First time trying this message board but have been a CH sufferer for 30 years. Imitrex injections, along with verapamil and oxygen are my usual medications, but was on 320 mg of verapamil and stopped a month ago as it was giving me high anxiety attacks - hadn't had that before although the CH attacks make for some anxious moments. Can feel the CH's creeping back so am thinking about restarting the verapamil again - anyone experienced something like this before?

CH's typically start with a nocturnal hit, then I will do a 9 day prednisone transition along with 320 - 480 mg of verapamil. My Ch cyle is usually 6 - 8 weeks with 12 - 18 months in between. Have been told by neurologists to extend the prednisone treatment 80 mg for a week, taper to 40 mg for a week, then 40 mg for 2 weeks, taper for a week to 0 - anyone done this before? Most articles I have read discourage taking prednisone for longer than the 9 days. Just started with oxygen so haven't tried it with the full on cluster headache. Any suggestions or comment appreciated.

John

Sounds like you have a doctor who's really up to date on CH, you're a lucky man!!! I don't have any experience with verapamil as lithium is my prevent of choice. On oxygen:

For oxygen to be effective, your lungs must get only pure oxygen. No outside air, no air you've exhaled. This is accomplished by using a high flow regulator, at least 15 LPM, using a Non Re Breather Mask. That part is CRITICAL.  Re Breather masks and nasal canulas let in outside air, diluting it, makes them all but worthless for CH.

Get on the 02 as soon as you get the tingle. The sooner I get on it the sooner i can abort, in as little as 6-8 minutes. Hope it proves as effective for you!

Joe

Hi John
I'm a newbie to the site also, My route has taken the O2 and sumatriptan direction, my doc has not recommended verapil for various reasons. This is the place to get the support and advice of the drugs and dosages etc right?

Welcome [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]
sheena