Hello I am new to this site today, I have had 5 excrutiating days so far and about to pick up a prescription for sumatriptan. Bit nervous about this because some literature suggests it should not be taken by those with conditions such as peripheral vascular disease, which I have.  I note it is not a drug mentioned for either alleviating or aborting an attack on this site and wonder if anyone knows why.  I know it is expensive my GP told me each prescription costs several hundred pounds - could this be the reason.  As you will guess I am from the UK.

It is mentioned under its brand name Imitrex or Imigran.
Most of us usually use the term "Trex".

Also make sure to read the Imitrex tip on the left.

Sorry, I don't know much about peripheral vascular disease and sumatriptan so I can't offer any kind of opinion about it. You should know that most CH sufferers find the pill form worthless, but the injection form quite effective.

If you did use the injection form, the imitrex tip that Gizmo mentions would be crucial because it allows you to triple or at least double the amount of effective doses you get for your pounds, and I would imagine it would lower the risk considerably too (?).

And while you're at it, say HELLOOO to that "oxygen info" link on the left! Now there's an effective abortive that has revolutionized the CH experience for so many of your fellow sufferers here. No side effects.  :)

I made a mistake the drug is called Rizatripan

Better known as "Maxalt".
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No substitute for getting back to your doc and letting him make the call. Many conditions like this one come in a range of degrees of seriousness which allows a careful use of many meds under supervision.

We are simply not in a position to advise you.

Thanks for all the advice, I took the maxalt last night along with other pain killers and slept without the demon all night.  I woke with it this morning and immediately took another maxalt and painkillers.  Got through to around 2.30pm before onset of pain.  I had a look at the kip scale and know I have been to 10. In fact two years ago I was in the same state of pain, they diagnosed me with a mini stroke did all the scans imaginable - no sign of damage but still thought that was the culprit, it was only on my my second visit to acute assessment unit a few months later with the same symptoms I saw a neurologist who noticed my droopy eyelid and dilated pupil and came to the conclusion that I suffer from cluster headaches!
I looked at the kip scale, I guess today I am at a 2/3 brilliant because 2 days ago I didn't want to live. So much better day.  Did ask about Oxygen but the GP sidestepped that but if I get up to a higher scale I will insist on seeing the neurologist and pressing my case for it.

Thanks for all the advice and all have pain free days.

Judi

You have an excellent support group which can assist you when the oxygen question arises.

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Hello Judi!!
Welcome to the CH family. 
Just a friendly caution:  Pain killers (for majority of us) don't work so well.  And there is a chance for addiction.  Just be careful on them. 
If you have a persistent shadow, try some strong coffee, red bull (drink a lot turine) during the day, maybe ice the back of your neck, head area.  At night, when you get O2, a minute or so will stop the shadow with no side effects. For now, I would get Melatonin, it's over the counter and take 9-12mg at bed time. 

Big hug, so sad to hear the beast was extremely terrible a few days ago. 

I hope I've helped,
Angela

Wow that is so kind it is making me tearful.  Not good as I own and run a small contemporary gallery and this is my busiest time of year.
Will ask one of my girls to find melatonin for me.

Judi

Judi you won't find melatonin in the UK. Another thing to thank Brussels for  ::)

I order if from START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE when I want it. I've never had a problem with them at all in five years of using them.

It's not illegal here or anything, the problem is that it's not allowed to be sold OTC as a European directive and it's only available on the NHS for children with sleep disorders caused by ADHD.
Ridiculous.
Some doctors will prescribe it but more won't.

The good news is that even with P&P it's pretty cheap to order from vitacost and delivery is very fast.

Hope it helps!
Helen

Thanks for the advice Helen.  I think I am either out of the cycle or coming to the end of a short but fierce cycle but I will note the contacts for the melatonin for future reference.

I had a strange experience, went to GP for another problem saw the triage doctor who happened to be the head of practice.  She expressed 'ouch' when she realised I had CH and felt my neck, having found a sensitive area asked if she could put in an acupuncture needle, she did, it was very uncomfortable but since then a couple of days with just proprietory pain killers and so far two completely pain free days!  Could be coincidence but I won't hesitate to go back to her if and when this monster reappearse just in case.
Also GP agreed they can prescribe 02 if I want it.  All good stuff in my armoury.

Judi