Use of High Sumatriptan Dosages During Episodic Cluster Headache: Three Clinical Cases

  1. V. Centonze MD1,*,
  2. B.M. Polito MD1,
  3. E. Attolini MD2,
  4. M.A. Cassiano MD1,
  5. C. Sabbà MD1,
  6. G. Ricchetti MD1,
  7. A. Bassi MD1,
  8. L. Cavazzuti MD3,
  9. O. Albano MD1

Article first published online: 26 JUN 2002

DOI: 10.1046/j.1526-4610.1996.3606389.x

Issue

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain

Volume 36, Issue 6, pages 389–391, June 1996

Additional Information

How to Cite

Centonze, V., Polito, B., Attolini, E., Cassiano, M., Sabbà, C., Ricchetti, G., Bassi, A., Cavazzuti, L. and Albano, O. (1996), Use of High Sumatriptan Dosages During Episodic Cluster Headache: Three Clinical Cases. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 36: 389–391. doi: 10.1046/j.1526-4610.1996.3606389.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Unit for the Study, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Headaches, Internal Medicine Clinic, Universitá degli Studi, Bari, Italy the

  2. 2

    Headache Centre, Paradiso Hospital, Gioia del Colle, Bari, Italy

  3. 3

    Medical Department, Glaxo, Verona, Italy.

*Prof. Vincenzo Centonze, Unitá di Studio, Diagnosi e Terapia delle Cefalee, Istituto di Clinica Medica I, Universitá di Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70100 Bari, Italy.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 26 JUN 2002
  2. Article first published online: 26 JUN 2002
  3. Accepted for publication January 26, 1996.

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Keywords:

  • episodic cluster headache;
  • sumatriptan;
  • side effects

The authors describe three patients with episodic cluster headache whose attacks were all treated with subcutaneous sumatriptan.

The patients described had a high frequency of attacks (more than two per day); therefore, far higher dosage of the drug was taken than commonly used in cluster headache. The patients did not experience any particular side effects, neither during the treatment period nor on abrupt withdrawal of the drug. Moreover, neither tachyphylaxis nor addiction were observed.

The authors point out both the efficacy of sumatriptan, confirmed in all the treated attacks, and its safety even at higher dosages than recommended.

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