Looks like I'm gonna be here for the long haul 

My doctor is a darling for getting me on the O2, but at the moment I don't know how long it will be before I get to see the headache specialist. Until then, I have access to some of the meds that I've seen discussed on here, with enough repeats on the scripts to see me through.

I'm going to ditch the beta-blockers, since they were for my imaginary migraines. But the topamax I'll keep. The neuro wanted me to work up to 100mg 2xday. What have others found to be an effective dose? I have an interesting situation here, in that I have epilepsy, and I can try weaning off the drug I currently take for the epilepsy. If the topamax keeps it under control, and helps with the CH, then the two-for-one will be a bonus.

BUT - my understanding is that for episodic CH, topamax is an option for a preventative, which you start at the beginning of a cycle then end when the cycle is over. I gather that during the cycle, the preventative acts to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks? So, if topamax turned out to be effective for both CH and epilepsy for me, does that mean that by being on it permanently, the cycle would still start, the topamax would have the same effect as if I had just started it, but without the need for a transitional drug because it's already fully in my system at the effective dose?

Now to Imigran (Imitrex).... Twice last week, during pretty bad attacks, I took 100mg Imigran with NO effect at all. My GP believes that injectible Imigran would have no advantage, except to be ineffective quicker (haha God bless him, he has been trying so hard to help me). When the headaches first started last November, he tried me on Relpax (elitriptan) which also did nothing, so he doesn't think it's worth trying any more triptans. Any idea for any other types of abortives? It would be handy to have something to carry in my handbag just in case I can't get to the O2.

And I know someone said Opiates (Tramadol) are a dead end... but I swear they help take the edge off, not a lot, but enough to justify the $1/hit to take them (unlike the $12/hit that it was for the Imigran)

Yours in Pain and Suffering,

Melby

Quote:

I know a bunch of headbangers that would argue that.
Injectables work often when oral tabs fail, I've read it here a hundred times. 
the bb

I agree the injectables often work when the melttabs don't. And consider migranal nasal spray. Or zomig. Migranal has worked well for me in the past; it's slower than trex injections, but not so slow and it is portable. Just some thoughts. lance

I'm a HUGE 02 cheerleader.......but I still keep imitrex injectables on hand for when I get caught away from 02, and the rare times when 02 won't beat back an attack.

As to using Topomax as a 2 for.....would it constantly work as a prevent if you stayed on it full time. I don't know...it might. 

Joe