Howdy all..... I am currently on Topamax and it has been doing wonders however past couple of days I have been having those alarm headaches but they aren't intense like I need my sprays it just a oh my god my head is pounding let me take my anxiety pill and low dose bayer ( no caffeine) see how that works and I am okay but it always happens at the same time 4 am past couple of days which when I started getting clusters it happened late night 3 am but they were more intense usually lots of crying couldn't sleep but my current clusters are less intense no sprays needed and I usually do not use those unless it is intense since my insurance is kinda stingy with those anyways... My question is this... What's going on? I have been doing great topamax working smooth but last couple of days I have been awakened by these alarm headaches not intense but still annoying and I still get headaches during the day but it's due to sinus problems ( I think) since I live in a very,very high pollen area.  Glad I found this forum and maybe someone can help with my cluster headache question thanks in advance!

Janie

Hello Janie, and welcome. I found some of what you write curious. For example, you never do say you have actually been diagnosed with cluster headaches. Have you? And by whom? I only ask because if your current med (topamax) isn't working, there are others available if you have CHs. Also, what sprays are you talking about? Narcotic, or nasal, or sumatriptan? Sprays arent' as effective as injectables. And why no caffeine? It's usually the good buddy of the headache crowd? Welcome, read a lot, and ask questions. blessings. lance

I'd echo what Lance suggested. If the Topomax isn't bringing relief, then you owe it to yourself to explore other options. You ought to also take a look at the Vitamin D3 regimen that quite a few people, including myself, have found some decent relief from. All the best. :)

I've been diagnosed with cluster migranes from my neuroloogist and he put me on topamax which as I said works fine only until recently and I take imitrex nasal sprays it could be because I take my topamax at different times perhaps due to my insane work schedule so my topamax dosages gets messed up alot one day it's at 8 am next day it is at 2 pm and taking it again at 2 am because I have to take it twice daily but I also have sinus headaches too so my headaches are bothersome too

It's not uncommon for medicines to stop working periodically or even permanently when dealing with clusters :o. You may want to look into something else if the Topomax continues to fail to bring relief.

My sincere simpathies to all of us who suffer this hellish pain which no one should have to endure. I had two vehicle accidents prior to experiencing ch, and truly believe whiplash was involved, anyone else recall their first ch occuring after such incidents? May all ch sufferers find relief. Thanks

Consider asking your doc about  a dosage adjustment on the Top. But first, anything stopping you from swallowing a pill on schedule, regardless of work?

Print the PDF doculment, below, and use it to talk about options with your doc.

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I'd agree with Bob above that whichever medication is involved as a preventative, it can be important to stay on schedule when taking them for more consistent benefits.  Regularity also helps realize how efficient it is working for you and if any alteration or maybe treatment change is needed.