Posted by jorge garcia (137.242.1.11) on November 29, 1999 at 13:54:30:
In Reply to: Cluster Headache & Imitrex Q&A posted by Dr. John Doe on April 26, 1998 at 08:30:16:
Q #1: Does Imitex decrease the frequency of your cluster headaches during a cluster cycle?
A #1:Yes it does. If I am taking on a regular basis, every 8 hours, it prevents them also.
Q #2: How long does Imitrex typically take to abort each cluster headache?
A #2: This is based on how long it took be to take a dose after the first sign of an attack. If taken at first sign-I get immediate relief. If pain is already in progress--1/2 to 1hour.
Q #3: Is Imitrex always effective in aborting the cluster headache or does the headache occasionally escape and not respond?
A #3:So far it has been effective in every case.
Q #4 Have you ever had to use Imitrex more frequently in a 24-hour period than is recommended by your physician or the package insert? What is the most you have used Imitrex in 24 hours? every 8 hours.
A #4:
Q #5: In your experience, what route of administration (nasal spray, by mouth, or injection) is most effective for your headaches?
A #5: If pain is in progress--take the spray, take the pill as a preventative measure.
Q #6: Is Imitrex not effective for you? If not, what treatment seems to work best for your cluster headaches?
A #6:Physical therapy to the neck and shoulders has also worked well for me.