Tanya9
05-31-2002, 12:33 PM
I'm 33 & started having migraines at 27. With each year, they've become worse. 99% occur on left side of head, forms almost a pie shape- starting behind the eye & spreads out towards the ear to middle of head.
Was on 50mg Toprol as preventative, stopped working. Not to mention gained a lot of weight! Was taking Imitrex (only shot form is affective) & Maxalt (no longer affective)- Have now been placed on 25mg of Topamax for 1st week and increasing to 100mg within 4 weeks & Zomig.
MRI's show possible Chari Malformation type I, Cervical Spondylosis with disc herniation C4 & C5. Both Neurologists and Neurosurgeon don't think that either are contributing factors. MRA showed nothing vascular. Headache diaries don't seem to show any rhyme or reason.
I have a very supportive husband & family, but I've been down lately & I'm extremely frustrated.
Anyone taking Topamax - is it working?
Anyone have advice or suggestions?
Thanks.
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 06-20-2002).]
Was on 50mg Toprol as preventative, stopped working. Not to mention gained a lot of weight! Was taking Imitrex (only shot form is affective) & Maxalt (no longer affective)- Have now been placed on 25mg of Topamax for 1st week and increasing to 100mg within 4 weeks & Zomig.
MRI's show possible Chari Malformation type I, Cervical Spondylosis with disc herniation C4 & C5. Both Neurologists and Neurosurgeon don't think that either are contributing factors. MRA showed nothing vascular. Headache diaries don't seem to show any rhyme or reason.
I have a very supportive husband & family, but I've been down lately & I'm extremely frustrated.
Anyone taking Topamax - is it working?
Anyone have advice or suggestions?
Thanks.
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 06-20-2002).]
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mlgable
06-01-2002, 02:24 AM
If this treatment doesn't work for you then I think they need to get on with trying more of the preventative medications. When one stops working it is time to try something new. Have you considered try a chiropracter? A lot of people have good success with this. Also if you are taking oral birth control pills be sure that this is investigated as a possible cause for some of your migraines.
Tanya9
06-01-2002, 01:50 PM
I truly appreciate the advise. I didn't know that birth control could be a contributing factor. I will most definately bring it up with my Neurologist. You're also the second person who has suggested a Chiropractor, I'll give it a try. Thank you.
mlgable
06-02-2002, 02:05 AM
One of the number one side effects of birth control is migraine headaches. You must have not read your literature that comes with your prescription very close. If you are on birth control pills that is usually one of the first things they suspect as a cause or partial cause of migraines. I find it hard to believe that your doctor never even suggested this as a cause or did you perhaps forget to mention to them that you are on birth control pills. My doc wouldn't even consider doing anything regarding my migraines since he full well felt they were caused by my birth control pills. It would have been foolish for him to treat my migraines when I could pretty much get rid of them simply by getting off the birth control pills.
Tanya9
06-02-2002, 04:06 PM
Without a doubt - I've told both Neurologists that I'm on oral birth control. I suppose it is possible that the first Neuro (6 yrs ago) could have mentioned something & I may not remember. In the 6 yrs that I'd been seeing him, I wonder why he never recommended that I stop taking it - just to see what would happen.
However, the second Neuro that I visited last week, never mentioned anything about it. I have a follow up visit in 3 weeks - I'll bring it up.
Please believe me when I say that I appreciate your advice & I'm not trying to challange what you are telling me. I have read the insert for Ortho-Novum 1/35, it does not list headaches/migraines among its side effects.
However, the second Neuro that I visited last week, never mentioned anything about it. I have a follow up visit in 3 weeks - I'll bring it up.
Please believe me when I say that I appreciate your advice & I'm not trying to challange what you are telling me. I have read the insert for Ortho-Novum 1/35, it does not list headaches/migraines among its side effects.
mlgable
06-03-2002, 01:20 AM
After reading the leaflet on the internet from the maker #10 specifically states HEADACHE: The onset or exacerbation of migraine or developement of headache with a new pattern withc is recurrnet, persistant or severe requires discontinuation of oral contraceptives and evaluation of the cause. I too am not trying to challange that it doesn't say this in your literature but thought you mind find this info helpful since it is strickly from the manufactuer for ortho novum and midicon tablets. Good Luck at your next appointment and if you don't have a specific reason to continue the pill why not stop them as soon as you can even before the doc appointment to see if this helps at all. I threw mine in the trash when I started feeling lousy every day and never felt better once the hormones got out of my system in about a week.
Vickie
06-06-2002, 11:28 PM
Hi, Hope you won't mind my input here. I have taken Topamax for a little while and it seems to help quite a bit even with the barometric pressure headaches. Although nothing will completely get rid of those. Neurontin also helps, I have taken that before but I did gain weight with that one. I take Maxalt-MLT when I do get a migraine, however that is starting to take longer to work since I have been using it for over a year now.
I do have to visit the neurologist two or three times a year and change meds once or twice a year as I seem to build up an immunity to them quickly. Don't know if anyone else is like this too. Sure hope the Topamax will help you.
I do have to visit the neurologist two or three times a year and change meds once or twice a year as I seem to build up an immunity to them quickly. Don't know if anyone else is like this too. Sure hope the Topamax will help you.
Vickie
06-06-2002, 11:31 PM
Forgot to add, I can't take any kind of birth control or hormones either. They give me awful migraines!!
Tanya9
06-07-2002, 11:52 AM
Hi Vickie,
I welcome your input. It seems that we have some similarities. I too tend to build up immunities to meds rather quickly.
The weather here in Texas earlier this week was pretty bad & no matter what I tried I could not get rid of my headaches- no migraines, thank goodness- but still very bothersome none the less. I haven't tracked it yet, but you have given me the idea to log the barometric pressure on the days when my attacks occur to see if there is any correlation (at least in my case).
This is my second week on Topamax - increased to 50 mg. I've started to feel brief moments of tingling in feet & lips. And I'm very dehydrated - can't get enough to drink! My kidneys are loving me :)
I have no appetite. I've lost 6 lbs. - believe me - that's one side effect I could live with!
