Posted by Jonathan on December 07, 1998 at 05:12:38:
In Reply to: what about pain medicine? posted by traci on December 04, 1998 at 15:23:38:
Hi, I've been getting CH for just under 7 years now. I've been chronic for a year and a half. I've been on many different drugs, most of which eventually became ineffective in both preventing and controlling attacks. My current medical box is full of the following:
Zolmitriptan 2.5 (Zomig): For treating attacks. Tends to start to work about 10 mins after oral consumption. Makes me very drowsy, heavy limed and gives my the most incredible muscle stiffness, especially around the neck area. (Does take the pain away, but recovery from it's effects are slow) I would also end up coughing all the time, as if I had a chesty cough, but nothing coming up.
Oxygen PD canister. Mask at 100 % level 6-8 for no longer than 10 mins at a time: This is certainly the most effective way to provide quick relief from attacks, but as time has gone on, I've noticed that it will only abort the attack temporarily and so I would have to go back to it and use it more often than is advised. But it is still the most effective quick pain relief with the least apparent side effects.
Sodium Valproate 200 mg 3 times a day (Eplim): Preventative medication. Normally used to treat epilepsy, but seams to work for CH sufferers. Very effective in preventing my attacks, I've been on it for a couple of months now and haven't had one real attack (had a couple of shadows). I haven't really notice any side effects that I can honestly say are a direct result of taking the medication, but have notice some thinning of the hair, and dry skin. Also it may also be giving me upset stomachs.
Known side effects are increased appetite and weight gain, transient hair loss if dose is too high (this is temporary and hair does grow back if medication intake is reduced) and tremors and in very rare cases it can cause damage to the liver (Important to take regular liver function tests during the first months of administration of the drug. This medication can be taking over long periods (years) without any significant side effects.
This is what I'm on and I have to say I'm very impressed by the Eplim, but for how long it will remain effective nobody knows, lets hope it's for ever!! :o)
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Jonathan.