Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


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

        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> First Imitrex injection-DIDN'T HELP 
        
(Message started by: KateA on May 9^th, 2004, 10:01pm)

Title: First Imitrex injection-DIDN'T HELP
Post by KateA on May 9^th, 2004, 10:01pm

Hi Everyone,

I'm stuck now for 2 days in a REALLY bad cycle...I've been upped to 300 on the Topamax, finally getting some relief...stupidly forgot to take my dose on Thursday and now am suffering. So last night took an Imitrex injection for the first time (I'm newly diagnosed)

It didn't touch my CH AT ALL!!! In fact, it just made me feel really ill. Got a bad reaction at the sight, my arms got really tight, had trouble breathing, felt very nauseous...and just started to cry. Well, yeah, I know, that didn't help. God bless my boyfriend who just stayed calm and tried to help while I paced and tried to work on breathing, which was labored.

Anyone else have this problem? I knew these could be side effects, but was not happy about it.

Any thoughts on how to get out of this cycle? I'm very tired, and in a lot of pain. Not eating because I'm so sick to my stomach.

Help?

Kate

Title: Re: First Imitrex injection-DIDN'T HELP
Post by HypnoticFreddy on May 10^th, 2004, 12:23am

Kate,

Have you been officially diagnosed with CHs? I ask because you mention feeling sick to your stomach., something more common with migraines. PERHAPS you could be haing migraines?

Jusy a thought.

-Scott

Title: Re: First Imitrex injection-DIDN'T HELP
Post by Superpain on May 10^th, 2004, 5:46pm

The tight feeling is common and it takes a few times to get used to. Imitrex didn't help my ch for the first couple times I used it. But it finally took effect about the 3rd time, and the side effects become easier to deal with after a few tries too. I will not be without it again in cycle.

Title: Re: First Imitrex injection-DIDN'T HELP
Post by KateA on May 10^th, 2004, 6:16pm

Yes, I have been "officially" diagnosed with CH. I am certain that the nausea is a result of being in so much pain. I am going ot wait to do another injection until I see my neuro again until next week.

has anyone had any gastro problems as a result of the injections?

Title: Re: First Imitrex injection-DIDN'T HELP
Post by HypnoticFreddy on May 10^th, 2004, 7:48pm

Kate,

Yes, a certain amount of people have bad reactions to Imitrex injections. Like you described. There has been a lot posted on bad reactions to Imitrex in the past. You night want to look through some of the archives.

Too bad, because it is a saving grace for me.

There are other Triptans like Imitex, and perhpas you could try them. Axert, Frova, etc. To my knowledge, they come in oral tablets too. Maybe this will help?

It is just injectables reach yoir brain faster (at least for me).

Good luck.

-Scott

Title: Re: First Imitrex injection-DIDN'T HELP
Post by 9erfan on May 10^th, 2004, 8:45pm

Kate,

I have only had bad luck with triptans. I wish I could say differently. I can relate to what happened to you. I tried the injection, the pill, and the nasal form of imitrex. None of it worked for me. You may have better luck with one of the other triptans, Relpax, Zomig, etc.

Good luck.
Virginia
and ps: When my pain is at its' worst, I also get sick to my stomach. Hang in there.

Title: Re: First Imitrex injection-DIDN'T HELP
Post by Renee on May 10^th, 2004, 8:59pm

Kate,

I got the same side effects from imitrex but tolerated to get rid of CH. Then the trex quit working for me and i had a BAD reaction to Zomig. Now I'm on Relpax and it works great. It seems to last about 8-10 hours thus a full night's sleep after taking.

The only drawback...it is a pill. Takes about 20 min. to start working. Once it does start working, for me at least, the side effects of racing heart, tight throat and chest, nausea, etc. of imitrex are not there with relpax.

good luck
renee

Title: Re: First Imitrex injection-DIDN'T HELP
Post by TxBasslady on May 10^th, 2004, 11:16pm

Kate,

Since you're episodic, you really should consider keeping a headache diary. Note the meds taken, the time, and any reactions noted. This is a great tool for your doctor.

While I agree that nausea is normally not associated with CH......I DO think that we sometimes bring it on with our reaction(s) to the pain. Some of us are not very pain tolerant. Possibly you also were frightened by the feelings you were having after taking the trex.

Sure hope you find what you need to battle the beast!

PF vibes,

Jean