Posted by Dr. Gary Mellick on August 01, 1998 at 06:35:05:
In Reply to: Ritalin (methylphenidate) for the Treatment of Cluster Headaches posted by Dr. Gary Mellick on July 31, 1998 at 10:06:33:
Greetings Everyone.
The following is a slightly revised version of the content of the "abstract" from the first cluster headache manuscript that will soon be published in the medical journal HEADACHE.
This information is should help you discuss Ritalin therapy with their doctor.
Case Report
Cluster Headache Management with Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Dr. Gary A. Mellick and Dr. Larry B. Mellick
Abstract. The authors report rapid cluster headache relief in a 43-year-old male limousine chauffeur with a 5-year cluster headache history that was refractory to medical therapy. The patient described complete headache relief within 10 minutes of taking 10-mg of methylphenidate (Ritalin) when used to abort the onset of his headaches. Subsequently, a scheduled dose of Ritalin SR (20 mg) taken each morning was sufficient to prevent his nightly headaches. In addition, one week of prophylactic methylphenidate therapy halted the series of cluster headaches. This is the first reported case of relief of cluster headaches with methylphenidate.
Julie and others, we are completing a second medical journal publication in which we describe a series of patients treated with Ritalin. Anyone who might be interested in being included in this first group of patients can contact me at my email address.