Posted by Bennie Sue (63.16.4.51) on December 17, 2000 at 15:01:58:
In Reply to: Cluster Headache Info?and RX Migranol posted by Karen on December 17, 2000 at 14:42:00:
Migranal is a nasal spray of DHE. DHE is what I consider to be a "dirty" Imitrex...it is a serotonin agonist that affects more parts of the body than does Imitrex or Amerge (affects more receptor sites and some Dopamine sites as well). But, because it affects more, it is sometimes effective when Imitrex is not.
I have not personally used Migranal nasal spray. IV DHE is VERY effective in treating Migraine...and a good bit of success with Clusters. It is new, though, and I haven't had experience with the spray.
You are incorrect that oxygen is non-toxic. In fact, high flow oxygen that is used in the treatment of clusters is very bad for the lungs. I hate the fact that many people sleep with it on...and it is very easy to do (I have fallen asleep with the oxygen on a number of times). It should be used only when the headache is present, and taken off as soon as possible. It's harm is not worse than other medications out there...but it is not a safe, benign fix.
Your physician, however, probably does not realize the efficacy of O2 in treating clusters. Oxygen is actually contraindicated in some types of migraine (as it can cause strokes)...and so your diagnoses of clusters should be firm before starting oxygen. I do, however, perscribe oxygen to anyone with clusters without much hesitation, though, as it is very effective, inexpensive, and not painful.
Good luck