PbZep wrote on Feb 9th, 2010 at 1:52pm:How about this, can I ask you guys if there are any more very powerful vaso-constrictors out there? Maybe something like that would help. From what I read, vaso-dilation does seem to be the problem.
Wiki says this, "Medications that cause vasoconstriction include antihistamines, decongestants and stimulants used to treat ADHD."
Has anyone tried any of these? I think I might go out and buy some Sudafed... make myself a human test dummy.
And hey, finally, everyone makes mistakes...
So, start over? Or would you be more comfortable if I just left?
No need to go runnin' for the hills unless you aren't genuine, and you are the only one that can answer that, and time in this forum will always reveal that truth. So, with that out of the way, let's get to the business of what this forum is here for. Please also try to understand, and always keep in mind that communication is 93% non-verbal, and that is removed when communicating via this medium - you must be able to concisely state what you mean in a way that is respectful and non confrontational, that's just good netiquette
I will be side stepping the myriad comments that do not directly address your questions/concerns, or do not give solid recommendations based on factual information for treatment options.
First and foremost, we are not doctors. We can only give you information on our own personal experiences and they will be colored by our own perceptions of the world.
As for Sudafed, I would recommend against it because of personal experience with how things went after prolonged use. Long story, best told another time in another thread and probably another lifetime

Wiki is not what I would call the most reliable source, however, there is some merit to what you posted. I am currently under the care of a highly respected, well known, extremely knowledgeable headache specialist who has worked with the world's best. One of the SHORT TERM treatment options he uses for
certain patients is dextroamphetamine - a drug that was quite often used in treating ADD/ADHD before the age of Ritalin etc. Again, this IS A SHORT TERM option; meant to get past the initial brick walls often found with refractory intractable CHers. It has had a PROFOUND effect;
The mode of action is this: dextroamphetamine affects the brain chemicals seratonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Essentially you flood the receptors (it's a very small dose - smaller than you would take for ADHD) and that puts the brain into action; the brain being the wondrous and enigmatic lump of gray matter that it is, falls under this cool mandatory regulatory system. Whenever a particular level is over stimulated, it must regulate itself. The dextro forces a stimulation, in turn forcing a regulation, creating a more normalized level of chemicals in the brain. That is a very very simplistic way of putting it. It gets into the CGRP receptors and all sorts of other 5HTP agonists and antagonists as well, but for purposes of your question, yes, these medications MAY have some value in SOME patients under CAREFUL supervision and control.
The key thing I would suggest to you is that no two patients have the same chemical mix occurring and therefore no two treatment regimens will work the same way. In all of the various treatments and techniques we try, the one that seems to have the best across the board results (legally) is Oxygen, and that should most definitely be in your arsenal.
Aside from addressing those points, (and I can assure you that I personally am not interested in attacking or judging or condemning you) what other medications/treatments have you tried? It would be beneficial to know the specifics of the various techniques and treatments you've tried, and how long you've suffered, and what your headache patterns are like so that a more complete and informed picture of your personal situation can be evaluated, with the end result, hopefully, being that we are able to guide/advise/educate you to other treatments you may not be aware of, and to help you find a) successful treatment options; b) a knowledgeable headache specialist (not just a neurologist) and c) support and resources to help you through so you can learn to live life to the fullest despite the beast.
Wishing you the best, and hopefully you'll consider my offer and provide some further info so we can better assist you

Cat