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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Starting with new meds
        
(Message started by: ckelly181 on Sep 2^nd, 2003, 9:14am)

Title: Starting with new meds
Post by ckelly181 on Sep 2^nd, 2003, 9:14am

Hi - New to the board, not the site or CHs.

I've been dealing with CHs for 25 years. It's interesting to read the stories here - it's all the same! It's nice to see other women here - I've had to switch doctors because they don't believe a non-smoker, non-drinker, non-male person can have CHs. "Honey, they're migraines..." Luckily, I found a doc at the U of Minnesota that helped me when I thought I was going to have to kill myself to get rid of the pain.

I have episodic CHs - 1.5/2 years off, 2 months on with 2-3 per day. I've just started a round.

I use (yea, sometimes abuse) injectable imitrex with good results. I had always used sansert as a preventative. THe last round, the doc wanted me to try verapimil. I was allergic to it. I then tried neurontin - it caused so much pressure in my head I couldn't hear - not handy when you teach!

So, after a run to Urgent Care yesterday, I'm on lithium. I've only been on it one day and, of course, it doesn't work yet. I've read that most folks generally use lithium in conjuction with another med.

Here's my question: I see my regular doc tomorrow - does anyone here take lithium alone successfully, or should I be looking at another med?

Thanks!

Chris

Title: Re: Starting with new meds
Post by Eb on Sep 3^rd, 2003, 2:33am

Hi Chris!

I haven't taken Lithium, and am interested in seeing how it works for you. I'm considering asking my doctor to try that next since Depakote (500 mg/daily ) and Verapamil (got to 360mg/daily~~I've read posts here where people have taken a much higher dose) alone have not worked. I have not taken two preventative meds at the same time~~yet.

I really hope the Lithium works for you...

Eb

Title: Re: Starting with new meds
Post by Smurf on Sep 3^rd, 2003, 1:01pm

Hi Chris,
you and I are HA twins - except I smoke. We have the same M.O. and all.

Anyhoo, I take Lithium (300 mg) with Verapamil (240 mg).
I take the Li two times a day, and the Verapamil three times a day.

I use Imitriex pills for the attacks (the shots worked, but gave me 'lung rush') and O2.

The Li and Verapamil don't seem to prevent or abort for me, but I have to admit that, generally, my HA don't last as long per attack, or are as intense. Of course, I can probably thank the Imitex & O2 for that.

The only thing is that sometimes, not all the time, the combo of Li & Verap make me very sleepy. Normally, I have low blood pressure anyway, but the Li & Verap. cocktail put me at 105/60 last Dr. visit.

If you're allergic to the Verap., I don't know what can be used in its stead......?

...And amen to that "only men get clusters" crap from doctors! Honestly!

Title: Re: Starting with new meds
Post by Cooked Brain on Sep 3^rd, 2003, 2:08pm

Hi there Chris!

was scheduled for first prednison at the hospital and then lithium a month ago but luckily thats when the verapamil found the right dose, 3x120 slow release broke the cycle.The neuro was very cautious and reluctant to try the lithium, he described it as very heavy on the mind and body. Had to be taken in to hospital for close checking for both and if i had to go on with lithium my blood had to be checked every week he said. Luckily didnt get to all that...

so that's what i have heard. don't know if lithium alone has been a help to anyone??

good luck and let us know how its going...

pfdan

Title: Re: Starting with new meds
Post by ckelly181 on Sep 3^rd, 2003, 6:02pm

Thanks to those who have replied - it's just so cool having ppl to talk to about this - and not feel like I have to JUSTIFY what this is like.

Anyway, just got back from the doctor - piece of sh@#$%#$. Sorry, but I'm so mad, I'm teary-eyed.

After a - no kidding - verbal FIGHT about meds, he "gave" me a prescription for more imitrex. He hadn't heard of lithium being used for headaches. Not CH, mind you - just "headaches."

He got pissy with me and said - you should just go to a neurologist. I told him that would be FINE - I've been to several, one more wouldn't hurt. He rolled his eyes, told me to forget it, and wrote the script. I told him I just wanted a preventative - he blew me off with a "well, if the other doctor gave you lithium, then take the lithium."

I mentioned this site and gave him a copy of meds from OUCH. He told me it's kind of silly to be taking random drugs off the shelf based on a list from a website.

So, I hope this lithium works. I know I need to see another doctor. Bleah. I'm just going to take my little pills and shots and go home and hope for the best.

Chris

Title: Re: Starting with new meds
Post by Cooked Brain on Sep 3^rd, 2003, 6:14pm

sorry to read that about your dr the DWEEB chris...

dont mind him, he cant help being ignorant, find a neuro near you that has experience in treating CH and keep posting here and on the general board how you are doing, get a hold of the wonderful advice and support the others can give you!

and remember: it WILL get better, just hang in there!

Title: Re: Starting with new meds
Post by Karla on Sep 3^rd, 2003, 9:04pm

I took lithium 300mg in am and 600mg in pm. It worked alone for me for a couple of years and then one day it just quit working. It cut my ha down from 8 a day to 4 a day. You are not crazy to want to try lithium. It may make you a little sleepy at first. Your body will get used to it and finally you wont be tired any more. Not sure when that occurs tho. Good luck!Oh I forgot seeing a neuro is better than seeing your dr. Your neuro should know more about preventatives and stuff then your regular dr. Don't let any dr. give you grief. You have enough to deal with.