Keep in touch- let me know how you're doing & what's working for you. Thanks!
I welcome your input. It seems that we have some similarities. I too tend to build up immunities to meds rather quickly.
The weather here in Texas earlier this week was pretty bad & no matter what I tried I could not get rid of my headaches- no migraines, thank goodness- but still very bothersome none the less. I haven't tracked it yet, but you have given me the idea to log the barometric pressure on the days when my attacks occur to see if there is any correlation (at least in my case).
This is my second week on Topamax - increased to 50 mg. I've started to feel brief moments of tingling in feet & lips. And I'm very dehydrated - can't get enough to drink! My kidneys are loving me :)
I have no appetite. I've lost 6 lbs. - believe me - that's one side effect I could live with!
Keep in touch- let me know how you're doing & what's working for you. Thanks!
Vickie
06-07-2002, 03:33 PM
Tanya9, You are one of the lucky ones (maybe), you are losing weight with Topamax. If you lose too much weight, you will have to be taken off the med even if it works for the headaches. I am taking 100mg twice a day and have lost no weight! I was on this med once before and did lose 10 lbs. but nothing now. Oh well.
I usually get a headache from the change in barometric pressure anywhere from 10-24 hrs before the weather change. I wondered about it myself so I bought a barometer to check it out and that is about right. Unless it is a really bad one it will go away when it starts raining or whatever.
Good luck to you and glad you are losing weight! (but hope not too much).
I usually get a headache from the change in barometric pressure anywhere from 10-24 hrs before the weather change. I wondered about it myself so I bought a barometer to check it out and that is about right. Unless it is a really bad one it will go away when it starts raining or whatever.
Good luck to you and glad you are losing weight! (but hope not too much).
Vickie
06-15-2002, 04:48 PM
Hi, Just wanted to let you know that I had recently increased the dosage I was taking from 200mg a day (100 am, 100 pm) to 250mg. Actually, the increase was gradual and I didn't even make it to the 250mg. I started with adding 25mg at night. By the 3rd night I started having bad headaches so I decided to back off of the extra dosage and to help me get to sleep I took Excedrin PM. After taking a shower I had forgotten that I had taken my regular dose (100mg) of Topamax and took another one. :eek: Well right after I took it I remembered. I told my husband just in case I had some kind of bad reaction.
It just confirmed to me that the increase in dosage causes me to have migraines. If I keep it at or below 200mg per day I can pretty much keep the mirgraines away. I think the neurologist will find this interesting. Just wish I didn't have to find this out with 4 days of bad migraine pain that is still lingering.
If only I had the weightloss to go with it! (And I'm hardly eating anything). :(
It just confirmed to me that the increase in dosage causes me to have migraines. If I keep it at or below 200mg per day I can pretty much keep the mirgraines away. I think the neurologist will find this interesting. Just wish I didn't have to find this out with 4 days of bad migraine pain that is still lingering.
If only I had the weightloss to go with it! (And I'm hardly eating anything). :(
Tanya9
06-18-2002, 12:51 PM
Hi Vickie, sorry to hear that you've been feeling pretty lousy these past few days. Did your dosage increased because your headaches/migraines were not subsiding? Today I increase my dosage to 100mg & so far so good - I've not had a migraine in 2 weeks :bouncing: My doctor feels that 100mg should hold me for awhile - we'll see.
What side effects are your experiencing? As I've mentioned before I have tingling in my feet (heels & toes), once in a while tingling in my lips, dehydration, loss of appetite & sometimes I feel kind of ditzy :round: & almost feel like I have short term memory loss.
Let me know what your neurologist has to say about your discovery with the increase in your dosage. And you really need to eat - I know you don't have the appetite. If you're not really eating - your body thinks its starving itself - so anything you do eat, no matter what it is, unfortunately turns into fat! Its your body's fight or flight mechanism at work. Hope your feeling better.
What side effects are your experiencing? As I've mentioned before I have tingling in my feet (heels & toes), once in a while tingling in my lips, dehydration, loss of appetite & sometimes I feel kind of ditzy :round: & almost feel like I have short term memory loss.
Let me know what your neurologist has to say about your discovery with the increase in your dosage. And you really need to eat - I know you don't have the appetite. If you're not really eating - your body thinks its starving itself - so anything you do eat, no matter what it is, unfortunately turns into fat! Its your body's fight or flight mechanism at work. Hope your feeling better.
1bill1
06-18-2002, 05:44 PM
Tanya,I took Tpomax for about 4 mnths,had every side effect you list and a few more instead of going away they became worse until I had to stop taking it.I and a few others I know also noted emotional problems(depresion,anxiety) related to it.But remember every one reacts differantly to differant meds.I realy hope it works for you.
Peace,Bill
Peace,Bill
lascot
06-19-2002, 05:04 AM
hi
i take Maxalt for my headaches. it's ace.
best part, as needed only.
have you tried it?
i take Maxalt for my headaches. it's ace.
best part, as needed only.
have you tried it?
Vickie
06-19-2002, 09:44 AM
Hi Tanya9, I am feeling better now, thanks. I was starting to feel more headachy so I did have the dosage increased. But it didn't seem to work I guess. I am glad that the Topamax is working for you :)
I have had the same side effects you are experiencing. They should lessen and go away eventually, although I do still get the tingling and loss of appetite (but sometimes I do feel really hungry).
As for the memory loss, I think that comes from having the migraines in the first place. Maybe from having them repeatedly and so painfully. Don't know for sure. Just my opinion, because I have noticed memory problems in the last couple of years. Could be the different meds. Who knows? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif
I hope you won't build up a tolerence to this med too fast so you can be on it a long time since it seems to be working for you!! Keep me posted as to how you are doing.
