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Sure they're called suicide headaches but, as you've obviously worked out for yourself, you must never give up because that means the bastage has won. Mind you, it doesn't mean for a second we don't know exactly how you feel.

Ice packs help a lot of folks while others get into a boiling hot shower. (I do both simultaneously.)  Try guzzling a Red Bull at the first hint of a hit. Check out the Medication and Treatments board for a thread called "123 days PF" and also consider an OTC medicatment called melatonin which many take just before bed.

Best of all is that you've found your way here so there truly is hope.

Only better days ahead, Y & B.

Start reading on this site and digging through the the varies posts. You'll get caught up real quick about what your up against. Not knowing is really the hardest part, so you're definitely moving in the right direction. Prednisone can be useful to keep the beast at bay while other preventative meds build up to effective levels. Also check out the Vitamin D3 thread on this board and give it a look. Oxygen is also recommended. Good luck

OXYGEN!!  It just might change your life 

And if it doesn't work the first time, keep trying, ask questions.

Wish you all the very best!

I have a couple of concerns about your post. What drug are you taking that doesn't allow you to take imitrex? None you mention are counterindicative for imitrex. And I think you misunderstand the use of O2. Yes, anxiety attacks can cause shortness of breath, and yes, the pain of a cluster can bring on an anxiety attack, but...while the use of O2 may help your breathing, we need the flow to be so much higher than it would be for common pulmonary relief. We are looking for a flow that is 15-25lpm, along with a nonrebreather mask which will promote hyperventilation. This is key. Too many "try" O2 at low flow rates (5-10lpm) only to discover that doesn't do them much good. blessings. lance

CH sufferrer for 25 years. In a cycle as we speak. Lots of good advice here on this board. Got to get an oxygen tank and learn how to use it correctly. Ice packs will sometimes provide some relief. I have also found early in an attack to engage in hard aerobic exercise. I know that sounds like it would be difficult and it is, but I've had success aborting attacks on a treadmill. Sometimes honey, there just ain't nothing you can do. I have found that topamax has helped me shorten cycle duration and reduce severity. But everything is so individualized. The only thing I can tell you is that I'm 60 years old,have suffered on and off for 25 years, and I'm still here to talk about it. It will not kill you. You need to be stronger than it. You need to summon every bit of strength you have and never let it beat you mentally, no matter how bad you feel, no matter how tired you are, no matter how painful it is. You must never let it completely control you. God bless you and good luck to you. I will say a prayer for you.