Posted by Doc who suffers too (64.211.6.249) on August 13, 2001 at 21:08:27:
There is no need to apply the capsaicin deeply into the nostril. Simply apply a small amount to the inside of the nostril on the side on which you get the cluster headaches. In a few minutes the sinus will run, you'll fell burning in the typical cluster distribution and your eye will tear. After a few applications (or even one)you may have less pain. This needs to be done 2 to 3 times per day. It depletes substance P in the trigeminal nerve distribution (first division). Used long term it can irritate the sinuses. The burning after initial application can be quite unpleasant. My headache doctor told me one drug company was working on a nonburning form of capsaicin but I haven't come across any info. Has anyone else?