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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Topamax worked, Imitrex didn't
        
(Message started by: SangReal on Aug 16^th, 2005, 11:24am)

Title: Topamax worked, Imitrex didn't
Post by SangReal on Aug 16^th, 2005, 11:24am

I have had an impossible time with clusters in the past year. Reflecting on it, it really has been about a year, isn't that amazing that I survived? I don't know if I'm chronic or episodic. Hmm...

Anyway, when I started out my doctor gave me prednisone packs to make the headaches go away. It worked, but let's face it folks...steroids are just bad for long-term treatment. She wouldn't give me anything else, so after four packs in three months, I switched doctors. My new doctor promptly admitted she knew nothing about clusters and sent me to a neurologist.

The neurologist did a few tests and then prescribed three things: Topamax (prophylactic), nasal Imitrex (acute), and an oxygen tank. After starting the Topamax, I have only had one attack. During that attack, I tried to use Imitrex, but it seemed to only make the pain worse. Which is weird, I know, but it did. And the headache lasted longer than it usually would. So I'm not going down THAT road again.

But the Topamax really works for me. Just one pill a day. That's all. And I am human again. I have been cluster-free for three months. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but I truly believe it saved my life.

Title: Re: Topamax worked, Imitrex didn't
Post by jcmquix on Aug 16^th, 2005, 11:43am

Hi SangReal..

Nice to meet you, sorry its in this place..

Alot of what you said (well all)...actually makes sense ...

Different things work for different people, and there will be times with the BEAST that worked this time, will or will not work the next time..Thats been my experience in the last few months...

There is alot of Good Support here and alot of Great Information here to Read...

Good Luck staying PF FOREVER !!!
Charlie

Title: Re: Topamax worked, Imitrex didn't
Post by Karla on Aug 16^th, 2005, 1:33pm

When I tried Maxalt it made my ch last longer and more severe so I quit that right away! Sommetimes meds do that to us. I am just glad that the topamax is working for you. I tried up to 600mg /day and had no relief.

Title: Re: Topamax worked, Imitrex didn't
Post by SangReal on Aug 23^rd, 2005, 4:48pm

Wow. 600 mg? I'm just taking 100 and doing better. I guess that's all I needed.

I guess I just think it's really interesting how individual the treatment has to be for clusters. I mean, if you have a sinus infection, you get a Z-Pak. If you have hypothyroidism, you're given Synthroid. But for clusters the strategy is "whatever works." I guess I just find that interesting.