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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> Anyone try Darvocet?
        
(Message started by: Gofishgriff on Jul 29^th, 2003, 6:30pm)

Title: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Gofishgriff on Jul 29^th, 2003, 6:30pm

I'm currently winding down on a cycle and have experimented (sp?) with the pain reliever Darvocet. In the past week, I have felt an attack coming on and I decided to try a Darvocet that was perscribed for my wife.

:o I know this is a big no-no to use someone elses perscription, but as most of you know, you'll try almost anything to abort an attack or make it less painful.

Anyhow, I felt the attack coming on and my doctor had perscribed Fiornal (Bulbutital/Caffine/Asprin) which simply has not worked, so I go to the medicine cabinet and find a bottle of Darvocet, which says on the label, "for severe headache". Thought I would try it and lo and behold, it seemed to hold off the attack.

This has happened twice in the past week and the Darvocet seemed to work both times.

Now, a little history on my CH's. I feel very fortunate with where I'm at with CH's after being on this site for a while. Call me lucky, but when I'm in cycle, I only have one attack a day. There have been days with two, but it is usually just one. I usually top out at a KIP 7 or 8. I've only had one attack that I remember that may have been a 10. That was over ten years ago when I was single and in my 20's. I was too stupid to think about going to the emergency room. But, it was that painful.

So, to cut to the chase, has anyone else tried Darvocet with any luck? Perhaps it's because i'm cycling down or because my attacks are not that severe.

????

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by don on Jul 29^th, 2003, 6:48pm

It is because Darvocet is masking the pain, not aborting it.

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Linda_Howell on Jul 29^th, 2003, 7:11pm

DO NOT get me started.........Linda

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Gofishgriff on Jul 29^th, 2003, 7:58pm

If masking the pain is what it was, then I'm fine with that. It seemed to stop both occurances. Like I mentioned, I am winding down on this cycle. Perhaps the Darvocet was enough to numb it.

I did get my first perscrip for Imitrex Nasal spray at my doctor visit last Thursday. I'm anxious to see how this works. (But not that anxious ;) )

Linda, maybe I've missed something, but I was not trying to get anyone started. Sorry if I did. I was just curious if anyone else had tried this med. I don't recall seeing it listed on the numerous other threads that talk about medicines used.

Andy

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Brian_Y on Jul 29^th, 2003, 8:18pm

And I wonder why those new folks are frightened off. Why doesn't someone EXPLAIN to Andy the pitfalls and/or advantages to using these drugs as a means of dealing with CHs?

Seems to me that helping/supporting folks is the mission here, hm? Or did I miss the point?

I'd do it myself, but I have no valid OPINION the issue.

Although, as I have heard from various sources, Andy, as narcotics turn your brain off, it's generally thought that they are not a viable long-term solution for this type of pain. I hope that was not too cryptic for you. Don's post above is useful as well.

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Linda_Howell on Jul 29^th, 2003, 8:18pm

I'm sorry too Andy. I was in a bad mood when I wrote that. Let me explain in more detail and it has nothing to do with you personally.

I, Too tried Narcotics when this beast first decided to vistit. PAIN= PAIN RELIEF, right? WRONGO.....

16 yrs. ago I was addicted to these. It took me 3 whole months all by myself with no help whastsoever to extricate them from my system. I am chronic and would have tried dried camel dung if it would have helped.

I have since lost a son(no, he hasn't died. YET) from the abuse of narcotic pain pills. I have since learned that they don't work for clusters anyway!!!!!!! Rebounds from hell and then they give you another problem....... EVERYONE SAY ADDICTION?

No Andy, you don't see it used in the numerous threads of meds for a reason. Learn from our mistakes Hon.

Every time someone here tells us that narcotics work for them and then go on to list their "favorites" (Percodan, vicodan, percoset, lorcet, Codeine, etc...) it makes my blood boil.

O.K. flame away everyone. I don't even care anymore. head is killing me right now and I have to go.

But not whining. And certainly not taking Narcotics. Just gonna go bang my head into the first piece of dry-wall my head comes in contact with.