On the lighter side--Several years ago a doctor put me on Prozac as preventative for migraines and talk about ditzy :round:. The first week I was on that stuff I didn't know if I was coming or going, kept asking the same questions over and over, laughing at everything. Didn't do much for my migraines tho. Just shows they will try just about anything!
lascot, I take Maxalt MLT too. It does work, but I have been taking it for over a year now so it takes anywhere from 1/2 hr. to 2hrs to work or sometimes not at all. It just depends. I have built up a tolerance to it unfortunately. Most of the time I have to take it with codeine.
I have had the same side effects you are experiencing. They should lessen and go away eventually, although I do still get the tingling and loss of appetite (but sometimes I do feel really hungry).
As for the memory loss, I think that comes from having the migraines in the first place. Maybe from having them repeatedly and so painfully. Don't know for sure. Just my opinion, because I have noticed memory problems in the last couple of years. Could be the different meds. Who knows? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif
I hope you won't build up a tolerence to this med too fast so you can be on it a long time since it seems to be working for you!! Keep me posted as to how you are doing.
On the lighter side--Several years ago a doctor put me on Prozac as preventative for migraines and talk about ditzy :round:. The first week I was on that stuff I didn't know if I was coming or going, kept asking the same questions over and over, laughing at everything. Didn't do much for my migraines tho. Just shows they will try just about anything!
lascot, I take Maxalt MLT too. It does work, but I have been taking it for over a year now so it takes anywhere from 1/2 hr. to 2hrs to work or sometimes not at all. It just depends. I have built up a tolerance to it unfortunately. Most of the time I have to take it with codeine.
Tanya9
06-19-2002, 12:51 PM
1Bill1 - Thanks for the response & support. I'll keep an eye out for the emotional problems that may occur. I really hope this works out for me too! Are you taking anything as a daily preventative?
lascot - Unfortunately, I've started to build up an immunity to Maxalt MLT - I loved it when I first start taking it. It worked instantly in the beginning. But now it could take up to 45 min. to 2 hours to work - or like Vickie, doesn't work at all. I hope it does continue to work for you though - but a WARNING - do not run out of your prescription or be some where without it. I made that mistake once :nono: . The worst attack I ever experienced was in my car while I was driving alone & I didn't have any Maxalt with me, of course this was when it was working for me. I became completely incapacitated, I had to pull my car off to the side of the road - had to call a family member to come get me - it was awful.
Hi Vickie :wave: - glad to hear you're feeling better. You've got a good point about all of the meds and memory loss.
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 06-19-2002).]
lascot - Unfortunately, I've started to build up an immunity to Maxalt MLT - I loved it when I first start taking it. It worked instantly in the beginning. But now it could take up to 45 min. to 2 hours to work - or like Vickie, doesn't work at all. I hope it does continue to work for you though - but a WARNING - do not run out of your prescription or be some where without it. I made that mistake once :nono: . The worst attack I ever experienced was in my car while I was driving alone & I didn't have any Maxalt with me, of course this was when it was working for me. I became completely incapacitated, I had to pull my car off to the side of the road - had to call a family member to come get me - it was awful.
Hi Vickie :wave: - glad to hear you're feeling better. You've got a good point about all of the meds and memory loss.
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 06-19-2002).]
CrystalBaca
06-20-2002, 02:29 AM
Hi I just read your board now.
I took Topamax and I almost died. I took the first dose the night I got it and then the second time the next night I went to bed and woke up with my throat swollen shut I was all shakeing and I felt so bad so I went to the ER they did all kinds of tests on me and my white blood cell was very low and my red was high. I was on IV's and the Dr's sad I could have died.So I stayed for a few days and then about a week later my throat was still all bad so I went back and the dumb ER doc told me to try to take it again in a few weeks he said it's probably the flu so he sent me home I tried again thinking maybe he was right NO WAY same thing happened so I went to see my pharmacist and she told don't even tell me I know what happened to you and she said the samething I was going thru she said her friend died from that and I should stop taking it. I have but I feel like crap big time I'm tired, dizzy, just lifeless. I wouldn't take it at all. ;)
I took Topamax and I almost died. I took the first dose the night I got it and then the second time the next night I went to bed and woke up with my throat swollen shut I was all shakeing and I felt so bad so I went to the ER they did all kinds of tests on me and my white blood cell was very low and my red was high. I was on IV's and the Dr's sad I could have died.So I stayed for a few days and then about a week later my throat was still all bad so I went back and the dumb ER doc told me to try to take it again in a few weeks he said it's probably the flu so he sent me home I tried again thinking maybe he was right NO WAY same thing happened so I went to see my pharmacist and she told don't even tell me I know what happened to you and she said the samething I was going thru she said her friend died from that and I should stop taking it. I have but I feel like crap big time I'm tired, dizzy, just lifeless. I wouldn't take it at all. ;)
Vickie
06-21-2002, 12:00 AM
Crystal, Sorry to hear about your really bad experience with topamax. But glad to hear you came out of it alright. It doesn't seem to be doing much for me right now (except let me have migraines almost daily) so I will take myself off of it and go back on the Neurontin until I can see my doctor next month. At least I know that works.
Hi Tanya9! :wave: You must be doing well with the Topamax, haven't heard otherwise. Have you still been losing weight? I sure hope this will keep working for you. Maybe next month I will find out about a new medicine that has been discovered. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif
Hi Tanya9! :wave: You must be doing well with the Topamax, haven't heard otherwise. Have you still been losing weight? I sure hope this will keep working for you. Maybe next month I will find out about a new medicine that has been discovered. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif
Vickie
06-22-2002, 02:28 PM
Update on the Topamax...
Instead of gradually going off of it like my doctor had me do last time I just totally stopped taking it as of yesterday. Today I don't have a headache!! :bouncing:
That stuff was making me have headaches almost everyday. I just never realized it and was thinking it was always something else.
Now I am taking Neurontin that I had left over from last time, I know that works. So I just have to get busy and exercise to counteract the weight gain I get from it. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/blob_fire.gif
Have a great weekend everyone!
Instead of gradually going off of it like my doctor had me do last time I just totally stopped taking it as of yesterday. Today I don't have a headache!! :bouncing:
That stuff was making me have headaches almost everyday. I just never realized it and was thinking it was always something else.
