Posted by Doc Greg on September 20, 1998 at 10:22:18:
In Reply to: Rock Bottom posted by Rick on September 19, 1998 at 22:03:45:
Rick,
It is the strangest thing how they seem to get worse before getting better. I get the same way myself...3-4 a day for a couple weeks before I see daylight (sometimes).
Prednisone is often effective to stop a cluster...and 60mg for a week is reasonable. A lot of people try 80mg per day...but both are very high doses. People on Prednisone often get nightmares, and often feel somewhat intoxicated during the day...just know to expect it. The side effects will go away as the dose is tapered. It is important that you do not stop high doses of steroids abruptly (esp after taking it for more than 5 days) as the body becomes dependent on it...hence the taper. I have seen a varying success rate with the prednisone in my own experience and with my patients, but it is considered a very effective method...and definitely worth a try.
Have you ever tried using less than the full 6mg Imitrex injection? It is often hard with these autoinjectors, but you can do it manually with a thin pencil or toothpick. I, personally, can get away with using less than a half of a syringe per headache, and it works just as well for me (saves money). There is nothing wrong medically with taking a lower dose, and if it works...great.
Hope some of this helped. I usually feel that I can handle 1 per day, but when it gets up to 3 or 4, I feel like screaming all the time. I sincerely hope the prednisone helps you.
Don't give up
Greg
------------------------
Greg Hill, MD
docgreg@bigfoot.com