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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> imitrex and verapamil together
        
(Message started by: oldsurfref on Jul 25^th, 2003, 11:54pm)

Title: imitrex and verapamil together
Post by oldsurfref on Jul 25^th, 2003, 11:54pm

Hey CH brothers and sisters. I am new and clueless. I have had CHs for 15+ years. Only recently did I discover there was a name for them. I ace your cluster quiz. Anyway my Dr. put me on Verapamil a couple of years ago and it seemed to shrink the episodes down to a few weeks. I have taken Fioricet for the pain until tonight. Tonight when/if I wake up with a CH I will be taking Imitrex for the first time. Is it ok to take Imitrex while your on Verapamil. My Dr isnt very good at this drug mixing stuff. As she tried to put me on a statin while on verapamil which is a big no no. So do you guys take imitrex while on the verapamil ? Have any of you ever had a bad reaction with the two?

Title: Re: imitrex and verapamil together
Post by cootie on Jul 26^th, 2003, 12:05am

Hi oldsurfref.......that's the rite mix for Brad......both tagether. Sounds like yer on th right track with meds....ever try O2 also.......there's alot of people here that will be able to expain to you the rite amount of verapimil....Brad didn't take the rite dose at first and got alot of shadows but once he got it rite it works well for him. So stick around....lots of good info here and good people ta help ya along. Pam that hopes ya can stay PF

Title: Re: imitrex and verapamil together
Post by Georgia on Jul 26^th, 2003, 12:13am

I hate to see posts like this. I am so sorry to hear that you have suffered for so long, perhaps so needlessly.

Yes, you can take Imitrex with verapamil. If you want to find out more about meds you can try http://www.rxlist.com

What dose of verapamil are you on?

What kind of Imitrex do you have? Pills, injections, etc.

Have you tried any other preventatives or abortives?

Have you tried oxygen? If not, check out the sticky thread at the top of this message board.

I hate to say this, but I would really recommend getting yourself to a neurologist that knows CH. It sounds to me like your CH are responding well to meds, and a good neuro might be able to make you completely pain free. You can go to the OUCH site (link on the left) and there you will find, in addition to tons of great information, a list of CH recommended dr's. Check it out.

Lastly, welcome home, cluster head. Take the time to read everything here. There is so much information and support here....you CAN find a way to manage your CH.

Peace and love,
Georgia

Title: Re: imitrex and verapamil together
Post by Kirk on Jul 26^th, 2003, 1:20am

I take 480 mg of Verapamil a day and use Imitrex injections. Also O2
Works like a champ.

TTFN

Title: Re: imitrex and verapamil together
Post by Big_Dan on Jul 26^th, 2003, 2:09am

All I know is that my new Neuro just gave me a script for Verap and Imitrex for use at the same time....

... it's a "just in case" deal, if another cycle starts... but since he's a neuro, and see's several Clusternuts... then I'm assuming that it's alrigh...

PFDAN, Bro...

-Big Dan

Title: Re: imitrex and verapamil together
Post by oldsurfref on Jul 26^th, 2003, 11:12pm

Now that I have spent a little time checking this CH.com site out. I see that in my first post I am supposed to give a little History. So Here goes. Bear with me, I am not much of a web surfer/internet guy.
About 15 years ago I got these killer headaches. The first episode lasted about 3 months and I would pound tylonol. I finally went to the Dr. after about 2 months, and he put me on Fiurecet.
I would go 12 months to 18 months in remission, and then get them again for about 2 months. Usually in late spring. I live in So. Cal.
I am not a coffee drinker accept to stay up. I work 12 hour rotating shifts by the way. I know, classic hunh?
and one year early on I realized caffeine would kick those CHs buts. So I maintained by Caffiene/Tylenol in the day and Fiurecet at night.
About 4 years ago I changed Drs and she put me on 120mg Verapamil. That time the epesode only lasted 2 weeks and then went into remission for 18 months.
About 2 years ago I got another episode that lasted 4weeks and then went into remission for 2 years. Wich brings us to now.
This episode I didnt do a good job of jumping on them with verapamil. So its in the 9th week and they are tapering off. Last night would have been my first try with Imitrex, but praise God I slept thruough the night and still havent tried the stuff yet. I have a shadow right now so will probably go try it as soon as I finish here.
Other things that seem to help are lots of physical exercise. I am very active, I surf and play hockey, and do the various workouts associated with those sports.
When I can work out lots of days a week the CHs are weaker and go away faster. In fact a run when one starts makes it turn into a shadow, but by the time I am done with my shower I need the caffien/drugs to stop the pain.
Anyway I hope this isnt way to much info.