Now I am taking Neurontin that I had left over from last time, I know that works. So I just have to get busy and exercise to counteract the weight gain I get from it. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/blob_fire.gif
Have a great weekend everyone!
Tanya9
06-25-2002, 04:13 PM
Hi Vickie http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif - glad to hear that you're headache free - at least hope you still are by the time this posts. As for me, surprisingly enough, I've been doing great! I'm going on week 5 of taking Topamax & have had only a few minor headaches (knock on wood) & only 1 migraine. Still have the side effects - but not too bothersome. Hopefully, it won't be the cause of any future headaches for me like it did you :eek: !
If Neurontin worked for you, why did you stop taking it? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif
If Neurontin worked for you, why did you stop taking it? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif
Vickie
06-25-2002, 04:44 PM
Hi Tanya9, I went off the Neurontin before because of the weight gain---15lbs. :mad: But it works really well for controlling the migraines. I'm hoping the Dr. will have something new for me in about 3 wks. In the meantime I have to try and exercise enough to counteract that (I hope).
Have a great week http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
Have a great week http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
heather_wl
06-26-2002, 02:16 PM
This is my first post here, so I'm not sure if I'm responding to the message I just read...I hope so. Tanya, I took Topamax for almost two years for Migraine and daily tension type headaches. Initially it seemed to work OK. I had gained a LOT of weight (40 pounds) in the couple of years prior to taking Topamax. I think it had to do with all of the antidepressants I was taking and also due to the fact that I was getting a little older (30) and hardly exercised and ate as I did when I was younger.
When I started on the Topamax I told the Dr. that I simply couldn't take something that would make me fatter because I had never been overweight in my life and I was miserable. My body ached and I was in horrible shape.
Suposedly the Topamax promotes weight loss. I did lose weight but I can't say if it was the Top. or if it was because I started lifting weights with a trainer and also walking five days a week. Anyway, I lost a total of almost sixty pounds in about a year and I never felt better and I never looked better.
BUT, the Topamax always made me feel slow. Jolts would go through my brain and I felt like I couldn't grasp simple things. I couldn't figure out a tip in a restaurant unless I sat there and REALLY thought about it. I couldn't help my 5th grader with her math. I couldn't do simple math in my head. I felt stupid and as though my "brain power" had been cut in two. I wasn't myself.
I felt paranoid that the worst was going to happen in any situation. Some of that (I think) was because I couldn't form thoughts and it was frustrating.
My hair got thin (not like anyone else noticed) and all of the sudden I started seeing lots of hair in the shower or I could just gently pull on my wet hair and I would have globs of it between my fingers. That side effect started happening very soon after I started on the Top.
My hands and feet would go tingly and numb and that's a fairly common side effect that I was willing to live with. It posed no threat to my health, was just sometimes annoying.
It did help with the daily pain and I still take Maxalt (the disolving ones) when I have really bad, intense headaches.
I couldn't take the dumb feeling of taking Topamax so I just switched to Blocadren about 6 weeks ago. Have some side effects from it, but not sure how bad they are yet.
There is another Topamax message board that's really good. I've posted there just a couple of times but it's an active board and lots of help.
I just realized that I may not be able to give the address here, but will put it in and if they take it out I suppose anyone who's interested can just email me directly? I don't want to break the rules here but I'm assuming that merely giving people who are suffering a different outlet for support isn't against any type of regulation. So here it is.
http://www.dispace.com/message_boards/drugs/Topamax/default.htm
Good Luck. I've lived with head pain since I can remember and it's horrible. I just started my daughter (11) on daily preventives because she's always in pain. I hope you find relief.
Heather
When I started on the Topamax I told the Dr. that I simply couldn't take something that would make me fatter because I had never been overweight in my life and I was miserable. My body ached and I was in horrible shape.
Suposedly the Topamax promotes weight loss. I did lose weight but I can't say if it was the Top. or if it was because I started lifting weights with a trainer and also walking five days a week. Anyway, I lost a total of almost sixty pounds in about a year and I never felt better and I never looked better.
BUT, the Topamax always made me feel slow. Jolts would go through my brain and I felt like I couldn't grasp simple things. I couldn't figure out a tip in a restaurant unless I sat there and REALLY thought about it. I couldn't help my 5th grader with her math. I couldn't do simple math in my head. I felt stupid and as though my "brain power" had been cut in two. I wasn't myself.
I felt paranoid that the worst was going to happen in any situation. Some of that (I think) was because I couldn't form thoughts and it was frustrating.
My hair got thin (not like anyone else noticed) and all of the sudden I started seeing lots of hair in the shower or I could just gently pull on my wet hair and I would have globs of it between my fingers. That side effect started happening very soon after I started on the Top.
My hands and feet would go tingly and numb and that's a fairly common side effect that I was willing to live with. It posed no threat to my health, was just sometimes annoying.
It did help with the daily pain and I still take Maxalt (the disolving ones) when I have really bad, intense headaches.
I couldn't take the dumb feeling of taking Topamax so I just switched to Blocadren about 6 weeks ago. Have some side effects from it, but not sure how bad they are yet.
There is another Topamax message board that's really good. I've posted there just a couple of times but it's an active board and lots of help.
I just realized that I may not be able to give the address here, but will put it in and if they take it out I suppose anyone who's interested can just email me directly? I don't want to break the rules here but I'm assuming that merely giving people who are suffering a different outlet for support isn't against any type of regulation. So here it is.
http://www.dispace.com/message_boards/drugs/Topamax/default.htm
Good Luck. I've lived with head pain since I can remember and it's horrible. I just started my daughter (11) on daily preventives because she's always in pain. I hope you find relief.
Heather
Tanya9
07-01-2002, 11:03 PM
Heather,
Thanks for the input. The "mental" side effects that you explained are exactly what I've been experiencing. You explained it perfectly! I've even been experiencing some sort of short term memory loss - its driving me crazy - but I'm going on 5 weeks with hardly any pain.
