Posted by Don on February 04, 1999 at 21:58:37:
In Reply to: Not another run of medicine! posted by Ron on February 04, 1999 at 11:53:39:
My neurologist had me on Sansert for two of my previous bouts. For me it worked fairly well. There were no significant side affects that I am aware of (yet). It helped to decrease both the intensity and duration of headaches after about a week or two of building up the dosage (I don't recall the details of the dosing regimen). Once the headaches seemed to be under control I would then taper off the Sansert.
The last time I saw him, the doc suggested verapimil (Calan). But by the time I was able to get to him the headaches were mostly gone so I never filled that scrip.
A very effective abortive, for me, has been Imitrex. The pills work, but sometimes take too long to kick in. The nasal spray has been remarkable - I always get relief within 10-15 minutes.
I've never used oxygen yet, but I am eager to get my hands on some. I would much prefer to use something like oxygen than to have to rely on drugs, no matter how effective those drugs may be. During this last bout, which has been going on since late November, I've used only 2 or 3 Imitrex tabs and 2 or 3 Imitrex sprays. And no preventative meds at all. Although in the last week of December I got hit with a bad cold with major head and chest congestion that lasted about 2 weeks so I wound up on Erythromicin and major doses of pseudophedrine and guaifenisin which may have helped the clusters. I must say that it's a particularly nasty combination having both the headaches and a major cold/flu at the time.
I think I'm nearing the end of my current bout, whereas as recently as a week and half ago things looked pretty bleak. So be positive, keep coming back here for support/advice/venting, and soon you too will be free from the pain.