emmymm
06-11-2007, 06:25 AM
About 6 months ago, after much consideration, I went on Topamax for my migraines. I had been having about 10-14 a month. They startred when I was 25. I usually had about 2-3 a month and they were always related to my monthly cycle. I managed for years using Imitrex. Eventually last year,at 42 my migraines and really any kind of headache became more and more frequent. There were times where I had a headache of some sort everyday!
My doc thinks it is related to my changing hormones...who knows? I was ready for " the big guns". After a lot of research I asked to try Topamax. Our strategy was REALLY SLOW increase of the meds.
Well it has been like a miracle for me!
I started at the 25 mg and stayed on it for 4 weeks..I kept at each level for 4 weeks before I moved up. I am on 100mg and that is enough eliminate all but one headache a month which I can live with.
I have had nearly NO side effects!!! The very few I did have were very mild and totally worth the out come.
I had VERY slight word recall delay at the beginning. No one else would notice it, but I could tell. It didn't hinder my life in any way. I'm a teacher...so I need my words!!! :) The other side effect I noticed, but not until I got up to 100 mg is my toes or heels get the pins and needles feeling ...very rarely...like for a minute once a week! This means I haven't had enough water. As soon as re hydrate the feeling leaves. NOT a big deal at all.
I take my pill before bed and I sleep like like a baby. I have not experienced the weight loss that some people do..but I have always loved to eat even if I wasn't hungry..so I wouldn't even notice if it did affect my hunger! lol!
SO, My point is, If you have been struggling and thinking of topamax, but scared because of negative things you have read...I AM A SUCCESS STORY.
My doc is a neurologist..so he knows what he's doing. SLOW increase of the meds is what keeps those bad side effects away.
I took a chance with topamax and got my life back!
I hope this post helps somebody.
Emmy:angel:
My doc thinks it is related to my changing hormones...who knows? I was ready for " the big guns". After a lot of research I asked to try Topamax. Our strategy was REALLY SLOW increase of the meds.
Well it has been like a miracle for me!
I started at the 25 mg and stayed on it for 4 weeks..I kept at each level for 4 weeks before I moved up. I am on 100mg and that is enough eliminate all but one headache a month which I can live with.
I have had nearly NO side effects!!! The very few I did have were very mild and totally worth the out come.
I had VERY slight word recall delay at the beginning. No one else would notice it, but I could tell. It didn't hinder my life in any way. I'm a teacher...so I need my words!!! :) The other side effect I noticed, but not until I got up to 100 mg is my toes or heels get the pins and needles feeling ...very rarely...like for a minute once a week! This means I haven't had enough water. As soon as re hydrate the feeling leaves. NOT a big deal at all.
I take my pill before bed and I sleep like like a baby. I have not experienced the weight loss that some people do..but I have always loved to eat even if I wasn't hungry..so I wouldn't even notice if it did affect my hunger! lol!
SO, My point is, If you have been struggling and thinking of topamax, but scared because of negative things you have read...I AM A SUCCESS STORY.
My doc is a neurologist..so he knows what he's doing. SLOW increase of the meds is what keeps those bad side effects away.
I took a chance with topamax and got my life back!
I hope this post helps somebody.
Emmy:angel: