Posted by DocGreg (24.131.169.145) on July 11, 1999 at 14:15:54:
In Reply to: Imitrex Frequency posted by ChrisNJ on July 10, 1999 at 17:19:15:
C
Glaxo does not recommend taking Imitrex that frequently...but that's mostly because it hasn't been studied for safety. Many people, including myself, use imitrex much more frequently than the recommended dosing...but you must remember that it hasn't been well studied.
A couple of things to consider. Many people with cluster headaches do not require the full injection dose. Difficult to take only a half injection of the autoinjector (requires you pulling the syring out of the container with a needle nose pliars...and injecting with a small pencil-or something)...but if it works, you can ask your doctor for a script for the Imitrex vials and syringes...allowing you to draw up only half an injection...cutting the costs...and total dose used in a day.
Imitrex was well studied for migraine patients...who do not need to use it as frequently as we do...but there is more and more coming out about its use in clusters. Can't officially tell you that using it that frequently is safe...but I haven't seen anything to suggest it isn't.
Amitriptyline (Elavil) is not a great first line treatment for clusters...but sometimes helps. Of the bunch you listed...verapamil is certainly my favorite for the treatment of CHs.
Good luck
G