Posted by Simon (213.122.141.70) on May 21, 2001 at 07:44:35:
In Reply to: Just wondering .... posted by Anita Heyneke on May 21, 2001 at 07:20:31:
Hi,
Welcome.
To prevent attacks you shouldn't really be taking Imigran injections, they are an abortive to stop an attack once it's started. Oxygen inhaled at 9 or so litres per minute falls in the same category.
As he's chronic, the best preventatives are probably lithium and verapamil, the latter being the usual first port of call, though frequently at doses above 480mg/day. A short dose of steroids can sometimes break the cycle, although is generally less effective for chronic than episodic sufferers. Methysergide also has some fans, though it is more carefully administered (here - UK - has to be under hospital supervision due to side effects on prolonged use).
Secret is to get a good preventative regime going, then, hopefully, you'll need fewer of the more potent, though effective, abortives.
Good luck, and keep hanging in there - we know how valuable an effective supporter can be!
Simon