Posted by Simon on August 17, 1998 at 23:25:57:
In Reply to: Cluster headache, Verapamil and Imitrex Questions posted by Daniel W on August 17, 1998 at 11:50:30:
Daniel,
Answering as much as I can. First, verapamil is great,
once the doctors have established that you can cope with it.
I've been on it for over two years with no problems,
and am currently on 560mg pd. (I'm convinced it has
kept the number of headaches down, as when I have
had to stop - eg. for tests - they have come on again
with a vengeance). So don't worry there. I would suggest
that unless you really feel it is working well you
should keep at 480mg pd for now before thinking of reducing it.
Imigran/Imitrex is the only thing that has kept me going
through this 3 year bout, so far. When the headaches come
they are gone within five-ten minutes after a jab.
Two pd. is the recommended maximum, but I have had
up to four; then I have felt decidedly weird - I get
dizzy, disorientated, and have a permanent low-grade ache.
I know some people split their injections into two
or three, but I can't face in effect giving myself
a real injection as opposed to the Imigran pen system.
(I suspect that it also makes a difference, if as our US friends
have to, they are paying for it personally rather than through
an NHS.)
I can't speak for surgery, as mine have switched
sides it would be inappropriate.