Hi, (you didn't tell us your name )

  Verapamil is one of the most used preventatives around here with Lithium being second.  You're correct that it DOES take a while before you see any results though.  Lots have had success with it.

Do you have anything as an abortive?   I mean to take the pain away immediately?  Imitrex is great for those times when you are out in public and just need something RIGHT NOW!   but it's expensive and does cause rebound headaches.   If you will look to the left of where you are reading this now you will see links.  Click on the second yellow link "Oxygen info"  and read it all the way through.   It is what has saved so many here from this pain.  If I can get on it at the first twinge...I can abort a headache in less than 10 mins.  Oxygen is cheap, safe, it has no side effects and it works!!!!   Check it out, O.K.?

From looking at your picture, you look young.  Am I right?  If you are...well then I hate it for you and everyone here will want to help you get on a treatment program that works for you.  One of the best pieces of advice I, or anyone here can give you is to become educated about this condition enough so that you have the upper hand in treatment.  Knowing when a doctor who is talking down to you and is giving you totally wrong information.   This site has been here for 12 yrs. now and together everyone here has 1000's of yrs. of experience.  Many Neurologists who have been to conventions of ours  have added to it.

You aren't alone in this.  We're here to help.

Linda

edited to add:  Can you please let us know where you live?  sometimes there are folks who may just know a great doctor in your area or can help you get oxygen and knowing where you live helps a lot.

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My neurologist prescribed me verapamil and within two weeks my cycle had ended. I was soooo happy, my cycles have continued since but are often less harsh and quick depending on my diet and i believe with higher mg can be monitored further. Ive found that the more high in preservetive((nitrates are a killer))/junk type food you eat(stuff like pizza, hotdogs, tacos, and all fast food), the attacks seem to be more abundent and harsh. A combination of organic foods, lots of water, oxygen therapy and Verapamil have made my life a whole lot easier. Hope any of this can assist you with your demon, stay strong and positive

One thing to remember "We ALL react differently" and what works for one MAY NOT work for another... so if one thing doesn't work - do NOT get discouraged.

The secret is to find the right doctor who will WORK WITH you until he/she finds what works for you.

Me, I can't take verap at all because it lowers my BP to a point (even on a low low dose) where I can't stand up (but that's me). But I CAN take topamax where most people have trouble with it.

O2 seems to be the only thing we can mostly all agree on that works for the majority of us. With the demand valve and my trusty O2, at the onset of CH, I can abort in 3-5 minutes and be on my merry way.. Without the demand valve - it takes a few minutes longer, but still works.

If I get hit in "public" I chug a can of Red Bull (usually carry one in my purse) or grab a cup of coffee or two. Most times that works till I can get out of there if I see it's going to persist (and I usually make a hasty exit when I do get hit in public and see it's not going away).

But finding a good neuro and getting on a preventative that works for you is the key.

And remember we're here and, like Linda said, between all of us there's about 1000 years experience with these things on this board..

BD