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Ree on Jul 29^th, 2003, 8:19pm

In daves experience the first time he uses something it sometime aborts... he tried feverfew one cycle and that even worked... Its as if the "Beast" as you guys call it... doesnt have immunity for something new... As the others said Darvocet is like a Midol... or a strong asprin... its going to mask the pain and not go after the cause like other abortives... Fioricet Darvocet Percocet... all adictive and just mask the pain... all can cause rebound.

this is my opinion now not fact... not an expert here... ree

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by cootie on Jul 29^th, 2003, 8:24pm

Brand Name: Fiorinal

Most Common Medical Uses

Aspirin is a pain reliever, as well as an anti-inflammatory and a fever reducer. Butalbital is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central nervous system and cause relaxation. Caffeine is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches. Aspirin / butalbital / caffeine are most commonly used to relieve complex tension headaches. Aspirin / butalbital / caffeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Propoxyphene-N-100 (acetaminophen & propoxyphene)
Brand Name: Darvocet-N-100

Most Common Medical Uses
Propoxyphene (related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It works by changing the way your body feels pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of propoxyphene. Together, acetaminophen and propoxyphene are used to relieve pain. Acetaminophen and propoxyphene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Useing these drugs is a vicious cycle.......they can cause rebound headaches then you take more to get rid of them and then you get naggy ha's all the time and then.....well.........it goes round and round. Be careful.....can't imagine these meds helpin a CH but everybody is different. Think b-4 ya do all this crap.....only you can prevent forest fires in yer head. Pam that is hopein yer not on the wrong track Gofishgriff

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by don on Jul 29^th, 2003, 8:26pm

In simple terms...........

The pitfalls outweigh the benefits of using narcotics.

There are other meds, and the nasal spray is a good one, that are at least as affective as narcotics that don't carry the risks.

The instant gratification of being PF today by using narcotics can turn into long term hell in the long run.

I've never met an addict that hasn't used drugs. To late before they knew it. Myself included.

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Hooter on Jul 29^th, 2003, 9:12pm

In case you haven't read it elsewhere Andy, nasal Imitrex/Imigran works well for many but is slower than the injections.
I use it and find I get almost total relief in 15-20 mins but I do get a few slightly hyper feelings afterwards and find it hard to go back to sleep.

Some tips though. If you keep sniffing hard for too long after you have squirted (sounds like a description of drug enhanced sex this!!) the liquid goes down the back of your throat and in my case makes me gag (it's very bitter) Oh dear, I must be frustrated 'cos this is sounding like sex again.
Anyway, if you sniff hard right at the beginning to get the drug in, then stop sniffing immediately.

Use either nostril I find works but I tend to use the hurting side.

Hope this helps

Off to play with my husband now, if he's awake which I doubt at 3.42 am!

Hooter

P.S. Gofish- Linda is trying to save you going down a bad road that's all. We have personal buttons here that if pressed, send us into orbit!

Linda- hang in there and vent away, sounds like you have evry right to (and bite me if it helps, I quite like it and haven't had a good fight on here since you know when ;)!

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by don on Jul 29^th, 2003, 9:23pm

Playing devils advocate.

I can fully understand someone using a narcotic briefly during a vicious cycle. Sometimes you just need a break for even a few hours. I have done it and I am high risk for the consequences. This is not the case you have descibed though. You are winding down.

My suggestion would be to put the Darvocet back on the shelf and try other pain management methods.

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Charlie on Jul 29^th, 2003, 9:34pm

Darvocet doesn't work for CH. Nothing really does.

Some kind of co-incidence coupled with timing is the likely answer but we'd like it to be otherwise.

Glad you're winding down though

Charlie

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by cootie on Jul 29^th, 2003, 9:42pm

Gosh Brian......I think alot of us were posting at the same time and didn't get the information info out to Gofishgriff on time when you were reading....Hope info was helpful about the meds. And also BTW Linda........tell ya what....I wouldn't flame you if my life depended on it cuz I jus love you !!! :-* Jus thought I'd add that.......smiles to everyone ! :) Pam that ate too much watermelon jus now..........bleuhhhhhhh :P

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Brian_Y on Jul 30^th, 2003, 7:20am

Quote:

Gosh Brian......I think alot of us were posting at the same time and didn't get the information info out to Gofishgriff on time when you were reading....Hope info was helpful about the meds.

