Posted by Francois (204.44.156.194) on February 01, 2000 at 01:33:49:
In Reply to: Amitriptyline posted by Neil on January 31, 2000 at 22:41:09:
I have been a chronic CH sufferer since about age 11. I'm 46 now. (This is my first time visiting this site.) Tricyclics in combination with other drugs are most effective in eliminating pain on me. Tricyclics include amitriptylene (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). Each have a different side effect at the levels I take it. All are strongly sedative - especially amitriptyline. Nortriptyline is a third generation drug in this class. It is a much purer form and is best for me. (I take 75 mg each night. This is equal to 150 mg of imipramine.) Try it if you feel too sedated from your amitriptyline. - - I also take 450 mg of lithium carbonate (Eskalith) nightly. This does not rid me of the pain but lessens it remarkably. Long-term lithium use can cause kidney damage, so I have blood tests quarterly. (No damage after 8 years.) - - Severe attacks cause severe depression in me. I really hit bottom. Many neurologists don't treat this side. For me nefazodone (Serzone) is best; and at 300 mg to 450 mg per day, has fewest side effects. Sertraline (Zoloft) caused sexual disfunction, fluoxetine (Prozac) agitation and restlessness, and paroxetine (Paxil) was not really effective. It does not totally eliminate my worst depressive states, but it is effective most of the time. I feel that more cluster sufferers should be taking anti-depressives. - - For bad days, I shoot Imitrex and/or take Tylenol #4. - - I tried Calcium channel blockers, like Verapamil but they didn't work for me. They moderately interfered with my heart function, too. - - I hope this long-winded paragraph gives you some ideas for the future. Good luck.