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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Taper up... Taper Down... Please read! old and new
        
(Message started by: E-Double on Jun 26^th, 2004, 3:26pm)

Title: Taper up... Taper Down... Please read! old and new
Post by E-Double on Jun 26^th, 2004, 3:26pm

The more research I do....

Just finished reading study in Future Drugs and realized
I've been handled wrong!!!!!

I may have misread but I'll let you guys tell me:

The agent (Prednisone) is supposed to be tapered down

The true preventative (doe me Depakote) tapered up

To a level which decreases our "symptoms" helps break the cycle???

Well both mine have been tapered down during cycle!!. I'm still the same as I was if not worse than before meds.

The abortives aren't going to be as effective without good preventative/transtional treatment in place!?
This is what I'm understanding.

I knew that it was going to be a difficult ride. Also knowing that I had a rough situation getting a doctor and the fact that she has been ill. However...
Now I realize that this was not handled properly from the beginning!! No O2 which I will demand and all else!

Am I wrong?? Holy shit Now I'm pissed!
I kept an appointment (July 14)with another Dr. who apperently specializes in CH but so did this one. Frustrated!!!!

Atleast now I feel educated and know what to ask for or to tell/demand.
That I attribute to all of you!!!

Eric

Title: Re: Taper up... Taper Down... Please read! old and
Post by don on Jun 26^th, 2004, 4:05pm

The preventatives should be started a week or two before the prednisone taper if possible. Then the dosage level maintained or increased.

Why Depakote and not verapamil?

Title: Re: Taper up... Taper Down... Please read! old and
Post by E-Double on Jun 26^th, 2004, 4:39pm

Quote:

The preventatives should be started a week or two before the prednisone taper if possible. Then the dosage level maintained or increased.

Why Depakote and not verapamil?

Couldn't tell ya. the med thing is brand new to me dude.

Title: Re: Taper up... Taper Down... Please read! old and
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jun 26^th, 2004, 8:16pm

Knowledge is truly a powerful thing, isn't it?! Print out articles and take them with you to the next appt. Share them with the doc and see what happens.

I'm not familiar with Depakote, but Verapamil has worked wonders for my cycles. My best results:

- Verapamil 480 mg/day started right away (many sufferers go much higher)!
- Imitrex (or O2) for aborting the bad ones
- Prednisone taper down

I still suffer through a couple bad weeks, but that's what the Imitrex (or O2 is for). Usually when the Prednisone taper is done, the Verap has started to kick in. The key is ... the prevents get increased gradually until headaches decrease.

Keep in mind that not everyone responds to the same medications the same way. I sending wishes for many PF days your way.

Kris