Hi Everyone,

I had a visit with my Neurologist this morning about my cluster headaches. (Short back story: I was diagnosed 8-9 years ago and they recently came back a couple weeks ago).

She gave me a prescription for Propranolol. I tried to do as much research on this site for that medication but I couldn't really find what I was looking for. So far I know it is an outdated medication for cluster headaches. But has anyone had any success? I also suffer from anxiety so if this medication works, it may help with a couple problems.

Any help is much appreciated!

Thanks!
Frankie

Welcome Frankie...you are home!

....keep reading, you won't find info and support like this this place provides available ANYWHERE else....

Now then...this sounds like a regular neuro...you need a headache specialist. Propranolol is an ANCIENT med for ch...the first I was ever prescribed almost 27 yrs ago. Your Doc is reading an OLD textbook. Didn't do squat for me...have never heard of it helping others (some indications it is may be effective for migraine)

Click on member "Guiseppi"...and request his last 20 msgs...in one of those you will find an excellent summary of effective meds available .... done way better than I ever could....

Best,

Jon

See the PDF file, below, for options.

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Thanks guys. I appreciate the information about other types of medications.

But since I was just prescribed the Propranolol yesterday, I was looking for anyone who had experience with it. I want to give it a shot. At this point, I'm willing to try what the doctor gave me because I'm really reaching my limit with these headaches. That, on top of anxiety and depression, is really pushing me to the edge. If it doesn't seem to be working, I will definitely be trying one of the treatments you have suggested.

Prop. was the first med Rx to me 40-years ago. Zero benefit.

Was on propranolol about three years ago for 12 months, cant remember what dosage but it was quite high. It didn't give me any relief. Now on 480mg of verapamil and have mist my last two winter cycles, still got hit last summer.

Tried oxygen? I hope so.

You may want to give Batch's vitamin regime a go. It worked for me and quite a few others.

A multi-vitamin, covers the Magnesium & zinc, and I haven't even added Vitamin K yet, although I will soon. I also plan on making a "shopping list" for most major stores, containing what to buy so you don't need to get a Ph.D in vitamins just to 'give it a go'.

Although I do recommend you educate yourself, and as a disclaimer you should discuss this or any therapy with a doctor before trying it. Yet IMO a Pharmacist should be suffice, since its only Vitamins and not exceeding recommend dosages. (re-insert disclaimer) Wink

Omega 3 Fish Oil - 2000 to 2400 mg/day                   (EPA 360 mg/day, DHA 240 mg/day)
Vitamin D3 *      - 10,000 IU/day
Calcium **         - 500 mg/day (calcium citrate preferred)
Magnesium         - 400 mg/day (magnesium citrate or magnesium gluconate)
Vitamin K ***     - 120 mcg/day
zinc                    -   10 mg/day
Boron                 -     1 mg/day   

This regimen can be taken any time of the day, but it's best taken in the morning with an 8-oz glass of lemonade, limeade, or any fruit juice high in citric acid sweetened with with a little honey.  Honey is a natural source of Boron, which is listed as one of the "cofactors" along with magnesium, vitamin K and zinc.
It appears the average response time to a significant reduction in CH frequency and severity or going pain free is near the end of the second week with some going pain free in as little as two days after starting this regimen and others taking upwards of a month for a significant response.  by Batch

Link to Batch's Post regarding the regime.
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Propranolol never worked for me