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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Ergotamine Question
        
(Message started by: JohnWF on Jun 15^th, 2004, 10:24pm)

Title: Ergotamine Question
Post by JohnWF on Jun 15^th, 2004, 10:24pm

My doctor has me (prescribed) on Ergotamine tart. 2 mg. before bedtime, as well as 50 mg. Topamax before bedtime.

From a previous cycle, I also have a stash of Cafergot, and take 1 additional pill the following day (about 12 hours later). So, I'm taking 3 mg. of Ergot a day.

The Topamax is really dragging me down (even at 50 mg) I don't know how some of you do it at much higher amounts. Anyway, if I drop off the Topamax, will a 4th mg. of Ergot be a problem? I seem to be handling the three mg.'s ok, but am unsure of increasing to 4.

Does anyone have experience with Ergot?

I appreciate any help.

Thanks,

John

Title: Re: Ergotamine Question
Post by crumpledoor on Jun 15^th, 2004, 11:05pm

I would check with your doctor regarding increasing your dosage of ergot. My doctor gave me strick instructions not to take more than the recommended dosage. If you are taking the ergot pill, I suggest you ask your doctor for a nasal spray version.

I found the pills to be usless as they take far too long to begin working. The nasal spray is apparently much more effective and works almost straight away.

Hope this helps.

Your fellow sufferer.

Title: Re: Ergotamine Question
Post by miapet on Jun 16^th, 2004, 1:36am

ergot family scares me . . .be careful, watch ALL of your appendages . . .and your b/p . . .
there are people who take more than the 'safe' dose of cafergot/ergot family stuff, and seem to be doing okay . . .
it's your decision, but please be careful.
*positive light and energy*
miapet and D

Title: Re: Ergotamine Question
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jun 16^th, 2004, 8:56am

I used it for many years without problems. It is not the best abortive now available but using it at bedtime is an old--and effective--tool to prevent attacks during sleep.

For attacks when you are awake the key is to pop one at the very earliest signs of a cluster. Don't wait until it develops: doesn't work then. This is one time when treating a false alarm is appropriate.

Do not mix with other forms of ergotamine. The total daily dose is the key here. O.K., you can use both meds as long as the total daily dose is not exceeded.

You may want to ask your doc for a sample of this med. It has take the place of ergotamine and one or two doses will tell you whether it work for you.

1: Headache 2001 Sep;41(8):813-6

Olanzapine as an Abortive Agent for Cluster Headache.

Rozen TD.

Department of Neurology, Jefferson Headache Center/Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate olanzapine as a cluster headache abortive agent in an open-label trial. BACKGROUND: Cluster headache is the most painful headache syndrome known. There are very few recognized abortive therapies for cluster headache and fewer for patients who have contraindications to vasoconstrictive drugs. METHODS: Olanzapine was given as an abortive agent to five patients with cluster headache in an open-label trial. The initial olanzapine dose was 5 mg, and the dose was increased to 10 mg if there was no pain relief. The dosage was decreased to 2.5 mg if the 5-mg dose was effective but caused adverse effects. To be included in the study, each patient had to treat at least two attacks with either an effective dose or the highest tolerated dose. RESULTS: Five patients completed the investigation (four men, one woman; four with chronic cluster, one with episodic cluster). Olanzapine reduced cluster pain by at least 80% in four of five patients, and two patients became headache-free after taking the drug. Olanzapine typically alleviated pain within 20 minutes after oral dosing and treatment response was consistent across multiple treated attacks. The only adverse event was sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: Olanzapine appears to be a good abortive agent for cluster headache. It alleviates pain quickly and has a consistent response across multiple treated attacks. It appears to work in both episodic and chronic cluster headache.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Olanzapine has a brand name of "Zyprexa" and is a antipsychotic. Don't be put off by this primary usage. Several of the drugs used to treat CH are cross over applications, that is, drugs approved by the FDA for one purpose which are found to be effective with unrelated conditions--BJ.

Title: Re: Ergotamine Question
Post by Bob P on Jun 16^th, 2004, 4:19pm

I've used cafergot tablets for episodic clusters the past 25+ years. I believe each pill is 2mg.

The dosing info, which is written for meegraine, is to take two tabs at onset and another tab each 1/2 until the headache is gone. Not to exceed 6 tablets per headache nor 10 tablets per week.

I usually take one tablet at onset and that's enough. Sometimes I take a second but with O2 I usually don't need that.

The problem comes with trying to stay under 10/week. I average 20-30 per week when in cycle. My fingers and toes get a little cold from lack of circulation but that's the worst I've had. I have had some Dr.s get pretty worked up about taking too much but it ain't killed me yet.

That's my experience. You will have to make your own decision based on your need, the dosing info and what your doctor says.