Posted by DocA(Barbs Husband) (207.228.11.251) on August 18, 1999 at 01:51:53:
I am a Pharmacy Technician with a a wife that I Love very much who suffers from nasty Clusters.
I have a " better than average" knowledge of drugs,but not being a Degreed Pharmacist we are still "Trial and Erroring" different drugs.
My good friend and boss is an EXTREMELY knowledgeable Pharmacist and my wifes Neuro is pretty open to our thoughts and my input on Drugs of Choice for this Problem.
We tried Imipramine(her current Headache/anti depressant therapy) with slight improvement
of the Cycle(ie: Frequency has lessened).
Maxalt was tried with limited success but provided relief for only 2 hrs.($15.00 a dose was also "killing" us)-
Added Depakote: no good. Discontinued
I suggested Ercaf which assists on a PRN (as needed for pain) basis but still no complete relief for attacks.
Current regimen is 150 mg Imipramine at bedtime,Ercaf PRN,and Vicodin(hydrocodone/APAP 5/500) PRN
MY QUESTION...............
Imitrex.......How "good" does it really work for everyone
Verapamil..........Same question(AND, is this used on an as needed basis OR for maintenance)
Propanolanol.....Same question(AND, is this used on an as needed basis OR for maintenance)
Also what does everyone recommend in a Morphine Derivative(other than Vicodin) for WHAM-BAM Pain relief?
Next question....
I have noticed many M.D.s are using antidepressants on a manitenance basis to help lessen the frequency of the attacks.
Barb is complaining of SEVERE tiredness and limited effectiveness of Imipramine(Tofranil) for the attacks.
Has anyone tried Toradol(Desyryl) for this
And Also.....How about Amitryptiline(Elavil) in the same capacity?(to replace Imipramine)
What would REALLY REALLY be helpful is if some of you would let me know EXACTLY what drugs and dosages your are taking NOW(Concurrently)This would help in assessment of potential interactions.
Sorry for such a long post but the more info,the better.
Between Me, My wifes Neuro and My Pharmacist Friend maybe we can WHIP these damn Clusters FOR GOOD!
Thanks in Advance!
DocA