I'll concede that point, but it pains me to read such negativity for newcomers (who have yet to acclimate themselves fully to the nature of what happens here) when it is CLEAR to me the issue of said negativity is, quite frankly, endemic.

I'll leave it at that.

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Gofishgriff on Jul 30^th, 2003, 7:23am

Wow, you guys rock! I go to bed and wake up to all this info.

First off, no need to apologize Linda. If Someone posts something to me I don't understand, or 'get', I will ask. I thank you for explaining.

For the rest of you, please know your comments are greatly appreciated. I feel that I'm a fairly smart man, but I can see I've got a lot to learn when it comes to meds. That's what is so good about this site. There are mountains of info to be learned here. A couple months ago, I was out there wondering around alone in the CH world trying to figure things out by myself. It's much easier figuring things out with others like yourself.

Thanks for the info guys and I'll let you know how the Imitrex Spray works.

Gofishgriff
aka Andy, Gofish, you name it. :)

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Gofishgriff on Jul 30^th, 2003, 7:25am

Brian, thanks for your input, but it really is okay. I've been reading long enough to know not to post if I have thin skin or am afraid of what someone might say. ;)

Andy

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Brian_Y on Jul 30^th, 2003, 7:43am

Seems odd to me that one would NEED thick skin if you are dealing with CHs and come here for some modicum of support. Thank God you had sense enough to steer your way thru the B.S.

Tally ho!!

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Hound_Dogg on Jul 30^th, 2003, 8:12am

Andy,

Welcome aboard....Best I can tell you, besides what everyone else has said, is get to a doctor regarding your headaches. Go there armed with the info you find on this and other sites.

All prescription medication is dangerous to a degree. It would be very inappropriate of me to tell you to try Imitrex...not knowing your past health. You could have underlying problems that taking Imitrex could make worse. Narcotics are drugs that can be valuable for someone in pain, but there has to be a responsible and informed decision made by you and your doctor as to the appropriate therapy for your condition.

Someone that has taken Imitrex & then rushed to the hospital with chest pains, sky-rocketing blood pressure, and nausea would tell you to stay away from Imitrex. Someone who has taken Opioid pain killers and then became addicted and began to sell their family's possessions for another "high" , would tell you to stay away from narcotics. You get the point.

I can tell you what works for me is Verapamil 240mg per day. With OXY IR taken before I believe the Cluster is scheduled to hit.If I wait until the Cluster has started, it's too late.

Definitely see your Doctor and try to get to a competent Neurologist.

Good Luck

Jim

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Bob P on Jul 30^th, 2003, 8:29am

From the expert, Dr. Goadsby:

"Analgesics

Opiates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and combination analgesics have no role in the acute management of CH."

I tried darvocet once. Didn't even touch my attacks so I saved the rest for recreational use.

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by stuey on Jul 30^th, 2003, 8:29am

I can tell you that 960 of verapamil has been working in my case, probably because I have taken 240 of Verapamil for three years due to high blood pressure. The higher dose is good for me but one or two attacks have still broken through. I couple this with elavil. I stay away from narcotics as much as possible. Oxycontin made me seize. I have also seized with vicodin, although vicodin is pretty wonderful. I stay away from the narcs as much as possible. Everyone is different, neurontin helps some, didn't help me. Imitrex works to abort for most people, Relpax has done so too. I have to agree with those who say there are other drugs, specifically Triptans which work on the headaches and don't cause addiction. Hoping you find your way to deal with the pain. Stuey

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by forgetfulnot on Jul 30^th, 2003, 4:58pm

If darvocet get's rid of your H/As you must not have C/H,
darvocet is one of the weakest pain killers on the market. That's a fact.

Lee ::)

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Hooter on Jul 30^th, 2003, 5:41pm

That's a fact in the world according to you Lee. You do not have the monopoly on truth or fact, not even on CH.

When my cycle is waning, painkillers do give me relief. Would you like to suggest I don't have CH either?

Hooter

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by fubar on Jul 30^th, 2003, 6:27pm

Narcotics don't do much if anything at all for CH (for me) but they help with migraines and I have even used Fiorinal when I feel a CH hangover (I'm sure some of you know what I mean by that.... that dull pain from all the hystrionics of the dance).

