I abused alcohol heavily from about age 21 till 28 where I abruptly stopped (the only way!). During most of that chaos, I was ALSO taking an SSRI (Lexapro) during part of it, an anxiolytic called Klonopin. I was also a heavy smoker.

I know alcohol and smoking are big triggers, and I know serotonin plays into the CH phenomenon as well. I just can't help but think these variables pushed me into clusterhell. I quit drinking in August 2011 and quit smoking 6 mos ago. Got my first proper cluster attack January 21st. Any thoughts?

I know...I know... laymen reasoning about a very complex topic...

It's not a bad thing to keep an eye out for cause and effect. Just don't waste too much time on it! I never smoked, no head trauma, but in my late teens started getting these horrible headaches. I'm 53 and still haven't figured out what starts a cycle, and what ends them!

Having said that, since starting the "batch regimen" 3 years ago, I've been cycle free, headache free. With over 80% of the peple who try it finding relief, many like me finding complete relief, I'd think it would be inviting pain to not give it a look see and a try!

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Joe

Hey Joe. I'm giving the D3 regimen a go. I'd already been leaving the cycle when I started it (last official >5 CH was Feb 15, but started the regimen 8 days ago). Nonetheless I have had shadows - some strong, some weak - over the past 2 weeks. Yesterday I had almost none and today it almost felt like a full-on cluster was starting - until all the nonsense stopped two hours ago. Also got blood results back today. D3 was in fact low, at 21.5 ng/ml (tested 5 days ago). Going back to the GP to tell him about the regimen and seek another blood test.

Interestingly, I've done my fair share of heavy drinking throughout my 52 years.  Early last year I just stopped - I couldn't deal with the hangovers anymore (not CH, just typical horrible hangovers).  Last year is also when my CH started.  Despite that, I'm still very happy I quit drinking - now I can afford all the new meds I have to take for CH!

Despite that, I'm still very happy I quit drinking - now I can afford all the new meds I have to take for CH!

If nothing else clusterheads are the epitomy of optimism!!! ;)

Joe

I second Joe!

It always amazes me to read how people manage to fight on despite what we all know is the worst pain imaginable. Great group of folks, makes me proud.

David

I had my first CH at the age of 11, years before I started drinking and smoking. I haven't had a drink for some 3 years now and two years ago I starting rolling tobacco which reduced the amount of my smoking to about 25%, with no noticeable change.

Keep in mind that nicotine is a vasoconstrictor (which might be an explanation as to why CHers tend to smoke in the first place). So quitting may be good for your health but doesn't necessarily be good for your CH.

Quote:

(which might be an explanation as to why CHers tend to smoke in the first place)

Perfect spot for my theory - the same defect in our brains which causes clusters also causes us to have addictive personalities.  That's why clusterheads smoke more, drink more, gamble more and hang around websites more than the general population.