Posted by Bruce (152.163.195.209) on August 21, 2001 at 22:28:46:
My neurologist(who suffers from migraines himself) put me on a regimen of amitriptyline (Elavil) for the past month as a prophylactic, and I've been pain free for ten days now. The dosage is 25mg for the first week and 50mg taken at bedtime thereafter. It takes about three weeks to build sufficient levels in the bloodstream to become effective. I used Imitrex as an abortive prior to and during that time. The way it works is to decrease the permeability of the cell wall membranes to both seratonin and norepienephrine. I have to take the amitriptyline daily for six months, but empirical studies have shown that quite often after completing the six month program that THE CLUSTER HEADACHES NEVER RETURN!!!! That sounds worth trying to me. I believe that this TX has been particularly successful for me because roughly 60% of my CHs wake me up about 30 to 60 minutes after falling asleep, which is right when your brain begins secreting seratonin and other sleep related neurochemicals. The side effects are drymouth and a mild sedative effect. If you are a marijuana smoker, it may intensify the psychoactive effect of the herb. (Just break out some Allman Brothers or Grateful Dead and you'll be fine) I hope that this is of some help to you all, and I'll check in regularly with progress reports. Peace, Love and PFDAN to you all!!!!