I only get CHs at night after sleeping 1.5 hours (my user name)


Does it help taking Imitrex before an attack?  I was told that you have to wait with Maxalt and Zomig/Imitrex-others for them to be effective.

Imitrex shots are the only things that seem to work for me.  Last night I had a strong headache BEFORE bedtime but not a full blown CH and I took the shot even though I am running low. And……….I slept through the night.

I just can’t deal with this anymore.  It was explained to me that the shots work by stopping the pain signals that are sent through the body.

So the question is, has anyone tried the shot before they go to sleep and before the CH? Does it work. Down to 2 shots and night 30 w/o a good nights sleep.

Thanks!!

I've never tried that...BUT!!!! If you always get creamed right after falling asleep, you're a great candidate for Melatonin. Many can reduce or even eliminate the night time terrors by taking melatonin before they go to sleep. Start with 9 mg about 30 minutes before bedtime. You may have to adjust the dosing, down if it turns you into a zombie in the morning, up if it's not having the desired effect.

Some go as high as 18 mg, some have found success by combining extended release with standard release. The standard gets them safely to sleep, the extended gets them thru the night.

You can find melatonin at Walgrens, CVS, health stores etc. Worth a shot.

Joe

For me Imitrex works as a short term preventative.  My normal dose is about 2.5ml.  That keeps me clear for about 4 hours. 

I tend not to do it for bed.  If a hit comes at night I wake up and inject before it fully materializes. 

I do it for air travel and any event where I really do not want to be hit.

onepoint5 wrote on Sep 28^th, 2012 at 11:31pm:

I only get CHs at night after sleeping 1.5 hours (my user name) Does it help taking Imitrex before an attack?  I was told that you have to wait with Maxalt and Zomig/Imitrex-others for them to be effective. Imitrex shots are the only things that seem to work for me.  Last night I had a strong headache BEFORE bedtime but not a full blown CH and I took the shot even though I am running low. And……….I slept through the night. I just can’t deal with this anymore.  It was explained to me that the shots work by stopping the pain signals that are sent through the body. So the question is, has anyone tried the shot before they go to sleep and before the CH? Does it work. Down to 2 shots and night 30 w/o a good nights sleep. Thanks!!

We have discussed this theory/question in the past and the consensus (including me personally trying it) is...no, this does not work as a preventive.  It does however create additional medical problems for the Imitrex patient.  It's just not wise to use trex other than prescribed.  Imitrex is an abortive, not a preventative med.  We have found pills take too long, nasal sprays effective for some, for others not; and injections work best with plenty of reading for you to educate yourself in the archives section...use the search button and read!

Are you on any preventive meds?  Got o2?

It works for some.  No 'consensus' was reached.  If it works, good for you. 

Thanks LV , Lob, GU, All.

LV ….done some searches and will do more reading.

And On Lithium 2 x a day 300mg am, 600 mg at pm, and 240 Verapamil at pm.

O2 didn’t help me.

Rarely get CH in the daytime.  Almost always ninety minutes to the minute after going to sleep. Haven’t tried the melatonin route. Need to see if they mix with what I am on.

Will try any tips. Has anyone tried aggressive stimulants?…legal of course


Thanks again

onepoint5 wrote on Oct 1^st, 2012 at 10:56am:

Thanks LV , Lob, GU, All. LV ….done some searches and will do more reading. And On Lithium 2 x a day 300mg am, 600 mg at pm, and 240 Verapamil at pm. O2 didn’t help me. Rarely get CH in the daytime.  Almost always ninety minutes to the minute after going to sleep. Haven’t tried the melatonin route. Need to see if they mix with what I am on. Will try any tips. Has anyone tried aggressive stimulants?…legal of course Thanks again

aggressive stimulants?…legal of course.  What might that be?

    Potter

Energy drinks, those containing caffiene and taurine, MOnster, Rock Star, Red Bull, all have a great track record for aborting or at least reducing the intensity of the hits for many. I chug a sugar free red bull with my 02, speeds the abort and pushes back the return attacks.

Need to keep energy drinks to a  minimum if you're on verapamil as taurine and verapamil don't play well together.

Not sure if you've seen our sister site yet but worth a look see:

Clusterbusters.com

Joe

Melatonin taken 30 minutes before bedtime has proven effective for many CH'ers.  Effective dosages range, often success is reported at 9mg to 15mg, but test your body slowly and take it from there.  Understand it may take 3 or 4 nights to titrate before you notive improvements.  Start low, wait it out 3 or 4 nights, then increase dosages accordingly.  Melatonin is not intended as a preventative replacement to your Lithium nor Verapamil; it is just an aid to hopefully assist reducing night time frequency and intensity.

O2 did not work for you?  Were you using a NON-rebreather mask?  One can be purchased here on this site, click on the left side of your screen (yellow tab titled CH store) and have a mask delivered to you next day.  This mask will make a world of a difference with your aborts.

Were you using a high flow regulator with at least 25 lpm?  If so, were you standing or sitting upright and hyperventilating the o2?  Be honest with yourself!  If you were not hyperventilating, it is a no wonder the o2 was not effective.  I recommend trying it again!  O2 is the least expensive, most effective and least harmful abortive treatment available for CH's.  If you need assistance getting a high flow regulator, let us know and we will steer you in the right direction such as Flotec out of Indianapolis or Harbor Freight Tools for a welders regulator.

You mentioned Imitrex is your abort of choice, might as well get most bang for your buck, right?  Are you familiar with the Imitrex tip?  If not...see the left side of your screen (yellow tab) to understand how to get triple your dosage from just one syringe.  if you have challenges understanding, PM me with your phone # and I will walk you through it on the phone.

Aggressive stimulants?  Energy drinks containing the stimulants of Taurine/Caffeine slammed at onset of attack have proven helpful for many, especially when mixed with o2 as Joe mentioned; but limit your energy Taurine intake as you are taking Verapamil-which by the way 240mg is an extremely low dosage for CH's and you may consider increasing your dosage-do some research about Verpamil dosages on this site.  Perhaps you are referring to the caffeine stimulant of a strong pot of bold Starbucks coffee such as French Roast or Sumatra blends?  Maybe you are referring to other alternative treatment stimulants such as START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE ? 

Whatever you choose to consider for your traditional or alternative treatments, always hit the search button and read the current threads and the archives to arm yourself with knowledge.

You are not alone!  We understand your pains!  Don't be a stranger! ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas

Ask your Dr about Frovatriptan.  It is crazy expensive, so ask the Dr for some samples.  I've used this in the past when I was in high cycle and had to fly.