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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Combinations of meds http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1216599033 Message started by Mrs. Wishbone on Jul 20^th, 2008 at 8:10pm

Title: Combinations of meds
Post by Mrs. Wishbone on Jul 20^th, 2008 at 8:10pm

Hi to anyone out there. I would like to know your thoughts on combinations of meds. I know that every clusterhead reacts differently to different meds and different combination of meds but please let me know you thoughts on this.

My clusterhead is on 240 mg verapamil in am and pm, lithium 300 mg 2 x per day and topomax 200 mg in am and pm (when not in cycle he takes 100 mg topomax in am and pm). This is alot of meds and side effects as you all know. Of course, the side effects don't matter if the med prevents a ha. If he trys to lower dosage to try and get off the meds he goes into cycle. He also is on oxygen during cycle which is tremendous help.

Your thoughts please dear friends.......

Julie

Title: Re: Combinations of meds
Post by Karla on Jul 20^th, 2008 at 10:29pm

The verapamil lithium combo has worked here for many. The doses seem a little low. Many take up to 960mg of verapamil and 900-1200mg of lithium seperatly. Because they are being used together maybe a low dose of each is all that is needed. If it works at this dosage for him and he doesn't have the nasty side effects that can go with verapamil or topamax I say it is worth it. I wouldn't worry about the pill count if he can find some pain free time. Oxygen is very good. Glad to see he has a set up.

Title: Re: Combinations of meds
Post by thebbz on Jul 21^st, 2008 at 11:59am

The bad thing about combos is, what did what when? That and the combination of side effects. The doctor guinea piggin drugs goes on.
"My headaches are slacking off ,but I am having problems hitting my ass with my hat". The trade off is worth it, too much pain.
Rock-vs-Hardspot :)
all the best
thebb

Title: Re: Combinations of meds
Post by Gator on Jul 22^nd, 2008 at 1:49pm

Julie, some clusterheads require a combination of meds to tame the beast. Verapamil and Lithium is a common combination that works for some. Adding the Topamax to that combination is new to me, but if it works and your husband can function normally, this is a good thing. As was said, y'all have to decide if the trade off is worth it.

For me, verapamil and lithium didn't work, alone or in combination. Topamax made me dumb as a box of rocks and actually made my attacks worse.

So did y'all ditch the O2 concentrator and get a tank and regulator set up, yet? ;)

Mike