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Ritalin? (Read 9184 times)
shelticon2
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Ritalin?
Oct 16th, 2008 at 10:55am
 
Hey All,

I've been reading around and have found some references to Ritalin (Methylphenidate) as an abortive and preventative course.

I am going to try it for a week or so. If I get some good results I'm going to talk to my Doc about getting a script.

Has any one had any experience with this?

Jim
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #1 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 11:41am
 
Link please.

         Potter
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shelticon2
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #2 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 12:51pm
 
Here's a few of the articles that I have found relating to this subject...

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Jim
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #3 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 1:08pm
 
ABSTRACT

The authors report rapid cluster headache relief in a 43-year-old man with a 5-year history of refractory cluster headache. The patient described complete headache relief within 10 minutes of taking 10 mg of methylphenidate (Ritalin) when used to abort the onset of his headaches. Subsequently, a scheduled Ritalin dose taken each morning was sufficient to prevent his nightly headaches. In addition, 1 week of prophylactic methylphenidate therapy halted the series of cluster headaches. This is the first reported case of relief of cluster headaches with methylphenidate.

      One guy one time.

         Potter
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shelticon2
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #4 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 1:16pm
 
True, but if we don't start somewhere. Where would we be?


Jim
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #5 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 1:27pm
 
Reported methylphenidate side effects include psychosis (abnormal thinking or hallucinations), difficulty sleeping, mood swings, mood changes, nervousness, stomach aches, diarrhea, headaches, decreased sex drive, lack of hunger (leading to weight loss), gum and skin bleeding, dry mouth, and irritability.[18]

Less common side effects include palpitations, high blood pressure and tachycardia

     Get the oxygen.

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shelticon2
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #6 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 1:40pm
 
Here's the link to the Topamax side effect page. I was going to cut and paste the side effects here but the list was too long. ( didn't want to clutter up the message board.)
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Keep in mind these are just the side effects. Let us not forget the price you might have to pay if you come off this med improperly.

Grand Maul seizures oh yeah ... and... uh... death.

I think I'll take my chances with the Ritalin ( if it works)

By the way, are you the O2 salesman I've heard so much about?

Jim
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #7 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 1:45pm
 
shelticon2 wrote on Oct 16th, 2008 at 1:40pm:
Here's the link to the Topamax side effect page. I was going to cut and paste the side effects here but the list was too long. ( didn't want to clutter up the message board.)
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Keep in mind these are just the side effects. Let us not forget the price you might have to pay if you come off this med improperly.

Grand Maul seizures oh yeah ... and... uh... death.

I think I'll take my chances with the Ritalin ( if it works)

By the way, are you the O2 salesman I've heard so much about?

Jim


Yep I'm the o2 pusher. 

   Potter
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #8 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 2:11pm
 
Let us know how it works for you,  I've been thinking about trying it also.  All of the meds I take cause fatiuge and it seem the more fatiuged I am the more ch's I get so Ritalin sounds good to me too.
   Good luck,  Phil
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #9 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 2:28pm
 
Quote:
Let us know how it works for you,  I've been thinking about trying it also.  All of the meds I take cause fatiuge and it seem the more fatiuged I am the more ch's I get so Ritalin sounds good to me too.
  Good luck,  Phil


       Reported methylphenidate side effects include psychosis (abnormal thinking or hallucinations), difficulty sleeping, mood swings, mood changes, nervousness, stomach aches, diarrhea, headaches, decreased sex drive, lack of hunger (leading to weight loss), gum and skin bleeding, dry mouth, and irritability.[18]

Less common side effects include palpitations, high blood pressure and tachycardia


    Yep that sounds good.
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #10 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 2:49pm
 
Come on Potter Im taking a pharmacy of drugs that dont work and I will try any thing.  Check your pm's I do have o2 but it is not working for me at the moment.       Phil Smiley
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shelticon2
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #11 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 3:37pm
 
Potter

  It seems like the only answer that you have is "Get O2". While that is probably good advice, you must know that there is other good advice out there. For you, a "seasoned veteran" of CH, to proclaim that O2 "is the only answer"  so frequently and so authoritatively is doing no one any good. On 10/07/08 in "RE: A new Preventive?" you stated. And I cut and paste

   "Quit lookin and get the gawddamned o2."

 People come here for help. To suggest O2, is a good thing. To demand O2 and nothing else helps them not. You state that you are 1500 days pain free ( again On 10/07/08 in "RE: A new Preventive?") Congrats BTW I wish you more of the same. However, maybe this 4+ years of being PF has distanced you from the pain. I, on the other hand, feel the pain every day. After three months of kp10+ attacks every two hours 24/7 I was about to quit my job and end it all. I'm over that now ( without the use of O2.... Thank you very much.). I'm sure this is why I am so passionate about this.
  The pain that we feel is a symptom of an underlying cause. Putting a bandade on the symptom does not cure the cause. My goal is to find a cure or at least a reliable treatment for the underlying cause. No, I am NOT a doctor. But I have done more, for me, than 4 highly educated very expensive specialists. The Docs won't do it... The Pharma companies won't do it. ( not enough profit) so it is up to US to do it ourselves.
   
