Posted by drummer (209.105.134.165) on November 20, 1999 at 15:18:47:
In Reply to: Imitrex Newest available nose spray posted by Mindy on November 20, 1999 at 14:21:37:
Hi Mindy,
When Prednisone is used for the preventative treatment for episodic cluster headache; I believe that it should be tapered. That means your husband should start at a higher dose and then work down to a lower dose gradually over a period of several days or weeks. If you click on the “ask doc greg” button to the left of the message board here, you will see the word, Verapamil and the words, (Calcium-channel blocker). Doc Greg says this about that medication:
“Verapamil is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It is considered one of the first line treatments for cluster headaches”. This medication MAY help your husband experience LESS cluster attacks. As long as he doesn’t suffer from low blood pressure he MAY be able to handle this medication.
In terms of the Imitrex that your husband is taking, it is possible to take less than the FULL injections of Imitrex for an individual cluster attack. By clicking on the “imitrex tip” button to the left of the message board you will see a way to use less Imitrex. This is a way to use LESS Imitrex. This may be helpful for your husband’s heart. Depending on his age and whether or not he smokes or has a history of heart problems in his family. It will also save you some money. Using less Imitrex MAY take the medication a bit longer to abort the cluster attack though. It has been my personal experience that the Imitrex pills are worthless for me. I’m 36 years old. There is a nasal spray. I have tried the nasal spray and I prefer the injections to all other forms of Imitrex.
Obviously you should check with your husband’s doctor about these things that I have suggested. I’m not a doctor. I’m just a guy with chronic cluster headaches that uses these ideas myself. Feel free to E-mail me at davedrum@eznet.net if you would like to. Good Luck!