I too (as I explained in previous posts) am experiencing the tingling in my feet, fingers & lips. You're right, it is annoying, but its something I can live with - beats the migraines/headaches!
Thanks for the new Topamax message board - I'll check it out.
I haven't heard about Blocadren. Keep me posted on how you're doing on it.
Thanks-
Tanya
Thanks for the input. The "mental" side effects that you explained are exactly what I've been experiencing. You explained it perfectly! I've even been experiencing some sort of short term memory loss - its driving me crazy - but I'm going on 5 weeks with hardly any pain.
I too (as I explained in previous posts) am experiencing the tingling in my feet, fingers & lips. You're right, it is annoying, but its something I can live with - beats the migraines/headaches!
Thanks for the new Topamax message board - I'll check it out.
I haven't heard about Blocadren. Keep me posted on how you're doing on it.
Thanks-
Tanya
Vickie
07-22-2002, 01:46 AM
Hi everyone!
Went to the doctor a few days ago and told him about all the headaches with the Topamax. He didn't seem too surprised. Told him I have been virtually headache free since I stopped taking it a month ago. We decided that I wouldn't take any preventative meds at this point and see how I do.
Kind of scary after all these years but feels good too! I just hope this will last a long time. Maybe I have "grown" out of these migraines. I will just have to wait and see, we haven't had any weather changes since it has been in the 90's and 100's here (yuck).
He did give me a prescription just in case I start getting headaches before I have to go back and see him again. Anyone tried Metaprolol? It is a heart med as far as I can tell. Don't really know if it is something I want to take.
Hi Tanya http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif How are you doing so far on the Topamax??
Went to the doctor a few days ago and told him about all the headaches with the Topamax. He didn't seem too surprised. Told him I have been virtually headache free since I stopped taking it a month ago. We decided that I wouldn't take any preventative meds at this point and see how I do.
Kind of scary after all these years but feels good too! I just hope this will last a long time. Maybe I have "grown" out of these migraines. I will just have to wait and see, we haven't had any weather changes since it has been in the 90's and 100's here (yuck).
He did give me a prescription just in case I start getting headaches before I have to go back and see him again. Anyone tried Metaprolol? It is a heart med as far as I can tell. Don't really know if it is something I want to take.
Hi Tanya http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif How are you doing so far on the Topamax??
bwilliams
07-25-2002, 05:39 PM
I have suffered from cluster migranes since I was teenager. I am now midaged. Now I am taking Nuerontin, Celexa, Verapamil, Lamictal, Toprol,Vitamin B2, Magnesium Oxide to control migraines. My doctors has now suggested that I take Botox injections to control my migranes. My migranes have been so severe that I have been hospitalized on numberous occasion due to uncontrolled blood pressure (Stroke level due to the migranes) Treatment in hospital consist of a three day regiment of DHE procotal which usually can last as long as two years or as short as a day or too. I have taken Toparmax the side effect were terrible. Memory loss (couldn't find my way home) Did recongize my family members, difficult walking, talking, fell several times. I started out taking 25mg twice and day and worked my way up to 100mg twice a day. I will never do that again. I will start the Botox injections next week and they tell me that it will last 3 t0 4 months. I can't wait to find out.
Tanya9
07-26-2002, 12:28 PM
Vickie- I’m so glad to hear you’re doing well. I was doing fine until last week. Last Monday morning around 5:00 am I started having a migraine. I took a dose of Zomig & it didn’t start to work for about an hour afterwards. Then the migraine came back about 45 minutes later. I’ve never had that happen before. Not to mention the side effects from the Zomig! It was pretty intense – severe muscle & joint pain, throat pressure, tongue swelling, & fatigue. The next day I felt like someone had taken a baseball bat to the base of my skull and neck. It was extremely sore to the touch. I hadn’t experienced anything like that before. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif I then had headaches through out the rest of week. This week I’m much better – no headaches at all. I see my doc in about a month and a half – but if I have another episode like the last – I’m going to see him sooner.
As far as the side effects of the Topamax, they seem to be the same. No better, no worse, except I did stop losing weight- my appetite is back- darn! :( Haven’t looked into Metaprolol yet - I hope you keep doing well – keep in touch. :wave:
BWilliams- So far I’m on 100mg of Topamax a day. I’m not having nearly the problems you did. I’m not sure if you’ve read the previous posts above where I’ve listed the side effects I’m experiencing- but they are minor compared to what you went through while you where on Topamax. What a horrifying time it must have been for you! Botox injections? Very interesting. Keep in touch & hopefully this works out for you. :)
As far as the side effects of the Topamax, they seem to be the same. No better, no worse, except I did stop losing weight- my appetite is back- darn! :( Haven’t looked into Metaprolol yet - I hope you keep doing well – keep in touch. :wave:
BWilliams- So far I’m on 100mg of Topamax a day. I’m not having nearly the problems you did. I’m not sure if you’ve read the previous posts above where I’ve listed the side effects I’m experiencing- but they are minor compared to what you went through while you where on Topamax. What a horrifying time it must have been for you! Botox injections? Very interesting. Keep in touch & hopefully this works out for you. :)
Kristeen
07-27-2002, 09:27 AM
HI
Have you ever thought of having Cranial Sacral work done. I was on Topramax myself for headaches and nothing was working. After two treatments with the Cranial Sacral work, I am almost headache free. I can't beleive it. It doesn't hurt, it feels goods as a matter of fact. I can't wait to get off this topramax and all it's side affects. You can't just stop taking it, you do have to ween off, but I am now down to 25mg and all the fog and mood swings, the tingleing etc is almost gone. I also had some accupucture done as well. That didn't hurt either. Make sure if you have it done it is by a person who specializes in just that. Good luck
Kristeen
Have you ever thought of having Cranial Sacral work done. I was on Topramax myself for headaches and nothing was working. After two treatments with the Cranial Sacral work, I am almost headache free. I can't beleive it. It doesn't hurt, it feels goods as a matter of fact. I can't wait to get off this topramax and all it's side affects. You can't just stop taking it, you do have to ween off, but I am now down to 25mg and all the fog and mood swings, the tingleing etc is almost gone. I also had some accupucture done as well. That didn't hurt either. Make sure if you have it done it is by a person who specializes in just that. Good luck
Kristeen
Vickie
07-27-2002, 03:24 PM
Tanya9- Thank you, but after having no headaches for a month I am getting them again. Everyday this week, not sure exactly why although we did have some smoke in the air from the fires around here. Anyway I started the Metoprolol 2 days ago so it may be too early to know how it will work. The Maxalt is taking forever to work this time if at all.
