Hi
I I posted about gamma core a month ago which has been of no help to me for my cluster headaches. I have moved from episodic to chronic headaches having up to five attacks a day. My doctor prescribed steroids treatment 60mg per day for 3 days then reducing but this has not worked. I am increasing verapamil intake and am currently taking 160mg in the morning 240mg in the afternoon and 240mg at night. I am hoping to be able to increase further if my ECG continues to be fine but I can't understand why things are no longer working. I've never had to be on this high a dose before without finding some relief. I use oxygen which works sometimes but not others. Are there other medications I can try or any other ideas anyone has? I have an appointment with a headache nurse in July. It would be good to discuss some ideas as obviously it's becoming difficult to cope with this awful illness
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Submitted by Phil - OUCH UK on Sat, 13/06/2026 - 14:15
PermalinkHello Sally.
Hello Sally.
Sorry the Verapamil isn't working yet. The dosage can go higher if tolerated, I hope it brings some relief soon.
Did you get anywhere with the Frovatriptan Colin suggested?
Galcanezumab (Emgality) may be another drug your Headache specialist can try, it's a CGRP inhibitor recently trialed and available as a preventative.
Drinking a chilled energy drink has stopped CH attacks during onset; it has worked for me in the past.
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Submitted by Sally.Ashmore on Sat, 13/06/2026 - 22:09
In reply to Hello Sally. by Phil - OUCH UK
PermalinkHi Phil. I asked for
Hi Phil. I asked for Frovatriptan as Colin suggested and the hospital were willing to give it a go however there has been some sort of communication failure with the hospital and the letter that was supposed to be issued has been lost somewhere which is disappointing. I tried to chase up but unsuccessfully. I've got an appointment early July so am going to mention it again then. I will also talk to them about the other drug you mentioned but I understand that is better for episodic sufferers and mine appear to have moved into chronic. Most certainly worth a discussion and try. I'm happy to try anything. Thanks for your support. It’s appreciated