LauraLu
09-26-2005, 02:56 PM
Hello all...well, my doc just put me on Topamax and another muscle relaxer to help me sleep. I am dragging hard today!!! I feel like I am drunk. I am only on 25 mg of the Topamax so my question is do you guys think this small mg dosage would have this effect? Thanks to all! Any success stories with this drug? How long til this foggy feeling lifts? OR doesn't it?
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Mz Migraine
09-26-2005, 03:32 PM
do you guys think this small mg dosage would have this effect?
Yes.
How long til this foggy feeling lifts?
It doesn't.
Any success stories with this drug?
I've been on it (100mg) for 2 1/2 years (along w/a combination of other migraine drugs) & it works for me.
Tip: If your doctor has not already explain IN DETAIL the side effects of Topamax strongly suggest that you do a Google Topamax research on the side effects of this drug & also have a talk w/your doctor about any concers you have about this drug.
Good luck :angel:
Yes.
How long til this foggy feeling lifts?
It doesn't.
Any success stories with this drug?
I've been on it (100mg) for 2 1/2 years (along w/a combination of other migraine drugs) & it works for me.
Tip: If your doctor has not already explain IN DETAIL the side effects of Topamax strongly suggest that you do a Google Topamax research on the side effects of this drug & also have a talk w/your doctor about any concers you have about this drug.
Good luck :angel:
LauraLu
09-26-2005, 03:43 PM
Thank you for the reply. How on earth do you cope? I am absolutely ecstatic about the possibility that I may have a reduction in the frequency in my headaches because I have had them for so long. I have been severly depressed because of them as well. I guess I would much rather feel "drunk" than have pain, right? Any tips? Again, thanks so much for your reply.
Mz Migraine
09-26-2005, 04:21 PM
Thank you for the reply. How on earth do you cope? I am absolutely ecstatic about the possibility that I may have a reduction in the frequency in my headaches because I have had them for so long. I have been severly depressed because of them as well. I guess I would much rather feel "drunk" than have pain, right? Any tips? Again, thanks so much for your reply.
There is a reason why Topamax is also called Dopamax & Stupidmax. :D
TIPS:
Keep a headache/migraine diary - this will help you & your doctor monitor your migraine "triggers".
Do a Google search for "headache diary" if you do not know how to keep one. You will find a few to print out.
Also, do a Google search for migraine triggers. This will help you also.
Take a nap daily if possible. 2 hours minimum.
Have someone else do the housework and/or cutdown on the stooping & bending.
(I hired a cleaning crew. They are not expensive! I was surprised).
Have your significant other do the housework. No houswork, no........... :nono: :D
If you have children,.........YOU KNOW THE DRILL. :D
On sunny days if you have to leave the house, wear a hat & dark sun glasses (especially during the winter).
NEVER, NEVER, EVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR 'TAKE AS NEEDED' MIGRAINE MEDS. :nono:
During a migraine attack, use an ice pack along w/your other migraine meds.
I perfer the old fashion kind-ice bags you put ice in. You can still find these at the drug store (CVS). They work better because you can just leave them right on top of your head, base of neck or forehead while you "sleep it off". :cool:
PS: The side effects of Topamax wears off with some people, tapers off with some, gets worse with others or just stablizes.
With me it just stablized because I refused to go higher than 100mg. I also didn't want to lose any more weight. My doctor could not guarantee that the side effects would NOT get worse w/the higher dose.
However, with the 100mgs, my migraines decreased dramatically. I was a happy camper.
I also lost 35lbs. So now I am a sexy looking migraine sufferer if I must say so myself. :D
There is a reason why Topamax is also called Dopamax & Stupidmax. :D
TIPS:
Keep a headache/migraine diary - this will help you & your doctor monitor your migraine "triggers".
Do a Google search for "headache diary" if you do not know how to keep one. You will find a few to print out.
Also, do a Google search for migraine triggers. This will help you also.
Take a nap daily if possible. 2 hours minimum.
Have someone else do the housework and/or cutdown on the stooping & bending.
(I hired a cleaning crew. They are not expensive! I was surprised).
Have your significant other do the housework. No houswork, no........... :nono: :D
If you have children,.........YOU KNOW THE DRILL. :D
On sunny days if you have to leave the house, wear a hat & dark sun glasses (especially during the winter).
NEVER, NEVER, EVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR 'TAKE AS NEEDED' MIGRAINE MEDS. :nono:
During a migraine attack, use an ice pack along w/your other migraine meds.
I perfer the old fashion kind-ice bags you put ice in. You can still find these at the drug store (CVS). They work better because you can just leave them right on top of your head, base of neck or forehead while you "sleep it off". :cool:
PS: The side effects of Topamax wears off with some people, tapers off with some, gets worse with others or just stablizes.
