I know amitriptyline is indicated for CHs, but does anyone know of the effectiveness/contraindications for nortiptyline? That is what I am currently using along with verapamil and gabapentin.  [smiley=headbanger.gif]

Ooops. That should be nortriptyline.  [smiley=blush.gif]

They are in the same family of meds and the differences are largely dependent on one's body, i.e., treat as interchangeable.

My joke of a primary care physician prescribed me nortriptyline and not only was it ineffective it also produced awful side effects including violent mood swings and water retention. I was so mean when I was taking them that me and my wife almost separated.

Nortiptyline seems to be working pretty well for me as a preventative (proscribed by my neurologist) and I'm not seeing anything like mood swings or water retention, although I've gained some weight but that could also be due to the prednisone taper.

It's resulted in me missing my normal nightly CH at 9.17pm about 75% of the time and when I do get them it is a lot milder / shorter, especially in combination with a well timed Red Bull.

I'm now at 20mg amitriptyline at night, along with 400mg verapamil, and so far, no side effects that could compare to the attacks themselves. I'm down to 1 attack a day since upping the verapamil, aborting with energy drinks and O2, and nightly melatonin. Or I could just be moving to episodic. I keep my fingers crossed, my knees in prayer, and I'm not walking under any ladders. Whatever it takes! Blessings. lance