  My post was to inquire if anyone had experience with Ritalin. You obviously haven't... so shut the F*** up... If you are not helping, you are hurting.

  Before I put any meds in my body, whether prescribed by a Doc or not, I research the side effects and take responsibility for what I do. ( As we all should). I have to experiment on myself. ('cause my wife won't let me experiment on the kids...) Creating this post was one way that I used to help validate, or invalidate, my experiment.

 To any that I may have offended, except Potter, I'm sorry...

Jim    


 
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #12 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 4:03pm
 
Then jump in with both feet.

          Potter
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #13 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 4:52pm
 
Never heard of Ritalin helping clusters. But if you are willing to try, I am willing to hear how it worked for you. Keep us posted.
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #14 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 5:12pm
 
Hi Shelticon

I see you live in greensboro.  I live in Mooresville, not too too far away.   Have you looked on the OUCH website at the different recommended neuros in our area who have successfully treated patients with CH.   Until I found my current Neuro- ( who is in winston salem by the way)   I felt like I had nothing that worked other than my trusty imitrex nasal and even that was failing me.  Went thru pred tapers,  O2 ( didn't get a high enough flow rate to make a dent in the pain)  and of course other meds that were just plain ineffective. 
When I saw this current doc, he listened, he was innovative , and listens to what I have to say.  He is open to trying ideas.  He also knows about CH.   

I haven't seen many postings regarding the success of ritalin.   However, if it works for you , let us know

If you want to pm me and get this info let me know.

Kelly
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #15 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 5:23pm
 
I grew up on Ritalin as a kid and I still got em but I would try it again.
b.
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #16 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 6:32pm
 
I take it for ADD.  I've been on it since college.  I typically don't get hit during the day, that's when I'm on my concerta (the long lasting version).
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #17 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 7:11pm
 
Holy crap! Personal insults? Over defending ritalin as a treatment for CH. I dont think that is productive it it? To suggest anyone here is not atune to CH pain is just a bit over the edge. I know Potter, he means only to help. I thought that about you as well. I think we should all go to our respective corners and rethink why we are here. Lets look at ritalin:
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And 02:
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I dont see it here,
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It's not news that stimulants abort and even prevent to some level. It is much more invasive than 02.02 works for alot of people, if it is administered properly. Failure of 02 often is rectified when used properly.
ADD patients do not generally get a stimulant effect from Ritalin. People that do not have ADD do. We all know that doctors perscribe just about anything to treat CH. The list of meds that are used for CH gets longer and longer. I would bet if it works one time or even two it will eventually fail just like the rest. Pick your own poison. I'll take 02 before anything.
all the best
thebb Undecided

Dont take any perscription drug without prior consult with your doctor. Roll Eyes
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« Last Edit: Oct 16th, 2008 at 7:12pm by N/A »  
 
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shelticon2
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #18 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 11:16pm
 
Look, I didn't mean this to turn onto a pissing contest. I thought it was a simple question. I just wanted to know if anyone out there had any experience with Ritalin. That's it.

  I know that I am new to this. I've only been chronic for 1 year now but it seems to me to tell someone, who is asking for help, to strap an O2 tank on their back and live with it seems a bit out of line. Suppose Jonas Salk ( polio Vaccine) or Edward Jenner ( smallpox vaccine) decided that we should just accept our plight. Where would we be now?

Yes, I know that CHs are not Polio or Smallpox. And that is exactly why it falls upon OUR shoulders to do something about CHs. 'Cause no one else is gonna.

My adgenda is to cure or find a reasonable treatment for my condition. Taking 15 pills each day, Things like Topamax, Depakote, Verapimil etc. is not a reasonable treatment for me. Carrying an O2 tank everywhere I go is not a reasonable treatment for me. Why ? you ask. Because I must work for a living and being strapped to an O2 tank is not something that I can do on my job. Also, as I have never tried O2, I do not know if it works for me anyway.. Not to mention those for whom O2 does not work or those who cannot get it..... And before anyone says " just get welders oxygen" One must take into account that welders O2 and medical or aviation grade O2 are not the same animal. Yes, they both come from the pure form of liquid oxygen (LOX) but the transfer method from one tank to the other is where the impurities get introduced. I know that some O2 guy will challenge me on that however this is not a point that I will argue.... you breathe what you want and I'll take what meds I want.

  If you feel that I am wasting my time searching for a cure. Well it's my time to waste. But please do not hinder me in my research. I will get around to asking about O2. But I am not there yet.

  I have not , nor will I ever, diagnose, treat or prescribe any treatment. Unless I find a medical degree in my sock drawer that I forgot I had. (I was on Topamax for a while so who knows what I've forgotten. )

I will, however, post any significant results ( if any) that I have had, for others to share with their "qualified" professional. 


