I got some Sumatriptan from the doc thinking, it must work, everyone on here swears by it.
But it doesn't touch my pain at all, is this 'normal'?

NSAIDs, especially Naproxen, seem to reduce it a bit, so it's back to them, I suppose.

Neil

have you tried Zomig?

I have never heard of imitrex not being at least marginally effective for CH.

Do you have a CH diagnosis?

Imitrex injections or tablets?

That is very unusual. Generally, the Triptan class of medications work far better than NSAID's for Cluster Headaches. NSAID's can be quite effective for some other types of headaches, but almost useless against Cluster Headaches.

Marc

Thanks for the replies...

lorac : No, I haven't tried Zomig, but I have tried Maxalt, another triptan, and it was similarly ineffective.

seaworthy : Yes, I am diagnosed with CH – seen 2 neurologists.  But yes, I am surprised (and disappointed) how ineffective the Sumatriptan is.  I’m seeing the neuro again in November, he may be interested that Sumatriptan didn’t work.  Verapamil does help though.

gizmo : Tablets.

Talk to your neuro about getting the injections.  The pills are far to slow to combat CH.  Best of luck.

Regards,

Malcom

What Malcolm said and also make sure to get Oxygen prescribed.

NeilB wrote on Sep 23^rd, 2009 at 9:43am:

Tablets.

Tablets. There's your problem.

The fact that you're here asking questions is a good sign, because you do have to take matters into your own hands if you want to deal with this condition effectively.

Doctors routinely prescribe ineffective stuff, so it's necessary to go in there having done your research and let the doctor know what you really need.

Fortunately you came to the right place to find out what actually works. Here are a couple links for starters:

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For an abortive the Imitrex pills are a joke, you need the injections, and non - rebreather mask high LPM O2 should probably be your first abortive to use, with the imitrex handy as a backup just in case.

As far as a neurologist who prescribes imitrex pills for CH is concerned - I suggest from now on you trust him. As far as you can throw him. Might wanna try another doctor, and not wait til November.

NeilB wrote on Sep 23^rd, 2009 at 8:26am:

But it doesn't touch my pain at all, is this 'normal'? NSAIDs, especially Naproxen, seem to reduce it a bit, so it's back to them, I suppose. Neil

Hi Niel.
Never tried the tablets.
Sumatriptan (immitrex) injections did nothing for me either.  They dont work for everyone.

However the naproxen, (wich I am a believer in for some of the CH side symptoms), may be a greater benefit in combination with the tablets as it is now being combined for those who have poor results with sumatriptan. be carefull.
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You should read this post by Batch.
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It may explain why you have CH, and trex ain't cutting it.

Thanks MJ and Pixie-elf, both interesting reads.

N