Posted by Charlene Roth on October 27, 1998 at 18:20:18:
In Reply to: Can't get off the Lithium posted by Patrick on October 13, 1998 at 11:42:55:
I have been taking lithium (900mg/day) since 1982 but not for cluster headaches. I take it for bi-polar disorder and it has helped me tremendously. Side effects are slight hand tremors and constant thirst--small price to pay. My headaches began nine years after I started taking lithium so lithium was of no help to me re my headaches. What saved me was Verapamil (240mg/day--120mg AM & 120mg PM) as a daily preventative. As long as I take this wonder drug I am headache free. If I forget a dose or two then the headaches come back. That is when I take Imitrex (25mg) at the onset of an attack. Lithium needs to be monitored by a blood test every three or so months. Check with your doctor-it could be toxic if not monitored properly. Good luck...hope this helps.