Sorry to hear that you are getting headaches too. Maybe it is the weather changing? Sure hope it won't last.
Kristeen- What exactly is Cranial Sacral work and who does that? Sounds like something to try since I did try accupunture a few years ago.
From everything I have read about Topamax, it seems to work for just a very few people. The side effects just aren't worth it. I found out that is what made my hair start falling out, guess that happens to a lot of people and it isn't listed as one of the side effects.
Have a great weekend everyone! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/cool.gif
Sorry to hear that you are getting headaches too. Maybe it is the weather changing? Sure hope it won't last.
Kristeen- What exactly is Cranial Sacral work and who does that? Sounds like something to try since I did try accupunture a few years ago.
From everything I have read about Topamax, it seems to work for just a very few people. The side effects just aren't worth it. I found out that is what made my hair start falling out, guess that happens to a lot of people and it isn't listed as one of the side effects.
Have a great weekend everyone! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/cool.gif
Kristeen
07-28-2002, 10:36 PM
Hi Vicki,
Cranial Sacral work is done by manipulating your cranial plates. (your skull plates) It's a very gentle manipulation, very light touch, but very affective. They (your plates) are not fused like most people are taught. They actually move, very little, but they do move. When one or more are jammed or misaligned you can have all kinds of affects, headaches being just one of them. It is a unique kind of bodywork that affect the entire body. If your spinal fluid, or fliud in the brain can't expand or manuover the way it should, if there is any type of impingment, the result is excess pressure on the brain or cord and the results are various. The woman I go to is a physical therapist. She is a very good therapist who does this work as part of her practice. I know some massage therapists also do this work but you want someone who knows what they are doing. I can ask her how I can find out how you would find a practioner in you area if your interested.
After only a few treatments 90percent of my headache is gone, my bone spur on the right side of my neck is no longer bothering me, my sciatica is gone and I have energy back again. I forgot what it was to feel good. I am almost off the topamax, and I gotta say it's good to have my mind out of a fog. I will tell you though for a day, two at the most, after the treatment your body has to re adjust to the new alighment so you might/will have another head ache, but it's a different headache and different parts of your body might/will hurt, depending on how much has to be done, but just for a day, two at the most. After that it's wonderfull.
Kristeen
[This message has been edited by Kristeen (edited 07-28-2002).]
Cranial Sacral work is done by manipulating your cranial plates. (your skull plates) It's a very gentle manipulation, very light touch, but very affective. They (your plates) are not fused like most people are taught. They actually move, very little, but they do move. When one or more are jammed or misaligned you can have all kinds of affects, headaches being just one of them. It is a unique kind of bodywork that affect the entire body. If your spinal fluid, or fliud in the brain can't expand or manuover the way it should, if there is any type of impingment, the result is excess pressure on the brain or cord and the results are various. The woman I go to is a physical therapist. She is a very good therapist who does this work as part of her practice. I know some massage therapists also do this work but you want someone who knows what they are doing. I can ask her how I can find out how you would find a practioner in you area if your interested.
After only a few treatments 90percent of my headache is gone, my bone spur on the right side of my neck is no longer bothering me, my sciatica is gone and I have energy back again. I forgot what it was to feel good. I am almost off the topamax, and I gotta say it's good to have my mind out of a fog. I will tell you though for a day, two at the most, after the treatment your body has to re adjust to the new alighment so you might/will have another head ache, but it's a different headache and different parts of your body might/will hurt, depending on how much has to be done, but just for a day, two at the most. After that it's wonderfull.
Kristeen
[This message has been edited by Kristeen (edited 07-28-2002).]
Kristeen
07-28-2002, 10:40 PM
Hi Vicki,
You might try searching the web on Cranial Sacral in the mean time.
Kris
[This message has been edited by Kristeen (edited 07-28-2002).]
You might try searching the web on Cranial Sacral in the mean time.
Kris
[This message has been edited by Kristeen (edited 07-28-2002).]
Kristeen
07-29-2002, 10:31 PM
BEANNACHT
By John O’Donohue
On the day when the weight deadens
on your shoulders and you stumble,
may the clay dance to balance you.
And when your eyes freeze behind the gray window
and the ghost of loss gets into you,
may a flock of colors, indigo, red, green and azure blue
come to awaken in you a meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays in the curach of thought
and a stain of ocean blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight to bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so, may a slow wind work
these words of love around you,
an invisible cloak to mind your life.
By John O’Donohue
On the day when the weight deadens
on your shoulders and you stumble,
may the clay dance to balance you.
And when your eyes freeze behind the gray window
and the ghost of loss gets into you,
may a flock of colors, indigo, red, green and azure blue
come to awaken in you a meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays in the curach of thought
and a stain of ocean blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight to bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so, may a slow wind work
these words of love around you,
an invisible cloak to mind your life.
glori
07-30-2002, 04:25 PM
Well this is certainly an interesting thread. But what got my attention is the mention of Chiari. I am assuming you mean Arnold-Chiari Malformation syndrome? If so, I have this too but was also told that it is still at a point that is not causing any problems. I have always had my doubts about this given the weird range of symptoms that I have. And because I have done a lot of research on the topic. There are some good internet sites as well as an association that offers some good info. I would look into this before I had any chiropractic manipulations which could be dangerous to someone with Arnold-Chiari. I have also read that with this condition you should not have a lumbar puncture done (spinal tap). they are often done when someone goes to the dospital with severe headache/migraine pain. An ER wanted to do one on me and I refused for this reason. They were a bit miffed at me and then basically said they could do no more for me if I didn't go along with the puncture. For what it's worth I thought I would offer this info from my experience.