With me it just stablized because I refused to go higher than 100mg. I also didn't want to lose any more weight. My doctor could not guarantee that the side effects would NOT get worse w/the higher dose.
However, with the 100mgs, my migraines decreased dramatically. I was a happy camper.
I also lost 35lbs. So now I am a sexy looking migraine sufferer if I must say so myself. :D
LauraLu
09-27-2005, 10:25 AM
Hello Mz Migraine! Thanks for the great tips and helping me smile in a stressful time in my life. I'm happy you're a sexy migraine sufferer ;)
Fortunately, I am not married and do not have children (yet). I am 23 and am a full time college student. My biggest concern is that I will be doing my student teaching next spring (elementary ed). I am petrified that headaches will interfere with enjoying this tremendous experience that I am so lucky to have.
On the bright side however, I skipped the muscle relaxer last night and just did the 25 mg of the Topamax and feel great! So far so good!
I was talking to my boyfriend last night and he said that he hadn't heard me sound so happy in a long time. I almost don't want to say too much because I'm afraid I'll jinx myself!
Anyway, I am glad I found these boards where I can share so much personal information so openly. It is so difficult to deal with chronic daily headaches and is very refreshing to find others that understand! :)
Fortunately, I am not married and do not have children (yet). I am 23 and am a full time college student. My biggest concern is that I will be doing my student teaching next spring (elementary ed). I am petrified that headaches will interfere with enjoying this tremendous experience that I am so lucky to have.
On the bright side however, I skipped the muscle relaxer last night and just did the 25 mg of the Topamax and feel great! So far so good!
I was talking to my boyfriend last night and he said that he hadn't heard me sound so happy in a long time. I almost don't want to say too much because I'm afraid I'll jinx myself!
Anyway, I am glad I found these boards where I can share so much personal information so openly. It is so difficult to deal with chronic daily headaches and is very refreshing to find others that understand! :)
mickih
09-27-2005, 10:33 AM
Topamax has also worked for me. I also started out at 25mg and am now up to 75 mg. I plan on staying at the 75mg unless for some reason, I start getting frequent migraines again. Topamax has definatley reduced the number of migraines that I get. I have been getting them since I was a child. I am 27 now. I use to get them several times a week and now I just get a few per month. So I still have to use migraine medication in addition to the Topamax. I would suggest that if you don't already have something on hand that you talk to your doctor about one of the many migraine meds that are out there. Relpax is the one that I use. It works pretty well. Occasionaly, I will get a really bad migraine and the Relpax won't help. In those cases, I take Vicodin to help get through it.
I hope you have as much luck as I have had with the Topamax so far. And Mz Migraine is right. It does cause weight loss. I have lost about 10 lbs on it. I have only been taking it for 2 months.
mickih
I hope you have as much luck as I have had with the Topamax so far. And Mz Migraine is right. It does cause weight loss. I have lost about 10 lbs on it. I have only been taking it for 2 months.
mickih
Mz Migraine
09-27-2005, 04:49 PM
I am 23 and am a full time college student. My biggest concern is that I will be doing my student teaching next spring (elementary ed).
:eek: :eek:
You *may* run into problems if you start taking higher doses of Topamax. You really need to discuss the side effects w/your treating physician and read up on them *on your own*. Remember, Topamax nicknames: Dopamax & Stupidmax.
However, if you are feeling good on your *current* dosage there is really no reason for you to increase your dosage. However, as mickih indicated make sure you have some backup migraine meds to take *as needed*. Here are a few others (you can discuss with your doctor about):
Zomig - nasal spray & oral tabs
Imitrex
Firocet
Good Luck in college & student teaching. :angel:
:eek: :eek:
You *may* run into problems if you start taking higher doses of Topamax. You really need to discuss the side effects w/your treating physician and read up on them *on your own*. Remember, Topamax nicknames: Dopamax & Stupidmax.
However, if you are feeling good on your *current* dosage there is really no reason for you to increase your dosage. However, as mickih indicated make sure you have some backup migraine meds to take *as needed*. Here are a few others (you can discuss with your doctor about):
Zomig - nasal spray & oral tabs
Imitrex
Firocet
Good Luck in college & student teaching. :angel:
LauraLu
09-28-2005, 02:57 PM
Thanks for the info. I have been taking Imitrex and it has worked successfully for me for the past 7 years. I'll keep you posted! :)
stoneyd
09-28-2005, 05:12 PM
I personally couldn't stand the Topamax because of the groggy feeling. I was in bed at 6:30 every nite and couldn't get up in the morning--good thing I work from home!! My husband found an article about symptoms of Celiac disease of which migraines were one. I had the blood test done and while waiting for those results eliminated wheat and gluten from my diet (hard but not impossible). I took myself off my Topamax after 2 days of being Gluten free and have not had a migraine since!! My blood test came back negative for Celiac disease, but I'm not leaving my Gluten -free lifestyle!!! No Topamax and no headaches.
