I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Bungarian on February 21, 2014, 12:20:13 AM

Title: Killer headache after dialysis
Post by: Bungarian on February 21, 2014, 12:20:13 AM
These headaches start about 45 minutes after I get off the machine and last the rest of the day. I thought I was getting to dry so I tried drinking more but no help. They are killer headaches and Tylenol does nothing. I talked to the doc about it yesterday and they prescribed imatrex. I plan to pick it up tomorrow. Anyone use this? Does it work?
Title: Re: Killer headache after dialysis
Post by: obsidianom on February 21, 2014, 03:40:28 AM
Imitrex is for migraine headaches and if used early enough can be quite effective. It caqn also be used for cluster headaches. It basically is a serotonin agon ist and causes vaso constiction of the cranial ateries. It can be effective in many patients if the headaches are from arterial inflammation or vaso dilation. The earlier taken the better.   It doesnt work for all headaches. good luck with it. 
I wonder if they are taking fluid off too fast ?  That may trigger headaches. 
Title: Re: Killer headache after dialysis
Post by: Bungarian on February 21, 2014, 07:38:27 AM
I usually am not more than one or two kilos over my dry weight. Plus the headaches start about an hour after I have left the center.
Title: Re: Killer headache after dialysis
Post by: obsidianom on February 21, 2014, 08:25:01 AM
Are you diabetic?   Do you suffer from vaso spasm in the cold?  Whaqt about medicines you are on? 
Remember some meds are dialysed out or to lower levels by dialysis. It could be the sudden change in med blood levels. Examples could be blood pressure meds that effect blood vessels.  (calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, alpha blockers even ACE inhibitors and ARBs)