Is it possible that changing sleeping tablets can set of a first attack of cluster headaches?

[RobinD]

Not really at the right age to have these, over 60, but can't think of any other change in lifestyle etc.

[023mjc]

Hi RobinD

I don't really think age has anything to do with it. I am 63, female and a non drinker, all of which are supposedly the least likely groups to get cluster headaches. I've been an insomniac since childhood and have taken temazepam for a long time, long before my clusters started about 6 years ago.( I hasten to add that I do take them sensibly with a week off them every couple of months). My sleeping tablets have never been changed as they work perfectly for me most of the time, so I can't answer that part of your question but from the hours and hours of research I've done (my doctor says I know far more about it now than she does ) I think this awful condition is completely random. No one seems to know what causes it, or what starts it, and everyone seems to have a different set of circumstances, so it could be anything. However if you changed tablets and then it started I would think it's well worth considering as a possible cause,and you should try going back to your old tablets, but ( I hate to say this) don't expect the best outcome.

I do believe that this vicious condition is comletely random. The very elderly get it, children get it, teenagers get it. I've spoken in blogs to many different people of all races and backgrounds, and it doesn't discriminate.

I really hope changing your pills back will prove to be the answer, but don't forget the nature of this thing. The pain will go away for a time and then randomly start again months later. The longest I've gone between episodes is 11 months. You just start to hope that it's over when it hits you again.

It took 5 years to get a diagnosis (from a neurologist) and during that time I've taken every drug known to man, and the ONLY thing that works is Sumatriptan injections.Very easy to do yourself and worth asking the doctor for. They are expensive and doctors seem to be more worried about thier budgets than thier patients these days, so you may have to insist.

Good luck with it. I wish the best for you.

Please let me know how you get on.