I'm wondering if those of you whom are using lithium can tell me which form you are using?  I bought some lithium orotate at a health food store.  It didn't have much affect on my CH ...  The next paragraph is from "Wikipedia" -  Still I wonder if the lithium carbonate RX from the doc would be better? 

"There is no evidence for the use of lithium orotate in clinical treatment in preference to lithium carbonate. However, one study suggests that lithium orotate may be useful in the treatment of addictions.[2] Some patients prefer to use it in place of lithium carbonate, as they believe that it is more bioavailable  and the side effects are "perceived to be significantly reduced.

Thanks for your input!
XXX
Linda 

I've only ever used lithium carbonate, so I can't comment intelligently on other forms.

All of the medical experience you will find discussed here is on the carbonate form. It's been around for several decades and it's use is well understood--dosing, need for testing while using, etc.

If your doc suggests using it, follows his directions with care re. routine blood testing. Dosing varies between individuals and keeping the blood levels at the right level is important.

I was using the orotate... probably why no results.  Thanks for your response! 

Yeah I'm with Brew, Lithium Carbonate has been my prevent of choice for over 20 years. My current dosing is 1200 mg a day when I'm on cycle. It blocks 60-70% of my attacks after it's built up to therapeudic levels, generally takes about 10-14 days to build up.

Joe

Here's a little trick to keep in the back of your mind.

Many chronics have gotten little to no relief using either lithium carbonate or verapamil by themselves. But when combined, they are able to stop the attacks dead. It's called the "chronic cocktail."

The effective dosage for me was 480mg of verapamil and 900mg of lithium daily. Worked extremely well for me for years.

I was a walking zombie, but I was a pain free walking zombie.

Hi Brew!  I'm in the process of getting some information together about cluster headache, medications for them and the pain diary over the past 2 months.  I hope you don't mind if I include your reply.  My neurologist advertises that he is a "cluster headache specialist" - so he probably isn't teachable...but at least he will know I've been doing my homework!~

I don't want to quote you without permission

Thanks
Linda

Go for it.

I have been on lith carb for many, many years (I cannot actually remember).  But it has worked for me only in combination with dilantin and neurontin (high doses of all of these twice daily).  My doctor has given me a pretty wide latitude as far as raising the dose temporarily for particularly bad episodes. 

And make sure you get your blood work done as requested by your doctor, as it is pretty important.