Hello. I'm new here. Kind of feels weird being out in the open about this, but these things are getting so bad lately that I'm actually going to have to tell my family about what I'm going through. But anyway...

I was wondering about the key factors behind the development of cluster headaches. I've been jacked up on a load of meds for depression and ADD since I was 10 years old. From age 12 to age 19, my doctors had me on 90-120 mg of adderall a day. I had pretty bad insomnia by age 14, and its only gotten worse since then. Even when I haven't taken adderall for weeks, its always a struggle to get any sleep.

My headaches started when I was 19. I am 22 now. For the last three years, I've tried cutting down on adderall even though my ADD has definitely gotten worse. It hasn't made much of a difference in terms of reducing my episodes. In all likelihood, there's probably no correlation between my meds and these cluster headaches. I was just wondering if heavy medication can be the cause of these things. If not the meds, then definitely the insomnia. I just don't know. No body in my family has these headaches, so I'm worried.

Pujo, Welcome to CH'com.

First understand we are not Doctors here and are not able to answer questions on medications unrelated to Clusterheadaches. If you are changing doses without your Dr's knowledge this is very risky to say the least.

Have you been diagnosed with CH? There is a quiz in the links on the left of this screen 'cluster quiz' that will help you with that but a firm diagnosis is needed.

Can you please describe your symptoms to give us a better picture? Also it is not very common for other family members to have CH. Some do but only about 5%. The nex thing you should do is READ, READ, READ, on this and the OUCH web site so you understand what CH is.

Again welcome and GOOD LUCK,   Don

Quote:

I was just wondering if heavy medication can be the cause of these things. If not the meds, then definitely the insomnia.

Here's some reading for ya.
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I dont think the meds cause anything but rebounds. But that's just me. :D
all the best
thebb

You're dealing with some potent meds and none of us--you--are in a position to decide what combinations, etc. help/hurt. I surely cannot take on the responsibility of telling to you stop using, take this, etc.

The reality of contemporary medicine: as meds have become more potent the side effects have become more mumerous and serious. This is one argument, of several, for working with a doc who has experience with headache.

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LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE  On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box.  Call 1-800-643-5552; they will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

 Welcome Pujo,  Sorry you have to be here but your not alone there's alot of us here that will try to help you.  First I dont have a clue about Adderall and its affects on ch but I can relate with the insomnia between the nightly headaches and just a fear of going to sleep because of these ha's I dont sleep much.  As far as your ch goes what meds are you taking for it prevents and abortives, there are tons of meds that can help if you find the right ones,  I have seen posts about Ritalin helping ch no solid evadense on that but it may be worth a try to change your Adderall to Ritalin but you will have to discuss that with your doctor.  With a little more info on your situation theres people here that can give you suggeustions.  Good luck,  Phil