LauraLu
09-28-2005, 05:53 PM
That is wonderful to hear! I love to hear success stories when so many people are looking for answers. I have often thought about researching Celiac's more, but I just never persued it further. I honestly didn't even know there was a blood test to diagnosis it.
Anyway, I am glad that you are feeling better. How long did you suffer from headaches if I may ask? And what on earth do you eat? See, I am so jaded, I couldn't even begin to change myself. The lady I babysit for eats all organic and is trying to persuade me to do the same. Unfortunately, for a college student it isn't exactly cheap to eat that well. I'd love to hear more about it if you have the time. Thanks so much, Laura :)
Anyway, I am glad that you are feeling better. How long did you suffer from headaches if I may ask? And what on earth do you eat? See, I am so jaded, I couldn't even begin to change myself. The lady I babysit for eats all organic and is trying to persuade me to do the same. Unfortunately, for a college student it isn't exactly cheap to eat that well. I'd love to hear more about it if you have the time. Thanks so much, Laura :)
stoneyd
09-28-2005, 09:42 PM
I've dealt with migraines for several years and just always popped a couple Excedrin Migraine's and it went away. Then in February this year, the left side of my face went numb and I went through a series of doctors and tests including an MRI, and CT scan and everything came back negative--That's when the Neurologist and the Topamax came into my life. At first I was happy that I found a better way to manage the headaches and then I realized it's a whole new way of living. I've found an awesome cookbook from Bette Hagman that has been wonderful!! I have had to learn about new flours and how to use them. I am a daycare provider and a mother of 2 teenage boys so I cook for others as well. I haven't tried to change everyones diet but the family does support me and try my 'new' dishes. I actually made a Black Forest cake for our anniversary that was fabulous!! Yesterday I made my own 'mock' graham crackers and did a Key Lime Pie for my husband's b-day which was really yummy as well!! There's hope for my new 'normal'!!
LauraLu
09-29-2005, 10:38 AM
Hey sounds good...wish I could post my address and you could send some of that pie over my way ;) . Was it hard for you to give up other foods like fast food when you're on the run and pizza? Do you ever get headaches anymore?
Mz Migraine
09-29-2005, 03:19 PM
Hey sounds good...wish I could post my address and you could send some of that pie over my way ;) . Was it hard for you to give up other foods like fast food when you're on the run and pizza? Do you ever get headaches anymore?
Regarding food triggers:
Not all migraine sufferers suffer from the same triggers especially in the food catagory.
The only "fast" foods that I had to give up are hot dogs.
I can eat all the pizzas I want w/o getting so much as a headache even though process cheese is a trigger.
I am a Pizza Hut freak. I should own stock in their business because I live off of their Supreme Pizzas. :D
I can drink all the caffine I want w/o getting a buzz because it has the oppisite effect on me-puts me to
:yawn:
Caffine also knocks out my migraines. :eek: So I drink sodas w/my migraine meds to make them work faster.
My Neurologist told me this happens to approximately 10% of migraine sufferers that caffine is NOT a stimulent.
Some foods I had to eleminate like hot dogs & some I just had to cut down on like chocolate.
Alchol I had to eleminate was all *dark* liquor especially red wines. So now my new favorite drinks are Margaritas w/extra salt! Jose Cuervo is my new lover. :D
Weather triggers:
All I am going to say is that I can predict the weather better than the Weather Channel and my local TV weather man. :rolleyes:
Regarding food triggers:
Not all migraine sufferers suffer from the same triggers especially in the food catagory.
The only "fast" foods that I had to give up are hot dogs.
I can eat all the pizzas I want w/o getting so much as a headache even though process cheese is a trigger.
I am a Pizza Hut freak. I should own stock in their business because I live off of their Supreme Pizzas. :D
I can drink all the caffine I want w/o getting a buzz because it has the oppisite effect on me-puts me to
:yawn:
Caffine also knocks out my migraines. :eek: So I drink sodas w/my migraine meds to make them work faster.
My Neurologist told me this happens to approximately 10% of migraine sufferers that caffine is NOT a stimulent.
Some foods I had to eleminate like hot dogs & some I just had to cut down on like chocolate.
Alchol I had to eleminate was all *dark* liquor especially red wines. So now my new favorite drinks are Margaritas w/extra salt! Jose Cuervo is my new lover. :D
Weather triggers:
All I am going to say is that I can predict the weather better than the Weather Channel and my local TV weather man. :rolleyes:
stoneyd
09-29-2005, 04:10 PM
I've had to always remember to eat before I leave the house so that I'm not hungry when out and about. I eat a lot of the McDonalds fruit and yogurt parfaits in the drive thru. It's kinda like the Adkins diet only I can eat my fruits and veggies and breads/crackers that are gluten free. They have gluten free pizza crust so I make my own and freeze leftovers to have later. My last headache was last month when I attended a party at a friends house and had some of her taco dip--before I got home my head was screaming!! Found out later that she had used taco seasoning which happens to contain wheat flour--who knew!! I've read every label since then to be sure there isn't any hidden gluten.
