Hi Gang,

Thought my first post had better be an intro.  I'm male, 35, living in the UK and single.....oh, sorry...wrong website...

Anyway, I've had migraines since I was 15yo and thought that they were a really bad headache.  I was 20 when I had my first episode of cluster headaches in the summer of 1994.  Diagnosed straight away by my GP and they lasted for about 8 weeks.  Got prescribed strong co-codomols which did zilch for the cluster headaches but did come in handy for the migraines which I still have.  Thanks Doc.

Had another bout around May 1999 and another in the summer of 2005.  Been having them again for the last month.  They always seem to hit around the same time of year and have always (so far) lasted around 6-8 weeks.  My GP has recently given me Imigran injections which are great as they work within a couple of minutes.  

One thing that bothers me though is that after the first cluster headache episode I developed depression which has been quite a problem for me even between CH episodes.  Every time I have a CH episode, it seems like it's always followed by a worsening of my depression.  As if the CH's alter, for some time after the episode, my brain chemistry or something.  I hope that's not the case this time as I could really do without it.  Even mild depression is a struggle.

I must admit to having been a visitor to this site in 1999 and 2005 but never made a post.  Thought I'd rectify that now.  So hello to all my fellow sufferers.

Welcome to the board, glad you finally came outta the closet! ;) Depression, yeah, a common thread on the board. Only you know for sure how bad it's getting but do keep a finger on it. Nothing wrong with getting a little help with it so it stays under control.

For your CH, do read the "oxygen info" link on the left. I've all but abandoned the imitrex route now. 02 is just as fast and effective, with none of the med side effects. Have you tried any med's as preventatives while you are on cycle? Verapamil, topmax, lithium? I use lithium at 1200 mg a day, blocks 70-80% of my attacks. Might be worth talking to the doc about.

Joe

There is no evidence of an inherent or causal link between CH and depression. It is common, however, to have emotional distress because of the way we think about an illness, loss, etc.

You might find it worth a read to see if this material offers some insight for you:

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Guiseppi wrote on Jun 5^th, 2009 at 4:56pm:

Welcome to the board, glad you finally came outta the closet! ;) Depression, yeah, a common thread on the board. Only you know for sure how bad it's getting but do keep a finger on it. Nothing wrong with getting a little help with it so it stays under control. For your CH, do read the "oxygen info" link on the left. I've all but abandoned the imitrex route now. 02 is just as fast and effective, with none of the med side effects. Have you tried any med's as preventatives while you are on cycle? Verapamil, topmax, lithium? I use lithium at 1200 mg a day, blocks 70-80% of my attacks. Might be worth talking to the doc about. Joe

Hi Guiseppi.  I dont think I have enough CH's to warrant oxygen at the moment.  My GP was keen for me to try and manage with the Imigran.

I think I may have taken Propranolol back in 1994 but nothing since.  Hopefully I'm coming to the end of my episode, but if they continue, then I'll enquire more about preventative measures.

[quote author=436E635E4B6E696F726E6F010 link=1244231583/2#2 date=1244307792]There is no evidence of an inherent or causal link between CH and depression. It is common, however, to have emotional distress because of the way we think about an illness, loss, etc.

You might find it worth a read to see if this material offers some insight for you:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE


Hi Bob.  Thanks for the link.  I've never been depressed about having CH's.  Probably because they're episodic and I have years between episodes.  My depression is due to other factors but it started a few weeks after the first cluster headache episode ended and I've experienced a sharp worsening in depression after every CH episode.  Coincidence?  Perhaps, but I'm convinced there's a link.