Thursday, May 23, 2013
Wednesday, October 03, 2012 patisotagami asks

Q: Triple Pill...Cycle Breaker

When I have a migraine that won't break (intractable), I have, in the past, taken a "Triple Shot" (a concoction of the Diamond Clinic in Chicago, IL that consists of: 2mg Ativan, 2mg Cogentin & 2mg Haldol taken simultaneously during a migraine as a 2nd-line cycle breaker). Every doctor I have since described this to has been shocked and told me that Haldol is extremely dangerous and may cause tardive diskinesia. However, this triple shot ALWAYS WORKED to break a tough migraine cycle for me! I was wondering if anyone knew of other things like this but perhaps not as dangerous that worked as good cycle breakers for intractible migraines. Would Seroquel possibly work as a stand-in for Haldol in this trio?...

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Answers (1)
Teri Robert, Health Guide
10/ 6/12 11:54am

patisotagami,

 

That's a tough question. It's likely the combination of the three that worked well for you, and any substitution could make an enormous difference. I wouldn't dare even venture a guess about substituting Seroquel for Haldol.

 

Your question is a bit confusing. You mention "Pill" but also "shot." Without being able to have a conversation with you, I have no way of knowing what you've tried, but wonder if anyone has ever offered you IV infusion to break an intractable Migraine. With IV infusion, a Migraine can often be stopped with much simpler and safer medications. For example, simple magnesium sulfate will often stop a Migraine. You can find more information about this in IV Treatment of Refractory Migraines.

 

 

 

Good luck,

Teri

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10/ 6/12 1:12pm
Hi Teri, In response to your questions- - The Diamond Clinic calls it the "triple shot" or sometimes they will also use "triple pill" as a synonym for this treatment, however, in both cases they are referring to the oral pills of the three mess I listed in my original question. - I have tried many things and have been to the ER a few times for intractable migraine in the past. For at-home treatment options, I have IM Benedryl which helps when taken with Vicodin. I have IM Toradol, which works maybe 50% of the time as a pain reliever and cycle breaker. I have tried steroids like dexamethasone, which is sometimes helpful to a small degree as a cycle breaker. I have also tried Frova in three times daily/for three days in a row as a cycle breaker,even though I an a man, it has helped for a mild migraine that won't break for days sometimes. That is an expensive option though. I am allergic to sulfa medications and am pretty sure that means I am contraindicated from magnesium sulfate infusion, but I will ask about it. I really wanted to know specifically about the triple shot and haldol question but thanks for your advice. I know that you are an advocate and not a doctor, and I appreciate what you are doing for migraineurs everywhere. Reply
Teri Robert, Health Guide
10/ 7/12 4:29pm

Hello again. Thanks for getting back to me. I'm glad your doctor gives you rescue meds to use at home so you can avoid the ER.

 

I'm not sure about the magnesium suflate. If it's not an option, there are other IV infusion options as mentioned in the link I gave you.

 

You're very welcome for the advocacy work, any time.

 

Keep me posted?

Teri

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By patisotagami— Last Modified: 11/09/12, First Published: 10/03/12