Just tapered off lithium (yesterday was last dose). No preventatives currently.

Getting hit 6-8 times per day.

Forgot to add: Trying to judiciously use triptans - only when this weak-assed human can't take it anymore. Averaging once per day.

I am not in cycle, but this is my formula during the year and during this past cycle.

I consume 25 rivea corymbosa seeds once a month as a preventative.  I think because of this, my last cycle only lasted 14 days with 1-2 CH/day and I only had one cycle for the entire year compared to two.
So I went from 8 weeks of pain last year to 2 weeks this year.

I used a total of (10) 2 mg Imitrex injections in that two week period only at work.  Monster energy drinks during the first signs.  Exercise, avoiding triggers etc....  9mg Melatonin before bed each night.  I don't have O2 at the moment, but I expect that to be my MAIN abortive next cycle.  This can reassure me that the seeds are working correctly.  As we know the triptans and melatonin can interfere with how they work.  I'll have O2 when I get to my new neuro in December.

Without meds I was averaging 4-6 a day. I went on Lithium and Verapamil and reduced that to 2 a day. My cycle ended about 3 weeks ago when I was on verapamil (320 mg.) only. I think Lithium reduces the frequency of the HAs and suspect verapamil ends the episode.
Jim

was getting 8 ch/day.  I am on fentanyl patch and am getting 0 hits for last 9 years.  However, please note that I tried many, many, many different meds to no avail.  This is a last resort.  It is addictive and otherwise provides me with no side effects however, many side effects are listed and I am just one of the lucky few.

Karla, as I wouldn't suggest using opiates to fight CH, if it works for you, that's great.  I assume you are closely monitored with your doc with that because it's more powerful than street heroin in some cases.  You may not feel side effects especially if you're using very small doses, but  I would be afraid of heart problems etc...  As we all say, what works for some, won't work for others.  Sorry for being nosey, I was just curious.

Thank you to all that replied. I am going to try and put a litle something together of what dosages and meds seem to work best overall.  I have alot of time on my hands since losing my job to mexico. 

Please keep them coming, so far it i under a 10% post rate. you guys can do better. If some choose not to make it public you could pm it to me and I assure you no names will be used.

Thanks again

Chris

P.S. Weatherman, unfortunately there is nothing I can do to get you that 2 minutes back, however you could try typing classes

Taking 1200mg of lithium and 480mg of verapamil - 1 to 2 hits a  day.

ClusterChris wrote on Oct 16^th, 2009 at 4:18pm:


   

Ok, I deserved that.    And yes, I do need typing lessons!

Thanks again guys!

Karla,

I have seen the survey, what I want to see is the connection with meds and amount of hits . And that survey is over 10 years old now.

Chris

I have them chronically...3-4 a day...Currently on nothing...Tried Verapamil and Topamax...to no avail...I use trex sometimes and trip injections. They work well for me but I haven't found any preventative yet..

Verapamil SR 240 mg morning + 120 mg night as preventative.
When the beast begins to make it's presence felt: -
2 x 500 mg Paracetomol + 2 x 15 mg Codeine immediately,
then high flow rate oxygen for 20 to 25 mins,
then 1 x 12.5 mg Almotriptan, followed around 4 hours later by another 1 x 12.5 mg Almotriptan.
I bail out of this escalation if and when something begins to take effect.
Points to note: -
Only permitted "judicious use of Almotriptan" by consultant neuro after 1 mini-stroke (TIA) episode and told to use Paracetomol and Codeine initially instead, but it often has little or no effect (surprise,surprise!).
My CH is not 'classic' in the sense that I usually get hit once each day almost every day, starting in mid afternoon and lasting into the evening, sometimes still in evidence when I hit the pillow. Never strikes during night.
Just gone 5 days without a CH visit for first time in 8 or 10 years  - keep your fingers crossed for me.
Cheers,
JoeKen.

1) None
2) None