Posted by Charlene on November 05, 1998 at 16:48:32:
In Reply to: Lithium questions posted by Troy on October 29, 1998 at 21:18:38:
I have been on lithium (900 Mg/day) for 16 years for another disorder--my cluster headaches began 9 years after starting lithium so lithium was not helping my headaches. Your lithium level needs to be monitored periodically (my doctor wants it every 3 months) to detect toxicity--levels are different with each person so consult your doctor on this--he/she is the only one who can advise. Lithium could also affect liver, thyroid and additional blood tests are necessary. For me, Verapamil has been my savior as a preventative drug for clusters. I take 240mg/day (120AM/120PM) and I have found that I must be religious regarding this regimen. If not, the headaches come back with a vengeance at which time I go to my stash of Imitrex for instant relief. Hope this helps.