Have you had any other side effects of Topamax besides foggieness?? My tongue has finally returned to normal in regards to drinking carbonated beverages. It took 2 months of being off Topamax before I could tolerate carbonation again. I had the increased eye pressure thing too which scared the pants off me. Always wanted to have the weight loss side effect but it didn't work that way for me. I'm very thankful to have had the Topamax to relieve me of the headaches but even more thankful for the gluten revelation to get me back to normal.
Have you had any other side effects of Topamax besides foggieness?? My tongue has finally returned to normal in regards to drinking carbonated beverages. It took 2 months of being off Topamax before I could tolerate carbonation again. I had the increased eye pressure thing too which scared the pants off me. Always wanted to have the weight loss side effect but it didn't work that way for me. I'm very thankful to have had the Topamax to relieve me of the headaches but even more thankful for the gluten revelation to get me back to normal.
Mz Migraine
09-29-2005, 06:39 PM
before I got home my head was
screaming!!
This is the very reason why you should never leave the house w/o your *take as needed* migraine meds.
With me, I noticed that when I take my *as needed* meds when I FIRST feel the migraine knocking on the door I don't get the migraine.
Stoneyd,
The side effects I suffer from Topamax are:
weight loss
forgetfullness
clumsyness (this has worn off)
hand & foot tingling
slight aches & pains
loss of concentration
carbonated sodas taste funny
loss of appitite
repeating of sentences (pain in the azz) :bouncing:
Because the frequencies of my migraines have dropped dramatically since I've been on Topamax I'm willing to put up w/the above. However, I am NOT willing to increase my dosage any higher than 100mgs. My doctor could not guarantee that the side effects would subside. :eek:
In 2 1/2 years they have not! :rolleyes:
screaming!!
This is the very reason why you should never leave the house w/o your *take as needed* migraine meds.
With me, I noticed that when I take my *as needed* meds when I FIRST feel the migraine knocking on the door I don't get the migraine.
Stoneyd,
The side effects I suffer from Topamax are:
weight loss
forgetfullness
clumsyness (this has worn off)
hand & foot tingling
slight aches & pains
loss of concentration
carbonated sodas taste funny
loss of appitite
repeating of sentences (pain in the azz) :bouncing:
Because the frequencies of my migraines have dropped dramatically since I've been on Topamax I'm willing to put up w/the above. However, I am NOT willing to increase my dosage any higher than 100mgs. My doctor could not guarantee that the side effects would subside. :eek:
In 2 1/2 years they have not! :rolleyes:
LauraLu
10-04-2005, 02:56 PM
Hey there! Just an update...I have been on the Topamax for about a week and 1/2 now and have felt great! I have just increased the milligram dosage from 25 to 50. I think the first day I was experiencing fatigue from the muscle relaxer that I had taken. I have had no side effects other than the fact that Miller Lite tastes awful! (I know I shouldn't drink...) I have yet to experience any kind of reduced appetite...of course it had to not work for me right? :rolleyes: I was really hoping for some weight loss! But anyway, I am feeling better and that is/was my ultimate goal. So far so good! Thanks for all the great responses.
Mz Migraine
10-04-2005, 04:42 PM
LauraLu, thanks for the update.
As long as you feel good & the Topamax is working that is all that matters in the long run.
You will feel more of the side effects the higher the dosage you're on. You are just getting started........."beer tasting funny". That's just the beginning. :D
I still enjoy my Margaritas even though they taste a little odd.
As long as you feel good & the Topamax is working that is all that matters in the long run.
You will feel more of the side effects the higher the dosage you're on. You are just getting started........."beer tasting funny". That's just the beginning. :D
I still enjoy my Margaritas even though they taste a little odd.
jllybn
10-08-2005, 02:34 AM
Has anyone had constipation as a side affect?????? It is terrible!!!
Mz Migraine
10-10-2005, 04:21 PM
Has anyone had constipation as a side affect?????? It is terrible!!!
Easy remedy for that! Eat plenty of the foods that you know will make you Sugar Honey Ice Tea (run to the bathroom w/a quickness). 8oz glass of Chocalate milk every morning works for me! :D
Good Luck! :angel:
Easy remedy for that! Eat plenty of the foods that you know will make you Sugar Honey Ice Tea (run to the bathroom w/a quickness). 8oz glass of Chocalate milk every morning works for me! :D
Good Luck! :angel: