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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Preventatives
        
(Message started by: Kiwiinoz58 on Jun 15^th, 2005, 8:59pm)

Title: Preventatives
Post by Kiwiinoz58 on Jun 15^th, 2005, 8:59pm

I've seen on various pages that preventatives like Verapamil are good to use until a remission occurs.
Question: how do we know when we are in remission rather than that the meds are actually working and are we supposed to stop them for a while?
cheers, Jacqs

Title: Re: Preventatives
Post by burnt-toast on Jun 15^th, 2005, 9:44pm

I had scant few remissions in my 10 years but you will know when one occurs.

Mine have typically started with a period where CHs begin to taper back in frequency and intensity until as suddenly as they began they are gone. Really gone - as if they never existed.

For most sufferers, the start and stop of CHs becomes a somewhat predictable cycle. The cycle can be weeks, months, years and seems to depend on the individual.

I never stop taking meds. because my CHs tend to lean towards chronic and the 1 to 3 mos. break I have occasionally gotten isn't long enough to come off meds. Longer remissions may be different.

Here's to hoping everyone's cycle is on the backside of the curve.

Tom

Title: Re: Preventatives
Post by don on Jun 17^th, 2005, 7:22am

Simple.

Prevents do not eliminate the CH. They reduce frequency and intensity.

If you have been complete pain free for 2 weeks, then consider tapering off the prevents.

Title: Re: Preventatives
Post by bnfreeman on Jun 17^th, 2005, 12:28pm

I have only had CH for about 2 years and I am still wondering the same thing. Last year I was on topomax for several months and the HA started to go away only to come back in October, the same month they started. I am starting to think I am in a down period now and won't know if the medicine is helping until October. I still have them now, but they are not 9 and 10 and I shadow every day. Trial and error and only time will tell. Good luck!

B