New CH.com Forum - Print Page

New CH.com Forum
http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Drinking red bull while taking verapamil http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1298672827 Message started by kellytanner on Feb 25^th, 2011 at 5:27pm

Title: Drinking red bull while taking verapamil
Post by kellytanner on Feb 25^th, 2011 at 5:27pm

After finding this site I began reading other poeples treatments and came across the red bull treatment and the onset of an attack. While this works really well, my doctor tells me not to drink them because I am taking verapamil. Is there anyone else taking the two of these together?

Another problem I am running across with my meds is that my insurance will only allow me 9 relpax pills every 30 days. Obviously during an attack I am having more than 9 headaches in a months time. Any suggestions?

Kelly

Title: Re: Drinking red bull while taking verapamil
Post by Jeannie on Feb 25^th, 2011 at 5:49pm

Kelly,

I have used Red Bull while on Verap. I was careful to limit myself to only two a day and have not experienced any problems myself. Of course, everyone is different.

I ran into the same problem with Imitrex injections ( the pills are too slow ) in only being allowed 2 a month. I learned to stock pile my meds when I did not need them. That won't do you any good now though, while you are in the middle of a cycle. You can call your insurance company and plead your case... it might help. But.... if I were you, I would call my doctor and push for an o2 script. It works fast with no side effects and is MUCH cheaper.

PF wishes,

Jeannie

Title: Re: Drinking red bull while taking verapamil
Post by kellytanner on Feb 25^th, 2011 at 6:21pm

Hey Jeannie, thanks for your response.
I do have o2, and it does work, but unless I take the relpax, the headache comes back within about an hour. I have tried the imitrex injections, but for whatever reason they didn't work for me (and relpax doesn't have an injection form).

Title: Re: Drinking red bull while taking verapamil
Post by Batty on Feb 25^th, 2011 at 7:11pm

Hi Kelly!
Welcome..
Can I ask what flow rate you are breathing the O2 at?
If you are getting the recommended 25lpm...you should NOT get a repeat so soon!

Regards

Gary

Title: Re: Drinking red bull while taking verapamil
Post by kellytanner on Feb 25^th, 2011 at 7:56pm

Gary,
My doctor perscribed me 6lpm. And she acted like that was high. Should I maybe go to a headache specialist?

Title: Re: Drinking red bull while taking verapamil
Post by Guiseppi on Feb 25^th, 2011 at 8:09pm

15 LPM is what most consider MINIMUM flow rate. Many don't get relief until 25 LPM or better. Absolutely look for a headache specialist neuro. This doc will cause you a lot of pain.

Joe

Title: Re: Drinking red bull while taking verapamil
Post by Mike NZ on Feb 25^th, 2011 at 10:00pm

6lpm is very low. I find the higher the flow rate the faster I abort my CH, with 25lpm being almost twice as quick as 15lpm.

Also make sure you're also using a non-rebreather mask too as the idea is to flush all the CO2 out of your system as quickly as possible.

I'm also on verapamil and sometimes have a Red Bull, either for shadows or after a pretty bad CH killed off with oxygen.