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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Is this working or what?
        
(Message started by: dmurp on Jul 6^th, 2005, 10:23pm)

Title: Is this working or what?
Post by dmurp on Jul 6^th, 2005, 10:23pm

Hey have been on lithium carb. for nine days. Have had a cluster then 38hrs free. Cluster of four ha then went 37 hours cluster free. Cluster of four headaches then went 30 hours and now cluster again. 300mg 3times a day. Is it working or should I call dr. and get more or new meds. O2 does abort the headaches I am having. Just need advice.

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by unsolved1 on Jul 6^th, 2005, 10:29pm

Doesn't sound too good to me. If you're still having 'bad headaches' call the doc. That's just my opinion ... I hate pain !!

Unsolved

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by Topical on Jul 7^th, 2005, 3:21am

You sound like myself. I get them every other day. Cessation for 36 hours is very typical.

What was it like before the treatment? Some preventatives take several weeks to saturate the system. I don't know if Lithium is one of these. Adjusting dosage levels is commonly done as is adding additional preventatives. They start you on a low dose and ramp it up. to higher levels.

The doctor with your feedback is what is needed. Give them a call and see what you should do.

Has he/she prescribed any abortives? O2, imitrex, maxalt, cafergot? I would ask about this too if they haven't.

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by burnt-toast on Jul 7^th, 2005, 7:11am

Definitely consult with your doc. but keep in mind that Lithium Carb. should be maintained at consistent levels in the blood to be most effective. 9 days should be sufficient to establish blood levels but make certain to take it at very regularly scheduled intervals.

If I miss my schedule by 1 or more hours on any given day I am guaranteed increased frequency/intensity of attacks that night.

Hope you find relief.

Tom

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by dmurp on Jul 7^th, 2005, 10:12am

burnt toast hey just wanted to ask the severity for the most part is much better will the lithium prevent all headaches? Just don't want to have to go on more meds unless absolutley necessary. Have imtrix shots but only use if a killer and can't abort with my o2. Mu experience is that the imitx would make my next one even worse so haven't used it this cluster yet.

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by jcmquix on Jul 7^th, 2005, 10:28am

Are you taking the TREX inj. ??

Have you tried the tip to the left.. ???

I had the same problem with the TREX inj, taking the Statdose (6ml) gave me worse HA, once I got rid of the First one.

Now I brake them down into (2ml) shots, I use diabetic needles (my choice), giving yourself a shot is better than getting kicked in the head by the BEAST for hours.

Only using 2ml of TREX inj, has help me alot. I get some shadows, but I do not get the rebound HA that I used to get from using the full amount.

I am not a Dr, but it works for me, maybe it can help you.

PFDAN's to ALL!!!

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by dmurp on Jul 7^th, 2005, 10:33am

No I haven't tried the tip Heck I am one that went with out meds for my first 6 years and only started tryying them the last 2 years. I have children and was a school teacher but now a stay at home mom. Meds scare me but the pain definitely scares me more. Thanks for the advice.

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by burnt-toast on Jul 10^th, 2005, 1:27am

on 07/07/05 at 10:12:39, dmurp wrote:

dmurp

I posted some information and a link on your topic lithium how long it takes to work these should provide you with more information of how Lithium is absorbed and excreted.

O2, Imitrex and also Zomig do not work to abort my Chs.
I know this sounds a little strange by the best abortive I found for myslef is Anbesol - (yes the toothache stuff).
At the first sign of an attack I apply it liberally via q-tip in the nostril on the side of the attack. I coat the entire inside of the nostril as far as I can go without sneezing. It's been 90+% effective for me.

When you ask about Lithium stopping all headaches I assume you are referring to CH attacks - unfortuantely the answer is no - It controls frequency and severity but does not stop attacks. Making them more bearable is probably the best way to put it.

My response to your other topic post covers this in more detail.

If you try the Anbesol - let me know how it works/

Best wishes on your journey

Tom

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by burnt-toast on Jul 10^th, 2005, 1:51am

on 07/07/05 at 10:33:14, dmurp wrote:

I do not like the meds. but fear of the pain and sleep deprivation forced me to give in to Lithium 1200mg, Verapamil 720mg and Melatonin 9mg.

I tolerate these well but have serious concerns about the long-term effects. Being chronic - I've been taking them for close to a decade - nonstop.

I've been through 3 neurologists and the meds. are always the same. When I reasearch new options the potential side effects are frightening. The sad fact is that these meds. were not develped to treat CHs and no-one can say how or if they will work for every individual.

Most surgical procedures are very new and currently in clinical trial. Older procedures appear to lack good long term effectiveness and have logistical issues that need to be ironed out.

Nothing like being stuck between CHs - and treatments
- Designed to treat other diseases
- Work for some but not for all
- Have a high degree of risk
- Are still buggy or in the experimental stage

Welcome to the world of questions without answers, my recommendation is research, research, research and try treatments that you have the most comfort with.

Tom

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by dmurp on Jul 10^th, 2005, 9:45am

just had my fifth night free of cluster headaches only getting one a day and can accept that compared to the 4-5 i was having. Must be working somewhat thanks for the info and good luck to you

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by Redd715 on Jul 10^th, 2005, 10:16am

Margi's husband has been having great success with lithium pulsing. I've never taken lithium so I'm not versed on how to do it but a search might get you to the info.

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by dmurp on Jul 10^th, 2005, 10:23pm

Three headaches today thats what i get for thinking I was slowing down. truly appreciate the info and am going to call my neuro tomorrow. Good luck to all

Title: Re: Is this working or what?
Post by stomper on Jul 11^th, 2005, 6:45pm

hey now, i to am a long timer. sick of the meds!!! mybe this?? mybe that?? forget it!! hey heres a new one that worked for me!! simple! bought a otc bottle of folic acid- learned this, on this site!! "5 months free" i take 2, 400 "MCG" tablets, and a 1-a day vitiamin! this is a dietary supplement. over the counter. 5$ a bottle. here it seems to have the beast at bay!! 5 days and counting! its all crazy, but mybe this might help! all the best to ya, oh and stay away from the triggers!! we love them, and so does the beast. so try to keep that in mind!! jimm