hey. im new to this website. im a sixteen year old girl and was diagnosed a few months ago with having combined migraine and cluster headaches. im slowly going insane. my body responds to the pain by shutting itself down completely. this means i collapse. i have banged my head several times of floors and tables and god onli knows what else. most of the time at school. most of the medication im not allowed to take becoz im under 18. at the minute im using imitran nasal spray. was wondering if anyone knows of any other medication that works and does not have the same side affects..ie drowiness nosebleeds inability to function rite :D before this i was taking sumitripan tablets and they make me sleep for hours. any help would be much apprieciated. was so pleased to have found this site.

This is not a medical expert responding! But I searched several of the sources I use most and could not find any age related restrictions on the triptans (the class of meds you are asking about).

Suggest you contact your local support group and see if there are some restrictions which are distinctive to your medical system.

Good outfit to know about, in any case:  START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE
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There are several other triptans which are better suited for migraine than sumitriptan because they have a longer life in your body. Some of our members have found them useful for cluster so your doctor may be able to find one of them which help both your headache types.

verapamil may help, for the short term ask for corticosteroids, i don't know about anybody else, but prednesone seemed to help me. i am so sorry you have to go through this at your age. at least there is remission, and days that will be pain free.

Jess have you read up on using Oxygen to abort a CH and have you discussed with your doctor? It's certainly more effective for most than head-banging! Hope you have a pain-free day.

Christy

I know I shouldn't be saying this, or am allowed to say this.. But, I was also a teen with these headaches.. Those were the times where I would pop acetaminophen like crazy, and kill my stomach.

But, like to my main message.. I don't know the laws or rules in the USA, but, I found, that this one medication that my dad gets for his back? It's called, oxycocet.. Yeah, I know, very bad. But, I get presribed about 90 a month for my headaches.. But the bad thing is though, I can't take more then three a day, or else I get really sick. But, if I take one BEFORE an attack? They get rid of it, and it never comes.

The only problem is.. when I go to sleep, BAM, full blown headache comes, and taking those pills when you get a full blown one it feels like 3 hours before it kicks in.. Even though, it only takes a short 28 minutes to be exact.

I'm sure that many doctors will go against this medication, due to it being known for drug abuse, but my doctor is pretty good with me.. I've been seeing him since I was 6 years old, so.. Maybe it's worth a try?

Welcome Jess, really glad you found us..! I would agree with Christy that you should read into the oxygen tab to the left of your screen.

I can abort an attack within 5 mins using a non rebreather mask and a flow rate of 15lpm. Use the information provided to take to your doc and persist until he provides you with the 02 option.

I'm from Co. Tyrone myself, so getting a prescription on the NHS for the correct equipment should be no sweat no matter what some NI docs will try and say.

Lefty...!