Calcium-channel blockers, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, are important drugs for preventing episodic and chronic cluster headaches. Verapamil (Calan) is the standard calcium-channel blocker used for cluster headache prevention. It can take 2 - 3 weeks to have a full effect, and a corticosteroid drug may be used in combination during this transitional period. Constipation is a common side effect.
People taking...
Read moreFull Question: How do you treat cluster headaches without overusing medications for pain? Tink. Answer: Dear Tink; The best... Read more »
Full Question: Is there anything I can do to prevent a cluster headache? Is there anything I can do to relieve the pain while it is... Read more »
FullQuestion:I have been suffering from chronic cluster headaches for the past 20 years since I was 25. After numerous CT's and MRI tests... Read more »
Full Question: Hi, I have cluster headaches, when I am in a cluster Topamax is what saves me, along with Imitrex StatDose. I read anything... Read more »
Full Question:I have been suffering from cluster headaches for over thirty years. I am male, now in my mid forties. I have been happily in... Read more »
High doses of verapamil may cause an irregular heartbeat in some patients who take the medication for cluster headaches, according to a recent study.... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
SurgeryIn rare cases, surgical intervention may be considered for patients with chronic cluster headaches that do not respond to other treatments.... Read more »
Source: Medifocus Guidebook on: Cluster Headache
Goals of Treatment for Cluster HeadachesThe goals of treatment for cluster headache include: Control of pain in acute attacks Prevention of... Read more »
Cluster headaches are often said to be the most painful of all headaches. They have been described as "boring," bearing, burning," "like a hot poker... Read more »
Informative and Educational Migraine and Headache Articles These articles are listed in alphabetical order. You can search the page by hitting the... Read more »