Posted by Hampton on August 01, 1998 at 14:06:55:
In Reply to: Ritalin (methylphenidate) for the Treatment of Cluster Headaches posted by Dr. Gary Mellick on July 31, 1998 at 10:06:33:
This sounds like an interesting treatment indeed.
I am curious about what you believe the mechanism.
for relief is. I was under the impression that aborting
a headache using imitrex or another triptan was achieved
via a serotonin receptor subtype (5-HT[1D]). This receptor
is responsible for vaso-constriction of dilated
arteries in the brain. I thought ritalin blocked
re-uptake of dopamine but did not effect serotonin
levels. Is there a dopamine-cluster connection?