Posted by Ashley on November 24, 1998 at 22:27:28:
In Reply to: Veteran CHS; u must try the only thing that works 4 me posted by Yves on November 23, 1998 at 16:25:01:
I take Imitrex for my clusters as well, & must admit, they are my life blood. I don't know how I would exist without them. My neurologist advised me that I could take as much as I needed since my clusters were generally short (historically, no longer than 3 1/2 weeks). The last cluster I had ended about 2 weeks ago & lasted for 4 1/2 weeks. It's the longest cluster I've ever had & the most severe. I took approximately 45 shots in that time period.
I know what you mean about the limiting of injections. Before I complained to my doctor, he was giving me prescriptions for two shots at a time. I then told him I was going out of town for a week (I actually was) & that 2 shots would NOT be enough. He changed my prescription to 6 boxes or 12 shots - which I had to refill 4 times in four weeks.
The previous clusters I've had I've only taken a maximum of 14. The Imitrex pill doesn't work very well for me, since they happen so fast. The Imitrex injections work in about 8 mins for me, whereas the pills take up to 1/2 hour. (of course it feels like years.) Imitrex is wonderful, unfortunately, it doesn't break up the cluster, only medicates the pain. But, I live & am capable of actually getting out of bed when I take Imitrex. Otherwise, I would be bedridden for weeks.