Topamax Reduces Number Of Monthly Migraine Days In Chronic Migr...

Jenni wrote:

<quoted text>I am up to week 3, 75 mg heading towards 100mg of topomax for migraines and have had insomnia from day one. Since starting the med I have had 4 migraines that needed ER attention, but I think the lack of sleep is adding to it. Not sure whether to keep going?

this is why you need to take topamax in the morning and not at night. Also get on endep, this helps as weell when used in conjunctions with topamax. you take endep at night though because it makes you fall asleep so you need it at night to counter topamax, and you don't want it in the morning in case you fall asleep while driving or something like that.

Cathy Rizzo wrote:

50mg. is no longer working for me after taking Topamax for 3 months -so I need to increase my dose to 75mg. I'm afraid I'll get stupid(dopo-max)I know someone on 100 mg who can hardly get her words out-but shes headache free!!!I have a job -I need a clear head!!I can work taking imitrex have been for a zillion years-botox helps--running out of things to do-I'm always in pain --but some how life goes on-----

that can't be topamx, not that sort of drug, i have used 150mg for 5 years and it has never ever done that

I have been takeing Topamax for 1 mounth.I still have my migraines. Now my doctor prescribed me NSAIDs for my migraines....I am curious how i will feel. I find some information about NSAIDs here :
http://www.nsaidslist.com/

luke wrote:

<quoted text>
that can't be topamx, not that sort of drug, i have used 150mg for 5 years and it has never ever done that

Unfortunately, it IS the Topamax! I've been on it for 4 years and couldn't stand the slow mind and absentmindedness any longer. I just stopped (one week now) and I'm also taking a herbal supplement to focus better. The supplement works for me, but I wish it could repair the damage the Topamax had done so I could only take it for so long. I'm tired of pill popping!!!

The link in my previous post is not mine and I do nit endorse it!

To ALL Topamax takers I experienced severe, and i mean very severe cognitive side effects on Topamax,This was on a dose ranging from 75mg to over 300.

Loss of memory, repeating my self and not aware of it, unable to find words, my ability to write using the proper grammer, punctuation etc deteriorated. My husband had to review and edit all important emails.

On the higher dose I began to fall asleep driving and twice was only woken from a nap by being yelled at and shaken, I was under so deep.

Finally I had stroke like symtoms, dropping things with my right hand.

If you notice any of these symptoms, the cognitive ones being fairly common, Reconsider other meds, be very careful with Topamax

I feel topamax doesn't work at night. My Doc said it would help my headaches for morning. But I still have headache when I wake. Wonder if I should take during morning when I wake up. Don't have a job right now so being sleepy isn't a problem. Should I try it?

Shari wrote:

I feel topamax doesn't work at night. My Doc said it would help my headaches for morning. But I still have headache when I wake. Wonder if I should take during morning when I wake up. Don't have a job right now so being sleepy isn't a problem. Should I try it?

Hi Shari: I switched my Topomax from evening to morning - I've been on the Topomax since May, 2011 and just started taking it in the morning about two months ago and it's made a huge difference. I think anything is worth a shot - it's your body - listen to it. I am also on 25 mgs - not the amounts I've seen in this blog so see if less is more for you. Also, taking it in the morning I've found I do not get sleepy and work 8-10 hours a day just fine. Good luck!

sylvia wrote:

has anyone ever had eye issues? pain? I have been taking topamax only 25 mg for 1 month and it so far it seems to work for me. Now, because of the eye pain I had my Dr. wants to take me off and I dont want to HELP... what should I tell him

Sylvia, I read (from Topamax's own literature) that if you have eye pain and continue to take Topamax, it can end up causing blindness. You should definitely listen to your doctor, so you don't permanantly damage your vision. Maybe he can recommend another medication to try instead that might work for you.

Sandy Howell wrote:

I was started on Topamax for migraine headaches. I took it for approx 3 weeks. I did not have headaches, but I did wake up at 1 o'clock in the morning after approx 3 weeks and found myself paralyzed full body and I could not speak. This lasted quite some time. I was checked out for any heart problems, seisures etc. It was concluded I had a reaction to the Topamax. I have never been so frightened in my life. I thought I was dieing. Also I might add that from the time I started using the drug I felt myself go down physically in every way. I felt awful and didn't know why. Being off the topamax for two weeks I am finally starting to feel normal again. I hate to think what it could have done to me had I continued with the drug any longer.

Are you usually sensitive to drugs? I am, I have been prescribed this medication and am hesitant to take it. Just wondering?

Are you usually sensative to drugs?

I took topamax for a while and had what must be the worst effect, which sounds like it has happened to a few people. I have read through this chat and I have had all the worst symptoms and more. At one stage I could not hold myself up for a period of about 4 days and was not able to get in contact with anyone for help even when ringing the hospital. They told me I would have to wait another two days for my neurologist. I only kept taking it because I was told I would get used to the symptoms. This is an awful drug and should be treated with care. Stay away from it if possible.

I do believe this drug has hurt my brain in an irreparable way.

Just started taking topamax.... Side effect have been tingling hands, insomnia, and nervousness. I am sensitive to medication. Really hope this stuff work because i'm exhausted and frustrated other wise

I've had migraines since I was a child, they've ruined more life experiences than I could ever remember, never found a magic bullet, just whatever relief I could get each time. I tried Topamax for the first time 3 years ago. The side effects for the first 3 months were nearly insufferable. Tingling in my hands & feet (feels asleep), memory loss, couldn't find words, felt stupid, like I was wearing a lead suit, exhausted, tired, couldn't sleep, diet coke tasted like ear wax, probably 3-4 months ... so why would I keep taking it?
Because I stopped having migraines. It didn't reduce them, it annihilated them. I'm 50 now, could have stood to lose a pound or two but never really did. 10-15 maybe over the years, the drug symptoms have all but subsided. I still blame it when I forget things though. Most important, I never get headaches now, EVER! now I'm scared to ever stop this drug for fear they'll come back. I'm free for the first time to enjoy my days. I started on 50 mg. and stopped at 100mg. It was as high as I was willing go due to side effects. I never needed more, but if I ever do, I'll take it. It was the best decision I've ever made. This is my personal experience, but if you are truly suffering, give it a chance and don't judge too harshly too soon. Maybe for the very young and those with low weight, stay with a low dose. Do what your migraines dictate, not your doctor, build slowly, eat and stay hydrated!