Gloria
Gloria
Vickie
07-30-2002, 07:45 PM
Thank you Kristeen! I appreciate the info and will ask around to see if anyone here does the Cranial Sacral work. Maybe the guy who does the accupuncture here does that too, I will check.
In the meantime I had to go on the Metoprolol since the last migraine I had ended up lasting 7 days. It has taken a few days for this drug to take effect and now I feel a little lethargic and have to be careful when I stand up that I don't get too light-headed. Supposed to be temporary I think. There is supposed to be a cooling of the hands and feet but haven't got that yet, it would actually be welcome since it has been so hot here.
Thanks again! :D
P.S. Great poem. :wave:
[This message has been edited by Vickie (edited 07-30-2002).]
In the meantime I had to go on the Metoprolol since the last migraine I had ended up lasting 7 days. It has taken a few days for this drug to take effect and now I feel a little lethargic and have to be careful when I stand up that I don't get too light-headed. Supposed to be temporary I think. There is supposed to be a cooling of the hands and feet but haven't got that yet, it would actually be welcome since it has been so hot here.
Thanks again! :D
P.S. Great poem. :wave:
[This message has been edited by Vickie (edited 07-30-2002).]
Tanya9
08-05-2002, 01:26 PM
Kristeen-
Nice poem! It was very uplifting - thanks for posting it! :)
I had never heard Cranial Sacral work before. It sounds very interesting- since I always seem to have this pressure & tightness at the lower left side of my skull – right where the skull meets the neck. I don’t know if I be a candidate since I have Cervical Spondylosis & Arnold Chirai malformation type I (both of which the docs don’t think are related to my migraines – I’m not so sure about that). It would be great to get rid of that constant pressure and tightness.
Are you off of the Topamax yet? Are you pretty much headache free? Hope so. Good luck.
Gloria-
Yes, I have been diagnosed with Arnold-Chiari Malformation type I. I’ve never met or spoken to anyone who has this! What internet sites have you found useful for this condition? My Neurologist doesn’t seem to be too concerned & doesn’t feel that there’s any correlation between this and my migraines/headaches. But I’m with you – I’ve also had my doubts & feel that it does plays a part it to a certain degree. I keep telling my doc that I feel like I need to “pop” or “crack” my neck to relieve the pressure at the base of my skull. He says, …”Absolutely not to do it!” & do not go to a Chiropractor for neck manipulation. :nono:
What symptoms do you experience with this condition? I experience everything from migraines/headaches (of course), fatigue, neck spasms, ringing in ears, restricted movement, intolerance to bright light, difficulty walking on uneven ground, difficulty adjusting to bright light, intolerance to loud/confusing sounds, depth perception problems, neck pressure, & some vertigo & on & on. You know, it’s almost embarrassing http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/redface.gif – I don’t really like to tell people everything that is wrong with me. If a stranger were looking in from the outside & they didn’t experience any of this for themselves – they’d swear I was a hypochondriac!
Hi Vickie- :wave:
How are you feeling? How’s the Metoprolol working out for you? The weather here in Houston has been pretty bad lately, so a couple of migraines last week. They weren’t too bad though- they only lasted for a few hours. I still don’t care for Zomig. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_down.gif The side effects are pretty harsh on my body & it takes too long to start working. I’ll have to see what else there is available in a dissolvable, besides Maxalt. I really don’t want to go back to the shot form of Imitrex, but if there’s nothing else, I know that will work for me (at least it use to) it was just too evasive (ouch http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif ). I hope you’re doing well – keep in touch.
Best wishes & goodbye everyone!
Tanya
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 08-05-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 08-06-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 08-08-2002).]
Nice poem! It was very uplifting - thanks for posting it! :)
I had never heard Cranial Sacral work before. It sounds very interesting- since I always seem to have this pressure & tightness at the lower left side of my skull – right where the skull meets the neck. I don’t know if I be a candidate since I have Cervical Spondylosis & Arnold Chirai malformation type I (both of which the docs don’t think are related to my migraines – I’m not so sure about that). It would be great to get rid of that constant pressure and tightness.
Are you off of the Topamax yet? Are you pretty much headache free? Hope so. Good luck.
Gloria-
Yes, I have been diagnosed with Arnold-Chiari Malformation type I. I’ve never met or spoken to anyone who has this! What internet sites have you found useful for this condition? My Neurologist doesn’t seem to be too concerned & doesn’t feel that there’s any correlation between this and my migraines/headaches. But I’m with you – I’ve also had my doubts & feel that it does plays a part it to a certain degree. I keep telling my doc that I feel like I need to “pop” or “crack” my neck to relieve the pressure at the base of my skull. He says, …”Absolutely not to do it!” & do not go to a Chiropractor for neck manipulation. :nono:
What symptoms do you experience with this condition? I experience everything from migraines/headaches (of course), fatigue, neck spasms, ringing in ears, restricted movement, intolerance to bright light, difficulty walking on uneven ground, difficulty adjusting to bright light, intolerance to loud/confusing sounds, depth perception problems, neck pressure, & some vertigo & on & on. You know, it’s almost embarrassing http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/redface.gif – I don’t really like to tell people everything that is wrong with me. If a stranger were looking in from the outside & they didn’t experience any of this for themselves – they’d swear I was a hypochondriac!
Hi Vickie- :wave:
How are you feeling? How’s the Metoprolol working out for you? The weather here in Houston has been pretty bad lately, so a couple of migraines last week. They weren’t too bad though- they only lasted for a few hours. I still don’t care for Zomig. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_down.gif The side effects are pretty harsh on my body & it takes too long to start working. I’ll have to see what else there is available in a dissolvable, besides Maxalt. I really don’t want to go back to the shot form of Imitrex, but if there’s nothing else, I know that will work for me (at least it use to) it was just too evasive (ouch http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif ). I hope you’re doing well – keep in touch.
