurologist - first he said - lose the Cafergot - it can cause a heart attack AND then a stroke!! Then he recommended I continue the Medrin to take at onset and prescribed Verapamil as a preventative to take every day. After 6 weeks of pain, or waiting for the pain to hit, this drug worked for me. I did experience some pressure the first day or two after starting this drug, but no pain. The neurologist said I could take two Aleve instead of Vioxx at onset until I filled the medrin prescription. I have been pain free for one month now. I take three verapamil a day, and I haven't had to touch the medrin since the first couple of days. While trying to pin down the causes of cluster headaches, it seemed that there were no common factors. Being outside in the heat makes the headaches worse, but my family believes that intense stress was the trigger this time. Once the headaches started, my wife believes that any amount of stress sent me into a headache?? We did lots of research on cluster headaches, including acupuncture. I was bound for the needles when my headaches mysteriously disappeared for two days. I would consider this option if the medicine was too expensive or if this last medication hadn't worked. Also, your site was very informative for me and my family, and it made me feel a little better knowing that I wasn't alone. I feel badly for people who have "episodes" more frequently than I have, and those who have these things all the time!

Title: Re: I have episodic clusters
Post by HypnoticFreddy on Aug 22^nd, 2003, 3:28pm

Have you tried Immitrex injections? I believe it is the best abortive out there. Just damn expensive.

Title: Re: I have episodic clusters
Post by Eb on Aug 23^rd, 2003, 4:49am

What was your daily dosage of Verapamil? Forgive my ignorance, I know you said three daily~~just not sure if they all come in the same "mg."

Also, is Calan SR the brand of Verapamil you're taking?

Very glad to hear it's working for ya....

Eb

Title: Re: I have episodic clusters
Post by bealfam on Aug 23^rd, 2003, 5:54pm

The verapamil dosage I'm taking is one 80mg tab 3 times a day. Thebottle says Purepac, but I'm not sure if this is the manufacturer or not. I hope this helps.

Title: Re: I have episodic clusters
Post by floridian on Aug 23^rd, 2003, 10:14pm

Ginseng probably makes clusters worse. I had one cluster this year - out of cycle, the morning after taking ginseng. Like viagra, ginseng increases nitric oxide production - this can stimulate the nerves, but you probably don't want to stimulate your nerves when they are already haywire. Alcohol is another known trigger that stimulates nitric oxide.

If you are looking for herbal remedies, consider tea and turmeric. Tea catechins scavenge nitric oxide - regular or decaf, green or black, although green might be more powerful. I prefer decaf iced tea, as I can drink several large glasses without going hyper. Turmeric (spice or extract) also reduces nitric oxide, although it is more indirect - it reduces the secretion. Turmeric is also good for reducing cholesterol and zapping bacteria and some types of cancer.

All this nitric oxide supression can cut down on the headaches, but it doesn't stop the disease itself. I still feel out of sorts - sleep is disrupted, eye is twitching, but hey - no intense pain. The disease is deeper than the headaches.

Title: Re: I have episodic clusters
Post by Karla on Aug 23^rd, 2003, 10:23pm

So glad to hear you are having success with verapamil and midrin. My son takes midrin for his cluster headaches also since they don't want a child to have imitrix.