Posted by Troy (139.78.19.49) on July 28, 1999 at 23:39:21:
In Reply to: Cocaine, anesthesia, Stadol posted by John on July 28, 1999 at 21:28:31:
Hey John,
I like you have found the deleterious effects of vasodilation caused by Stadol to be annoying. However, when nothing else will work, it is often very much necessary to use it (see my reply "maybe a different perspective further down on the board.) I do worry, however, about those using Stadol all of the time, or those who use it when they truly aren't having an attack (for instance to go to sleep.) Addiction isn't my primary concern--tolerance is. The problem with using opiods is that after continued use, your body will tolerate them and it takes more of the drug to have the same effect. And with Stadol--that aint cheap. Of course, cocaine is a powerful vasoconstrictor and I can see how it would abort a vasoactive headache. I've heard of many doctors who have actually prescribed the stuff. Crazy world.
As a veterinarian I use a drug called Propofol to induce anesthesia in particularly dogs. It works extremely well and is very short acting but an excellent recovery profile. I've joked with my doctor about putting me under a constant infusion of Propofol during my cycles so that I wouldn't have to endure these headaches. We get a big kick out of it, but hey, these headaches will drive a person to think of anything.
Bottom line--be steadfast in your prevention trials. I know that it seems like it will take forever to find that "perfect combination" to prevent them, but it is worth it. For me, Lithium and Depakote work really well and Imitrex is the magic bullet. Hopefully you'll find a good preventative protocol. Pain free days to you.
Troy
Troy