Posted by Trudy (192.195.234.26) on February 22, 2001 at 09:25:12:
In Reply to: risk associated with long-term Indocin use posted by kate K on February 21, 2001 at 14:23:54:
I've been on a combination of Indocin (25 mgs. 3x a day) and Neurontin (300 mg. 2 x a day) for a year for ice pick headaches. They differ from CPH in that they last only a few seconds, but can come in episodes that can last for hours.
I've had absolutely NO stomach problems with the Indocin, but I must add that I'm very careful to only take it after I've eaten a meal. I've read that Indocin is sometimes only taken as an abortive, but with ice picks, the chosen treatment is to PREVENT them from getting started..because once I have a flareup, it can last for as long as 12-18 hours (my last episode lasted about 16 hrs. and I was hit with 10+'s about 6-8 times and 5-7+'s probably 10 times - just to give you some idea).
My neurologist is still not sure what's triggering my occasional episodes..because in between times - my head feels totally normal. I've had two MRI's that came back normal and I track what I eat, my surroundings, times of month, etc. and we still can't come up with anything. I go from being a completely normal human being to someone whose panicked beyond belief and ready to jump off a cliff, in a matter of seconds...no fun I can assure you.
I also get blood tests twice a year just so we can keep track of my liver and so forth..and so far so good.
Best of luck to you - I hope this helps!