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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Back again
        
(Message started by: RJ251 on Mar 30^th, 2004, 7:30am)

Title: Back again
Post by RJ251 on Mar 30^th, 2004, 7:30am

2 years with no CH - they are back..... so am I.
I am using the Imotrex nasal sprays but can't use too many more.
Anyone have any ideas for me??? Please!!!
Oxygen helped a bit but - never enough to make a difference...
Help this Aussie out :-[

Title: re. Back again
Post by Bob_Johnson on Mar 30^th, 2004, 7:35am

During you quiet period this med has started to get attention. I've had 100% success aborting attacks in 20-min. and several folks here have reported good results. It's cheaper than Imitrex and you doc should be able to give you a sample to try.
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1: Headache 2001 Sep;41(8):813-6

Olanzapine as an Abortive Agent for Cluster Headache.

Rozen TD.

Department of Neurology, Jefferson Headache Center/Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate olanzapine as a cluster headache abortive agent in an open-label trial. BACKGROUND: Cluster headache is the most painful headache syndrome known. There are very few recognized abortive therapies for cluster headache and fewer for patients who have contraindications to vasoconstrictive drugs. METHODS: Olanzapine was given as an abortive agent to five patients with cluster headache in an open-label trial. The initial olanzapine dose was 5 mg, and the dose was increased to 10 mg if there was no pain relief. The dosage was decreased to 2.5 mg if the 5-mg dose was effective but caused adverse effects. To be included in the study, each patient had to treat at least two attacks with either an effective dose or the highest tolerated dose. RESULTS: Five patients completed the investigation (four men, one woman; four with chronic cluster, one with episodic cluster). Olanzapine reduced cluster pain by at least 80% in four of five patients, and two patients became headache-free after taking the drug. Olanzapine typically alleviated pain within 20 minutes after oral dosing and treatment response was consistent across multiple treated attacks. The only adverse event was sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: Olanzapine appears to be a good abortive agent for cluster headache. It alleviates pain quickly and has a consistent response across multiple treated attacks. It appears to work in both episodic and chronic cluster headache.

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Olanzapine has a brand name of "Zyprexa" and is a antipsychotic. Don't be put off by this primary usage. Several of the drugs used to treat CH are cross over applications, that is, drugs approved by the FDA for one purpose which are found to be effective with unrelated conditions--BJ.
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In the name of "honesty in advertising", go to the medications box and see message, "olanzapine/Zyprexa".

Title: Re: Back again
Post by Bob_Johnson on Mar 31^st, 2004, 5:00am

WWW.MELDRUM.DEMON.CO.UK/migraine. At bottom of home page, look for FAQ on clusters: four sections of extensive material; strong on treatment options.

Title: Re: Back again
Post by thomas on Mar 31^st, 2004, 8:29am

Welcome back, you, not the beast. Have you tried zomig?