Posted by Bob P on May 21, 1999 at 11:29:45:
In Reply to: Re: A thousand questions posted by Rick B on May 21, 1999 at 07:53:09:
Hate to be a nit-picker, especially when I'm not sure I'm correct, but here goes. I've been on cafergot (ergotamine & caffine) for almost the entire 30 years of dealing with CH. Ergotamine is a vasso-constrictor (shrinks the blood vessels), imitrex does the same thing. I thought the reasoning for not taking them at the same time was that it could constrict the vessels too much, sending the blood pressure through the roof. The docs don't want us stroking out on them.
As for increased usage, my perscription says "take two tablets at onset of headache, one each 1/2 hr after that til the headche goes away, not more than 6/headache or 10/week. I can usually kill a HA with 1 or 2 tablets. I usually wind up taking 25-30/week. 3 times the perscribed amount. The only side effects I've had are cold fingers & toes from the reduced circulation due to the constricted vessels. You do have to be careful. Too much can cause ergotism and completely shut off the circulation, resulting in gangreene and loss of the didgits. One guy I know that was taking cafergot got up one morning to find his toes turning black. Put him in the hospital but they did manage to save his toes.
It's a game we all play. We're gonna take what we have to to stop the pain. I think everyone agrees that CH pain is the worst. Most would gladly give a up few toes if stopped the headaches.
Good luck.
Bob Pahlow