I have also had times whre I was *sure* I aborted an impending attack by taking a Fiorinal, but that is hard to prove, and it was only at the end of a cycle. Since I've been in cycle now for, oh, 23 months... that hasn't happened in a while.

-Fu

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Gofishgriff on Jul 30^th, 2003, 7:08pm

Lee,

I do have clusters. I have tried to explain over several different posts that mine don't seem to be as bad as others here on the MB. I'm still new here, so you may not have picked up on one of my posts where I've explained this.

Let's see if I can explain this well enough to qualify as a cluster head. I get that little pulse in my right temple indicating an attack may be coming on. A funny thing I noticed, that little pulse did not always bring on an attack, but most of the time it did. Only since I've been on this website did I hear the term Shadows, and I immediately knew what they were talking about.

Moving on with an actual headache, this pulse does not go away and I start to feel the pressure building up behind the eye. My nose gets clogged and the pain gets worse. Usually, I'm peaking with an attack within 10 minutes of the first pulse. The pain is always on the right side of my face/head. This pain starts behind the eye/temple area and goes up and over my right ear. The pain doesn't go much further back. During the attack, the pain seems to come in waves. Pain for 30-40 seconds, then a slight let up for 10-20 seconds. On and on for 2 hours on average. A dark, quite place does not bring any comfort during an attack. I'm quite restless to the point where I'll wonder aimlessly around the house trying to press my right eye in or squeeze my head till it pops. Finally, when the headache ends, it ends very rapidly. I go from pain to no pain within 5-10 minutes.

I've been experiencing this yearly for the past 12 years. When a cyle starts, it usually last about a month. I only get one headache a day, which normally occurs in the evening, 8-11 PM. I have had a couple days this past cycle where I had two headaches in one day. When in cycle, the headaches are daily for the first couple of weeks, then it will start skipping days before they finally go away.

After finding this site and reading the KIP scale, I usually top out at a 7-8. I think I've been as high as a 10, but that was only one time. No, I haven't been to the emergency room because of these, but I probably should have gone once. Only until I got here did I know there was so much info on CH and possible meds. I've always just lived with them.

To be honest, I almost feel guilty being on this website because I do not seem to have it as bad as others here.

BUT, you may be right. Since the Darvocet seemed to stop an attack last week. Oops, let me correct that. Since the Darvocet blocked the pain enough last week that it seemed to stop the attack, perhaps it's not CH and it's something else.

Winding down on this cycle. Been a couple weeks since the last true attack. No chance I could have CH since Darvocet stopped an attack. Hmmmmm.

Did you read the posts on this thread? :-/

Title: Re: Anyone try Darvocet?
Post by Prense on Jul 30^th, 2003, 8:22pm

Dude,

Don't feel "guilty" Some people tolerate pain better than others...the KIP scale is there as a reference for describing the severity of the attack. What I might consider a KIP 6, someone else may call a KIP 8...

As far as for the frequency goes...in every statistic there are deviations. I am diagnosed with CCH and I typically get attacks 5-6 times a month. That number never goes lower than 5 but has easily gone over 20 in a month and I have been that way for the past 9 years. I "dealt" with it until 2000 when I was diagnosed. Why did I put up with it so long??? Well, I was under some false pretense that everyone got HAs and there was no cure for them...it was probably stress or something. The severe pain though...did everyone REALLY get them THIS bad?!?!? I really thought they did. I was rather young mind you... Anyway, I got older...talked about it with friends. I found out that no, that is not a normal thing. Hrmmmmmm :o To the doctor I went and the rest has been a medical nightmare. Now I STILL have CCH and I frequent doctors (including my neuro) that have no idea how to deal with it. Thanks to this site and OUCH, I now have other avenues to pursue. Currently I am on Topamax 300mg ( :'() with NO abortive >:(

Heh, I had no intention of writing a bio here but my point was to tell you NOT to feel guilty!!!

BTW...to toss my narc comment into this thread just so my post is relevant to the topic...on my last ER visit (a week or so ago) the damn doc prescribed Butalbital/asa/caff/codeine I walked in at KIP 8 and got sent out at KIP 8 WITH a prescription slip for the fore mentioned med.... no joke!