Posted by Dave W (24.95.97.42) on December 23, 2000 at 00:22:22:
In Reply to: First post posted by Joy on December 22, 2000 at 18:25:28:
Hi Joy,
Welcome to the group. We're weird. Especially hub.
I have used Zomig in the past and found it to be a great reliever in pill form. Problem is, it can take over 30 minutes to kick in on an empty stomach, and lots longer if I've just eaten. Imitrex is very similar to Zomig, but is also available in a nasal spray (10 minute response for me) and an injection (less than 5 minute response). It's never failed me.
Watch out for doctors who give out Tylox when they know it's a cluster headache. Narcotics don't do a darn thing for most of us, except perhaps to keep us from the pacing and head-banging that we do so well.
I keep the O2 (works for 80% of attacks) and Imitrex nasal sprays handy for attacks. To manage a cycle, my choices (in order) are lithium, verapamil, sansert, and combinations of these three. Very few side effects. Prednisone is the drug from hell as far as side effects go, but it can give short-term relief and occasionally can break up a cycle. Some have also gotten prevention-type relief from Depakote and Topamax. All of these are worth discussing with the doc.
Have a look at the survey results on the right side of the board, they're very revealing.
Pain Free Days to you and your husband!
Goober Dave