Posted by pinksharkmark (196.3.74.234) on July 21, 2000 at 02:55:20:
In Reply to: Thanks for being here posted by Anne on July 20, 2000 at 16:43:24:
When I first started getting these monsters sixteen years ago, I was diagnosed (incorrectly) as having migraines. I was prescribed Inderal (generic name propanolol), which is a beta-blocker medication.
The first cycle, the Inderal brought the cycle to close in a matter of days. The second cycle, it seemed to reduce the severity of the pain, but did nothing to shorten the cycle, that I could tell.
The third cycle it did absolutely nothing. Same with the fourth cycle.
When I was finally correctly diagnosed in late 1992 as having cluster headaches, NOT migraines, my neuro told me that the beta-blockers are far less effective for clusters than the calcium channel blockers. Verapamil is the calcium channel blocker of choice, so he prescribed it for me.
First cycle on Verapamil, it brought the cycle to a close in a matter of days. The second cycle, it seemed to reduce the severity of the pain, but did nothing to shorten the cycle, that I could tell.
The third cycle it did absolutely nothing. Same with the fourth cycle, even though I eventually reached a dosage level of 960 mg daily. Sigh. Deja vu all over again.
Of course, we are all different. Your mileage may vary.
pinky