I first started with cluster headaches in 2015. My cluster lasted about 6 months. After several visits to my family doctor and no relief I decided to go to a neurosurgeon. He ran several tests and evaluations on me, and determined it was cluster headaches. We went through several different treatments and I really got no relief. Finally the pain stopped. I did not have another headache until last week.

The headaches came back with full force. This time around I am not having as many. I'm staying at 3/day which is down from the 5 I was having the first time. However, this time around the pain seems to be even worse, and the length of each episode is longer. They have beat me down real quick this time as I am scared of coping with them and fighting this battle for six months again like last time. I has a bout this morning at 5:30. After it was over I got online and found this support group. I, glad that this is available, and thanks for letting me be a part of it.

Welcome Brian.  You will find everything you need to know here.  Tell us where you live, and what treatments have been tried so far.

Verapamil is most peoples first choice as a preventative, but as you say - large doses.

Personally, I don't use a preventative, other than the vitamin D3 regimen, which you will find out about if you read through these boards.  Send a PM to Batch, whowill tell you all you need to know.

Other than that, as abortives I use oxygen, delivered at 15 litres a minute, (more if you can) with a non rebreather mask. It's good if you can get on it as soon as you feel the first signs of pain, but the flow rate and the mask must be correct for it to work.

The best abortive is Sumatriptan ( probably called imitrex in America).  You can get pills, nasal spray, or injections.  The pill take too long to get into your system to be much help.  The nasal spray is better, but the auto injections are fantastic and will kill off the worst CH in 10 minutes or less. Easy to carry and easy to use.

I use the oxygen at home, and save the injections for when I go out and can't get to my tanks.

I understand they can be difficult to get in america because of insurance issues etc, and the cost, but if you do get them, there are ways to get 2 or 3 doses from one injection to make them last.

Using the above methods have completely changed the impact CH has had on my life, from suicidal to "almost" normal.

Hope this helps
Maz.

I appreciate all the feedback, and have another appointment with my neurologist in the morning.  I am hoping to discuss with him some of these other medications and treatments.  The prednisone and fioricet definitely are not doing the trick.  The headaches I have at night have been as bad as ever.  My sleep is way off which is taking a toll on my work the following morning and day.  So hopefully some of these suggestions will help with some of the pain, as i know nothing will make it go away completely.

Maz is spot on.
Oxygen is best,but a lot of doctors and insurance companies are wishy-washy about prescription/coverage of it.
Injections are wonderful,but expensive.
Zomig nasal spray helped me as an abortive
Pills are cheapest,but your attack is usually wearing down by the time it takes effect.
My last cycle was treated with verapamil and lithium combined.
Batch has perfected a viitamin regimen that works wonders for most.