Posted by drummer (216.28.41.194) on August 19, 1999 at 12:36:09:
In Reply to: chronic CH posted by Kim on August 19, 1999 at 11:40:05:
Hi Kim,
I am also a chronic Cluster person. Here is a list of various preventative medicines that I have tried:
Calan SR (Verapamil) 720mg/day. There is a bit more of the "medicine" in the Calan SR as compared to the generic, Verapamil. Depakote and Neurontin are also preventatives. They are anti-seizure medications. Depakote is more toxic than the Neurontin. With the Depakote you may want to have your blood levels checked regularly. I took the Depakote at 2000mg/day. The Neurontin is less toxic to your body and may have less side effects. Neurontin also helps with depression. I started the Neurontin at 900mg/day and increased it to 3600mg/day as the Clusters returned. The next preventative medication my Neurologist and I are going to experiment with is called Topamax. It is also an anti-seizure medication. There may be a few more side effects with Topamax than with Neurontin. Topamax comes in a 25mg pill form. My doctor says I'll start at 50mg/day and increase as needed. Lithium is also a preventative medicine for treatment of Clusters. Concern must be taken with the toxicity of Lithium also.
As far as abortive medication for Clusters there are several. Imitrex pill, spray and injections work well with most people. Oxygen with a full face mask at 8-12lit./min. is helpful. I've also tried Maxalt and Cafergot. Concern must be made with the right combination of these medicines. You wouldn't want to eat all these things in one sitting.
Take a look at the Medical Info link here at this web-site for alternate medication. E-mail Margi at moxie_miss@hotmail.com for information regarding large quantities of water as a preventative treatment too.
I have never experienced bending over to be a trigger for a Cluster attack. That's not to say that it is not possible to be a trigger for you. Triggers for me are sleep and beer. I find it rather simple to avoid beer. It is much more difficult to avoid sleep though.
Please keep in mind that I am not a doctor. Just a 36 year old idiot that has had chronic Clusters for 15 years. Feel free to E-mail me anytime you would like at davedrum@eznet.net. Good Luck with your doctor on Monday!