"Why can't we all just get along???"

Jim
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #19 - Oct 16th, 2008 at 11:47pm
 
shelticon2 wrote on Oct 16th, 2008 at 11:16pm:
Also, as I have never tried O2, I do not know if it works for me anyway.. Not to mention those for whom O2 does not work or those who cannot get it..... And before anyone says " just get welders oxygen" One must take into account that welders O2 and medical or aviation grade O2 are not the same animal. Yes, they both come from the pure form of liquid oxygen (LOX) but the transfer method from one tank to the other is where the impurities get introduced. I know that some O2 guy will challenge me on that however this is not a point that I will argue.... you breathe what you want and I'll take what meds I want.

   


      Guess that says it all, just gimme a pill that will make me all better. 

          Potter

              











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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #20 - Oct 17th, 2008 at 12:53am
 
See:

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Also:

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There are probably others, but I got tired of looking for them.   

See the cluster survey at the left as well.

Best,

George
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« Last Edit: Oct 17th, 2008 at 12:54am by George »  

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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #21 - Oct 17th, 2008 at 7:26am
 
George,

Thank you..... This is good stuff.

The kind  that I've been looking for.

Thanks for putting in the effort. That's why I rely on those of you who have been around ( CHs) for a while, you know how to find the stuff I can't.

PFDs to all

jim

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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #22 - Oct 17th, 2008 at 10:07am
 
Potter wrote on Oct 16th, 2008 at 11:47pm:
[quote author=203B363F273A303C3D61530 link=1224168945/0#18 date=1224213412] Also, as I have never tried O2, I do not know if it works for me anyway.. Not to mention those for whom O2 does not work or those who cannot get it..... And before anyone says " just get welders oxygen" One must take into account that welders O2 and medical or aviation grade O2 are not the same animal. Yes, they both come from the pure form of liquid oxygen (LOX) but the transfer method from one tank to the other is where the impurities get introduced. I know that some O2 guy will challenge me on that however this is not a point that I will argue.... you breathe what you want and I'll take what meds I want.

  


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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #23 - Oct 17th, 2008 at 10:42am
 
Hey Jim
I support your decision to try ritalin.  Let me say a few things about 02 if you don't mind.  First, o2 is a commitment.  Having the right equipment, getting tanks refilled, taking it everywhere you go....etc
How about getting it just for home use?  Not only does it relieve the pain, but the sense of security knowing you do not have to go through a full blown attack is priceless.  It gives you some of your life back.
I use welders with no effects whatsoever. 


I agree and support everyone's quest to be pain free and find a preventative that actually prevents these things.  But we need a full arsenal to beat this thing down.
Good luck finding something.  I really mean that.  But guess what, (in a polite tone) get yourself some dam O2 Wink
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Re: Ritalin?
Reply #24 - Oct 17th, 2008 at 12:12pm
 
Kevmd

  Thanks ... I appreciate your support. and I respect the cordialness of your answer.

If I may, please let me fill you in on where I am at with CHs and where I am trying to go.
 
By Dec '07 I had been having KP10+ Chs every 2 hours 24/7 for 3 months. I was suicidal. With the help of my local Headache Center ( Verapimil mostly) I was lifted out of that "badness". I was still having KP7s and KP8s 6 to 8 times a day. My Neuro Docs were frustrated... They had me on 15 pills per day of just about anything that you can imagine. Sometimes, I felt that they were just throwing darts at a wall to determine what to put me on next.....Mind you they never took me off anything.. after 4 months I was not any better.

  I quit going to the HA docs. Took myself off of all my meds and went at it on my own. I kept my GP 'cause I've been with him for 20 years now and he listens to me.

  After a brief research, and trial and error period. I found some meds that worked for me. I discussed this with my GP and he ran his tests then prescribed what I needed. I then researched the med and after a couple of months was able to replace it with a modification in my diet.

  That leads me to where I am now. ( pretty successfull, thus far, I think) . I now have minor shadows throughout the day, a KP3 or KP4 hit between 4:00pm and 5:00pm and sometimes a KP3 hit around 9:00pm. Nothing during the night. I sleep like a baby.  

  What I am trying to do is get rid of the shadows and the few hits that I still have.( with meds of some kind). Then work my way off of the meds. Painfree, Drug free, and no O2 tank to haul around with me.

  Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against O2. As a matter of fact I breathe it everyday. ( Except I mix mine with a few other inert gasses and call it air) I admit that back in the bad ol' days of Dec '07 I'm sure that I could have used some.... But I had none.

  Ambitious quest?  Well maybe but I am an ambitious person. I want nothing from no one, except maybe a little info here and there. I DO appreciate the support that I receive from the majority of folks on this board.

  I accept you comments as long as they are respectful, and if they are not..... well.... you know.

Thanks for tolerating my longwindedness.

PFD to all

Jim   
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