Posted by Selene (208.216.49.243) on November 24, 1999 at 12:53:15:
In Reply to: Demon Dance posted by John Bown on November 23, 1999 at 20:02:47:
My doctor prescribed me diclofenac for pain if a headache breaks through the verapamil. I'm supposed to take it as soon as I know a major ha is hitting (not easy for me to predict). Considering the info I've dug up on it (little) I'm not sure it's indicated for CH, but I was taking aspirin (with little impact) and I think this is the next step up. I don't know what closed the door this time, the water, the diclofenac, the preventative dosing of verapamil, or luck, I was just happy it did.
Below is an assortment of collected info on diclofenac. Maybe some of the more biochemicalogical folks here can address the prostaglandin thing and if it's at all related to CH (I don't remember prostaglandins in the info buttons to the left, but what was that discussion about short term memory loss :-)
I was interested to see that it takes strong effect 2-3 hours later, just about the right timing to prevent the next ha, so maybe that's why it helped me.
Diclofenac Sodium C 14 H 10 Cl 2 NNaO 2 :318.13 monosodium 2 - (2, 6 - dichloroanilino)
Treats pain caused by arthritis and other medical problems. It is indicated for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Like other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, diclofenac, a phenylacetic acid derivative, inhibits the prostaglandin biosynthesis. Its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects are probably based on the mentioned inhibition of the prostaglandin synthesis.
BRAND NAME(S): (all registered) Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR
When does it start to work? Usually in 30 minutes.
When will you feel the best from one dose? In about 2-3 hours.
How long will it work? It will work for about 8-12 hours. Depending on the reason you are taking this drug, your doctor may want you to take it on a regular basis two-three times a day according to the dosage he prescribes.
Do not take: If you have ever had a serious reaction to this drug, aspirin, or other drugs used for inflammation and pain unless you check with your doctor.