I was reading an old post before someone saying that they thought that verapamil makes cycles last longer? anyone else hear this? thanks

I've read several discussions of people who thought imitrex had extended their cycle.....myself included.....there are some on the board who have even given up on meds altogether, using just 02 to abort and avoiding all other meds. They believe it has shortened their cycles.

I don't think there has been any formal study into any of this, just peoples opinions. I don't use imitrex anymore, but still use lithium as my prevent.

Joe

My experience with V is as you stated.  Although it decreased the number and intensity of the hits, I felt like it extended the length of the cycle. 

During my latest cycle I used only O2 and a total of 7 Trex injections for the hits I couldn't break with the O2 but no prevents of any kind.

In the next couple of weeks I anticipate beginning a bi- yearly treatment with "buster" meds and am very hopeful that I will enjoy the same success as other posters have with that treatment regimen.

DD

Don't know....I took verapamil this year, and my cycle went 6 months instead of 3.

BUT...It started 3 months early...nothing to do with the Verap.
    It did work good for me....but I also will be going the seed route next time.
   The Verapamil is just so hard on the hiney! ;D
Constipated the whole time!         

Constipation is surely one of the easiest issues we have to handle. Regular use of the fiber based products can give comfortable relief without the cramping of more aggressive products.

Look at the PDF piece, below.

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Like others, I do find that taking Verapamil does extend the cycle but it's a small price to pay for very few daytime hits and (for the most part) lower intensity hits overall.

thanks for the reply all! so im wondering what u guys think if i slowly weened down from 720 mg's a day to 480  mg's a day and see what happens? i have been in cycle about a month and a half with no hits in a round 5 days! of course i will ask the doc later today when i see him but i respect u guys just as much if not even more ;) thanks

General rule of thumb when on preventatives: Two weeks without hits or shadows, then start to taper off preventative meds.

Brew wrote on Feb 1^st, 2010 at 1:50pm:

General rule of thumb when on preventatives: Two weeks without hits or shadows, then start to taper off preventative meds.

Agreed on all counts.

wip5150 wrote on Feb 1^st, 2010 at 3:17pm:

Brew wrote on Feb 1st, 2010 at 1:50pm: General rule of thumb when on preventatives: Two weeks without hits or shadows, then start to taper off preventative meds. Agreed on all counts.

Make that three who agree. 

gotta love all u guys!!!! thanx!! :D

Hope a newbie can jump in here. I started prednisone which stopped all hits for me immediately - wonderful. Started Topamax at the same time. Tapered off prednisone over 2 weeks, still on Topamax. Doctor told me to continue the Topamax for 2 months. But if I'm not having any hits at all, sounds like maybe I shouldn't take it for that long? This is only my second real cycle of full-on clusters, I endured the first one with no meds or diagnisis so I am really figuring things out now. I have been reading everything on this website, and am totally amazed and impressed, beyond impressed, with the quality and intelligence of the information and advice offered here. What a fanatastic and caring gift! Lori

i would read what brew wrote on this thread! as a matter of fact listen to all there peeps! they are amazing! im also a newbie! only my second cycle also! i havent had any hits in around 5 days still having shadows though and that "tingle" certain times of day so im staying on my verap until at least "2WEEKS NO SHADOWS NO PAIN"  ;)
keep us posted!!!

You're a CH member now Lori, that entitles you to jump in any where you please! ;)

My doc always had me go 4 weeks pain free before I started off my prevent. Different doc's, differernt opinions! I have never used Topomax so I'm not familiar with how you go on and off it, but do talk with your doc before starting off of it. We like to frequently remind others....and ourselves!!!...to always communicate with their doc before increasing or decreasing our dosing!

Hoping the cycle's done with you this round.

Joe

For the most part I am PF.  I can even have a drink.... No red wine though :(.   The minute I wean down to as low as 180mg a day(from 540mg) I get hit.  Does this mean I'm still in cycle?   

I'll never figure this out.  I wish I had just continued what I started with the  "Buster" method. 

Jeannie

im not expierienced enough to answer that but would be curious to hear what other peeps think!