Posted by Dr. Gary Mellick on July 31, 1998 at 10:06:33:
Dear Cluster Headache Sufferers, Family members and Friends of Cluster Headache Sufferers:
I have recently discovered that methylphenidate (Ritalin) may be useful for the treatment of cluster headaches. In my patients, I have found that Ritalin potentially produces a rapid and complete shut down of cluster headache pain for chronic as well as episodic headache types. Some patients report the pain is stopped within 10-15 minutes after taking Ritalin and some people are able to stop taking the Ritalin after only a short course of therapy.
A case report describing the use of Ritalin for cluster headache will be published in the July-August issue of the Journal HEADACHE.
Of course, medicolegal reasons necessitate that this message should not be considered a recommendation for Ritalin therapy especially since the treatment does not have FDA approval
People with certain medical conditions such as glaucoma, hypertension, mood disorders, etc. are prohibited from use of this medication. Furthermore, Ritalin may not be an effectual treatment for everyone.
I believe that scientific studies must now be completed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of Ritalin for the treatment of cluster headaches.
If you wish to consider the use of Ritalin for cluster headaches, please speak with your family physician or neurologist for their opinion as to whether you would be an appropriate candidate for Ritalin therapy.
Dr. Gary Mellick