Posted by Dave W (12.10.85.65) on April 13, 2000 at 18:16:56:
In Reply to: Meds posted by Sean on April 13, 2000 at 13:17:04:
Hi Sean,
I've had 4 different meds work for me. However, each has its successful years and its unsuccessful years. From other posts I've read, and some of the medical literature too, it's normal with clusters to have variable effectiveness with any given drug.
Each cycle, I start with lithium 1200 mg/day. If it works, great -- I have no side effects and it's dirt cheap. If it doesn't work, I try sansert 4 mg/day -- costs a lot but again no side effects. If that doesn't work, I try verapamil (calan) 480 mg/day -- costs a medium amount but makes me a little tired and groggy. If that doesn't work, I do prednisone bursts 80 mg/day tapering to zero. Prednisone is the drug from hell but it's the only one that has never failed to prevent attacks.
My success rate is about 50 percent with lithium, 25 percent with sansert, 75 percent with verapamil, and 100 percent with prednisone.
Glad to hear you're coping!
Pain Free Days!!
Goober Dave