I have been reading from the many posts here people taking Verapamil and Topomax.  My question is, would an episodic sufferer take these medications also even though, in my case, my cycle lasts approx. 8 weeks?  Thanks..

Typically, yes.

A "standard" approach is to use a Prednisone steroid taper to provide relief while ramping up Verapamil.

Most preventative medications like Topomax and Verapamil take 1-3 weeks to achieve their full effect. While Predisone cannot be taken for long periods of time, it is considered pretty safe when only taken for short periods in a downward tapering dose over a week or two.

Marc

If your cycles are very consistently this short, it's a matter of personal choice. Some doc and Ch--ers, if they have an effective abortive, just advise using it and get over the cycle.

Argument is that the time it takes for the preventive to become effective just about runs you out of the cycle.

No medical issue--just personal choice.

As an approximate 8 week episodic sufferer myself, I'd say definitely yes.

I find that in peak episode there are just way too many hits - especially rebounds after an abortive is used - to deal with if no preventative is being used.

It's the use of preventative(s) that make o2 and imitrex  practical abortives for me (for "breakthrough" hits), otherwise it just becomes a rebound circus.

And it doesn't take that long for some of the preventatives to kick in - if ya hop on them pretty quick, they can be in effect by the time you would otherwise be at peak activity/intensity.

I'm an episodic sufferer, and I've been on Verapamil, ever since I was formally diagnosed with CH back in July 2005.  It acts as a preventative, when I'm out of cycle.

As Bob Johnson mentioned, some episodics elect to use only an abortive.  Since my cycles are normally only six weeks in duration, I've chosen this route.  Oxygen, and nothing else.

YMMV, of course--but I believe it's been the best choice for me.

Best wishes,

George

LucyBee210 wrote on Oct 13^th, 2009 at 11:11am:

I have been reading from the many posts here people taking Verapamil and Topomax.  My question is, would an episodic sufferer take these medications also even though, in my case, my cycle lasts approx. 8 weeks?  Thanks..

No question - my cycles typically last between 8-12 weeks and I take Verapamil (180mg 3X daily) during the cycle and also use Imitrex as an abortive but only when necessary due to rebounds.  When I feel like the cycle is ending, I wean off the Verapamil but always keep it at the ready for that inevitable shadow that comes back in 12-18 months.

wip5150 wrote on Oct 16^th, 2009 at 3:38pm:

LucyBee210 wrote on Oct 13th, 2009 at 11:11am: I have been reading from the many posts here people taking Verapamil and Topomax.  My question is, would an episodic sufferer take these medications also even though, in my case, my cycle lasts approx. 8 weeks?  Thanks.. No question - my cycles typically last between 8-12 weeks and I take Verapamil (180mg 3X daily) during the cycle and also use Imitrex as an abortive but only when necessary due to rebounds.  When I feel like the cycle is ending, I wean off the Verapamil but always keep it at the ready for that inevitable shadow that comes back in 12-18 months.

I do agree with that approach based on my experiences.

Curious if you are taking "SR" or regular version?

Marc

ellenjoanne wrote on Oct 15^th, 2009 at 8:26pm:

I'm an episodic sufferer, and I've been on Verapamil, ever since I was formally diagnosed with CH back in July 2005.  It acts as a preventative, when I'm out of cycle.

You will also build a tolrance to it so that it less effective when you are in cycle.

I take 60mg during my cycle and TAPER down to 10 mg year 'round.  Next time, I will probably increase the dosage to 80mg during my cycle as it didn't do as well this time as previously.  I am not a good example of dosages because I am very sensitive to meds and take small doses.  I am episodic and have a cycle once a year for 8 weeks...have had a cycle twice in a year before.

Joni