Hello,
My husband has been dealing with cluster headaches for about 5 years now and we have tried a few things and so far the only things we know that help(reduce frequency and intensity) is O2 and possibly vit d regimen along with elavil. We have recently started propranolol er(beta blocker) instead of verapamil. DH was having issues on the verapamil.  Anyways just a little bit of history. So what I am looking to find out is has anyone taken sleeping medication and how has it affected their clusters? My DH needs something for depression and sleep really bad right now. Any info is appreciated. I'm really looking for info on prophylaxis medication also.
Thanks
CH Wife

I suspect that the sleep issue won't be resolved until he gets good control over the Clusters.

The list of meds he has/is taking hints at a doctor who is not sophisticated with treating Cluster. Please give us some info on the doc: have training in complex headache disorders?; what meds and doses have been tried?
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If you have the option suggest you consider seeking a headche specialist.
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LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

2.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

3. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE; On-line screen to find a physician.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.
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WHY A HEADACHE SPECIALIST IS RECOMMENDED


Headache. 2012 Jan;52(1):99-113.
Cluster headache in the United States of America: demographics, clinical characteristics, triggers, suicidality, and personal burden.
Rozen TD, Fishman RS.

THERE REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT DIAGNOSTIC DELAY FOR CLUSTER HEADACHE PATIENTS ON AVERAGE 5+ YEARS WITH ONLY 21% RECEIVING A CORRECT DIAGNOSIS AT TIME OF INITIAL PRESENTATION.

Hi CH Wife
I had sleep issues long before I had clusters, and I have taken sleeping pills for many years (sensibly). I have had CH for around 7 years and as far as I can tell the sleeping pills have not affected clusters either way.

A lot of people take 10mg of melatonin which is the bodies own natural sleep aid, but it does take a couple of weeks to get working, and doesn't help everyone. Still worth a try though as it's completely natural and will be in your husbands system ready for next time.
Maz

When in cycle, I take anywhere between 15mg and 21mg of Melatonin about 15 minutes before I lay down to sleep every night.  The Melatonin does help reduce the intensity of my night time wake up attacks, so I think.  Melatonin has been reported by many as helpful.  Everybody is different and dosages should be individualized.  Not knowledgeable on actual "sleeping pills."   Good luck ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas

Thanks for the info. My DH has had sleep issues and depression issues before CH started. He is on melatonin 10mg ER,elavil 100mg,Lipitor 10mg at bedtime. Takes propranolol and Pepcid in morning and vit d regimen with evening meal. He has worked for 20yrs on a job that does 12 hr shifts 3months day the switches to 3 months nights and so on.  So he has never had good sleep habits which he has started back on nights and CH went from none to 2-3 a day. Gets maybe at times 6 hrs of sleep in 48-72 hr periods I'm sure it doesn't help the CH. We have an appt next week to get something for sleep and depression so hopefully we won't anger the beast.

Thanks CH Wife