Posted by Bob Price (12.78.122.10) on August 28, 2001 at 11:39:00:
Below is a note that I wrote to my Dr after trying sample packs of Maxalt(4 10mg tabs) and Zomig (2 2.5mg tabs) These were the orally disintegrating kind. I've had Clusters for 20+years and they went chronic 18 month ago after a cluster (just never quite stopped). Then a cluster returned three weeks ago. I got oxygen the next day and just finished the trial triptans. BTW I got a precription for 30 refillable twice and insurance paid for it (as well as the oxygen). It pays to do your homework and be able to tell your Dr just what you want.
"Dr. Lessin,
I am reporting on my reaction to Maxalt and Zomig for cluster headaches. Both drugs totally stop the headaches and last for about 12 hours with no apparent lingering side effects. I took the drugs when I was sure a headache had started (after pre-headache “shadows” and when pain started). Within 5 minutes of taking the drugs the headache increased tremendously. I tried to wait for the medicine to kick in but after about 15 minutes, I used oxygen. The oxygen was VERY fast acting and within 5 minutes I was totally headache-free. This happened with Zomig twice and Maxalt 3 times. Those were all my trials.
Maybe I should have taken a dose sooner in each case but with only 6 available I did not want to waste one prematurely since some headaches go away relatively quickly and do not become very painful. Once I get a full prescription, I will try taking one earlier. Also, since becoming convinced that the oxygen works so well after the medicine, I will try to wait to see how long it takes the medicine to kick in without the oxygen.
Nevertheless it is great to have something that I am confident will stop them. Oxygen alone is fine but does not work all the time and is not long lasting like the Zomig/oxygen combo.
Bob Price"