Question:

      I am 43 years old and have never had migraines until now. I just started asthma treatment and all of the drugs seem to cause me headaches, from my reading they are apparently migraines with occasional cluster headaches…. Questions: 1. Are these really the symptoms of migraine/cluster headaches?

Absolutely classic, especially the visual symptoms and eye area pain. 3. What are the best pain management medications. Vicoden, codiene, etc would be much more desirable than the Xanax.

Most migs sufferers have to go beyond pain management drugs; they just don’t work when we have a mig (body does not absorb them for one thing). Strong drugs (i.e. narcotics) are also very hard to obtain here in UK   anyway. Suggest you investigate a specific drug, such as Imitrex, which is 95% effective in treating pain and symptoms of 90% (???) of migs sufferers. Regards, John

Response:

        I am 43 years old and have never had migraines until now. I just started asthma treatment and all of the drugs seem to cause me headaches, from my reading they are apparently migraines with occasional cluster headaches.         My migraine symptoms are:         1. Band of tightness around the forehead.         2. Visual distortions, spots/wavy paterns in wallpaper         3. Light sensitivity         4. Visual sensitivity, I can’t look at this computer screen except for short periods of time.         When it goes to cluster it is all of the pain concentrated in area, usuall the right side and eye, my reflex to press in to keep my head from exploding does help to relieve the pain.         I have found that the pain can be mitigated by massage, hot towels, hot showers/baths and pressure on the back of the neck, but only if I am taking Xanax, which is only partially effective and very undesirable for a number of reasons. Questions: 1. Are these really the symptoms of migraine/cluster headaches? 2. Does anyone know of similar experiences with astma medications? 3. What are the best pain management medications. Vicoden, codiene, etc would be much more desirable than the Xanax. Existing in a state of constant spiritual bliss is no excuse for not knowing your zip code – Ram Dass

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Question:

Hi,

: I agree.  There have been deaths associated with over use of Servent! Were these deaths associated solely with the extra doses of Serevent ? Or were they also associated with an asthmatic using this drug during an acute attack and dying because they did not get the immediate response they are accustomed to with the Ventolin ? I too was put on Serevent at higher than normal doses and am concerned about going over the maximum … Amber ASTHMA Listowner/Coordinator ASTHMAKIDS Listowner/Coordinator The comments and opinions in my posts/messages are based solely on my own experience as an asthmatic of 10 years.   They are not intended, nor should they be construed as professional medical advice. All list members are strongly encouraged to discuss concerns and queries about their asthma treatment with their physicians. List members are responsible for making their own choices in response to posts/messages on this list.

Response:

Has anyone ever been on a higher than usual dose of serevent?   I recently went to a new pulmonologist and he increased my serevent dosage to 3-4 puffs twice a day.  I also take Slobid 400mg 2x/d, Aerobid 5 puffs 2x/d, atrovent, tornolate and prednisone 20mg/day. I checked with the drug rep ( I am a nurse in a pediatricians office) and all he said was that kind of dose should be monitored carefully by the doctor. I would appreciate anyone’s input. Patricia

Response:

Has anyone ever been on a higher than usual dose of serevent? I recently went to a new pulmonologist and he increased my serevent dosage to 3-4 puffs twice a day.  I also take Slobid 400mg 2x/d, Aerobid 5 puffs 2x/d, atrovent, tornolate and prednisone 20mg/day. I checked with the drug rep ( I am a nurse in a pediatricians office) and all he said was that kind of dose should be monitored carefully by the doctor. I would appreciate anyone’s input. Patricia

I think you might want a second opinion. The literature in the Serevant pakage makes 2 puffs twice a day seem like the maximum you should take. It’s actually a pretty dangerous drug when you think about it. Though it is quite effective. — Humbert Humbert (Not my real name)

Response:

I agree.  There have been deaths associated with over use of Servent! jnb — "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them"  Einstein

Response:

Has anyone ever been on a higher than usual dose of serevent? I recently went to a new pulmonologist and he increased my serevent dosage to 3-4 puffs twice a day.  I also take Slobid 400mg 2x/d, Aerobid 5 puffs 2x/d, atrovent, tornolate and prednisone 20mg/day. I checked with the drug rep ( I am a nurse in a pediatricians office) and all he said was that kind of dose should be monitored carefully by the doctor. I would appreciate anyone’s input. Patricia

The product information sheet supplied with Serevent (usually only given to the MD or Pharmacist) states under Dosage and Administration "The usual dosage for adults and children 12 years of age and older is two inhaltions twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Adverse effects are more likely to occur with higher doses of salmeterol, and more frequent administration or administration of a larger number of inhalations is not reccomended." This I just copied directly from my product info sheet. Yes, doctors can and do occasionally make mistakes, I worked for one directly for several years and it does happen! Please speak with him or his nurse ASAP and clarify this!! I myself, would decrease the dose to the recommended level until this information is brought to his attention. Cardiac arrest and death has occured with the overuse of this product. I use it myself, and love it but am VERY careful not to use it more than two puffs every 12 hours. Mary

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