kdeen0201 wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2010 at 6:57pm:


What form of imitrex was it that wasn't working? Just double checking because when someone reports imitrex not working, 99% of the time it turns out they were wrongly prescribed the ineffective pill form, not the highly effective injectible.

I sure hope you can get some relief ASAP via O2 or other treatments mentioned here and join the "lucky" CH'ers amongst us who aren't living with crushing attacks, who are beating them down and killing them.

yes, it was th imitrex pill that didn't work. I'm having a lot of issues with insurance also. maxalt which is covered, but only 12 pils a month, seems to work on an active attack and frova and relpax also help but are not covered at all. I've been paying around 30 bucks a pill for them. and using up to 3 pills a day. my doc just prescribed me dihydroergotamine (?) nasal spray and I'm having serious doubts about it, but I'll try anything rght now. I have seen a lot about the imitrex shots and have looked into them. my insurance will only cover 6 a month though. That will not last me even close to a week right now.

What you need to know about imitrex shots is that you can abort up to 3 attacks with one shot. Here's the info on how to do that: Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or


With O2 as your first line abortive, and 6 (which will actually equal 12 to 18) imitrex shots a month for back up you could be a beast killin' mofo!

Don't blame ya for doubting the ergotamine spray. I tried that old school crap a long time ago and all it did was make me barf.

If you'll try anything now, something like psilocybin could potentially be a more effective preventative than any drug (hence the references you've seen to clusterbusters.com and their forum)

Hi Kdeen.  OK, keep narrowing this down to the specifics, I like that.  Redbull is not the essential brand/flavor.  It is the caffeine and people think the added taurine of the energy drinks makes the caffeine more effective.  Vasoconstrictor.  I get hit every morning (when in cycle) around 9-10am.  At 8:45am I drink a caffinated soda, coffee, tea etc.  Straight caffeine works for me.  I have also taken a preemptive caffeine pill (nodoz/vivarin). 

If you wait until it is really hammering you it may be too late.  The caffeine/taurine may get in faster??  So don't sweat the redbull stuff, just try some sort of caffeine routine as needed. 

Couple other things:  Disregard my advice if you are unable to use caffeine for any reason.  Don't make other matters worse, like bad stomach, migraine triggers etc.

This is a good strategy for daytime hits.  Bad strategy for nighttime sufferers because it tends to disrupt sleep so bad.

For the nighttime hits people have had good success with melatonin before bedtime.  Some people have had great results.   Check it out, more written on this site.

There is a way to split each imitrex injection into 3 seperate shots.  Most people don't need the whole thing, so split it and make it go further.  Keep acquiring more when not in cycle so you will have plenty when you are hit next.  I haven't done any prescriptions, that is just what I read everyone say here.

For me, psilocybe mushrooms and caffeine have saved my life.  2 attacks in the last 2 years, not my normal 120.  No side effects, no oxygen,  just peace, love and pain free joy.  I know that I have this condition for life and there is no cure.  I also know that there will be some sneakers that make it through my defences from time to time.  But choose your course and make it work.  Pharmaceutical, naturals...we can make it work.  Hang in there, I know this is rough.  Keep making gains each day in your knowledge and treatment. 

I would be tempted to order all the oxygen stuff right now if I were you and hook up with the local welders supply place.  I think the oxygen, caffeine, melatonin may be your best immediate relief.  Then either get your imitrex injections sorted out or go over to the busters website and get your RC seeds ordered. 

Good luck!

--Shaggy

ps, lots of animated faces for you today, I think you need them