Best wishes & goodbye everyone!
Tanya
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 08-05-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 08-06-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Tanya9 (edited 08-08-2002).]
Vickie
08-07-2002, 11:49 PM
Hi Tanya :bouncing:
I had no idea you had all that wrong with you, Sorry. Having migraines on top of all that can't be very good for sure.
I am doing pretty well on the Metoprolol. Had some rain yesterday and didn't even have a headache! That is really good http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
Zomig never did work very well for me. If I can find relief then I am sure you will find something that works for you too. It has been 10 days since I have had to take Maxalt. Yea!! :D
Speaking of popping/cracking your neck, I do that all the time. Feels a little better afterwards.
Have a great week and keep us posted as to how you are doing. I will let you know how the Metoprolol is working as time goes on. I think is has been about two weeks that I have been on it.
Bye.
I had no idea you had all that wrong with you, Sorry. Having migraines on top of all that can't be very good for sure.
I am doing pretty well on the Metoprolol. Had some rain yesterday and didn't even have a headache! That is really good http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
Zomig never did work very well for me. If I can find relief then I am sure you will find something that works for you too. It has been 10 days since I have had to take Maxalt. Yea!! :D
Speaking of popping/cracking your neck, I do that all the time. Feels a little better afterwards.
Have a great week and keep us posted as to how you are doing. I will let you know how the Metoprolol is working as time goes on. I think is has been about two weeks that I have been on it.
Bye.
Tanya9
09-03-2002, 06:31 PM
Hi Vickie :wave:
How's it going? How has the Metoprolol been working for you (hopefully well :) )? I've been doing pretty well lately. I've only had two migraines within the last 3 weeks - so they (the headaches/migraines) have definately become more infrequent- yeah! :bouncing: Which is very surprising because the weather has been lousy - lots of rain & between work & building a new house - I'm very stressed out :mad: ! I've been really moody (side effect of the Topamax- mood swings) Ohh my poor husband; thank goodness he's a patient man. Well I just wanted to see how you're doing - let me know.
Bye-
Tanya
How's it going? How has the Metoprolol been working for you (hopefully well :) )? I've been doing pretty well lately. I've only had two migraines within the last 3 weeks - so they (the headaches/migraines) have definately become more infrequent- yeah! :bouncing: Which is very surprising because the weather has been lousy - lots of rain & between work & building a new house - I'm very stressed out :mad: ! I've been really moody (side effect of the Topamax- mood swings) Ohh my poor husband; thank goodness he's a patient man. Well I just wanted to see how you're doing - let me know.
Bye-
Tanya
Kierra
09-05-2002, 10:52 PM
I am 28 years old and have suffered from migranes for about 4 years now (feels longer). I am usually stuck in bed for 4 day's with these attacks, and they happen all the time I have had MRI CT Scans, Spinal taps and everything is normal. I have tried almost all the anti-depresents and all painkillers know, and the only thing that works at times is Demerol or DHE. Doctors and specialist say that It is all in my head and that I should try to deal with the problems that may be causing the migranes, or that I am drug seeking. Not knowing what is causing them are making them worse, anybody have any suggestions as to what I could do or try????? PLEASE
memyselfandi
09-06-2002, 12:36 AM
Hi.. I have suffered from migraines for almost 25 years (since I was 7 or 8 yrs old) I have had every migraine type known as well as every test done. I would normally suffer 3-4 days every week and need to have injections of demerol at minimum 1- 2 times per month often being maxed out on dosing and sent home in pain. I have taken all of the medications stated and must say that Topamax did me in. I seriously could get into the car, drive to the store and not even remember how I got there. I would then try to call home but not know where home was or the number. I truly thought I was losing my mind or had a brain tumor. I also spent to many days and nights in the hospital without success.
I saw a new specialist who of course repeated most of the tests done before plus a few others. He also tested my seratonin levels and found they were waaaayyy off. 4 years ago he started me on Zoloft of which I now take 200 mg a day. I now get maybe 2-3 migraines PER YEAR (the last one I had was February)
I know that not everyone is the same, but would just like all of you to know that sometimes there is a light at the end of that very dark tunnel.
I saw a new specialist who of course repeated most of the tests done before plus a few others. He also tested my seratonin levels and found they were waaaayyy off. 4 years ago he started me on Zoloft of which I now take 200 mg a day. I now get maybe 2-3 migraines PER YEAR (the last one I had was February)
I know that not everyone is the same, but would just like all of you to know that sometimes there is a light at the end of that very dark tunnel.
Vickie
09-21-2002, 01:03 AM
Hi Tanya, It's nice to know that you are still around. :D I'm glad to hear your headaches are coming less often. That is really good considering the weather and that you are building a house too!
I had to go off of the Metoprolol, it wasn't working very well after a month or so. Called the Dr. and went back on the Neurontin, but it is a lower dose than I was on before. Don't know why that is but I go back to the Dr. in a month and will talk to him about it then.
We have been having weather changes too and it has been giving me headaches. At the higher dose I barely felt it.
I sure hope your mood swings will go away soon, especially for your husband. ;)
Kierra-Maybe you should keep looking for a dr. that really wants to help you. The first dr. I saw about my migraines told me I just needed to relax more. Sometimes I wake up with them. How much more relaxed can I get when I am sleeping?? It was then that I found another dr.
Have you been checked for allergies? I know most of my triggers now and try to stay away from them. Seems every year there is another one. About a month ago bacon started giving me headaches and I really like it but now have to stay away from it. (I really miss my espressos too!)
Good luck to you and keep in touch. :)
memyselfandi-I will ask my dr. about Zoloft when I see him next month. It's always good to hear about what works for someone. I'm glad it is working for you so well!!
How did it make you feel when you first started taking it? Do you have any effects from it now? Keep in touch. :)
"Talk" to you all later. Vickie :wave:
I had to go off of the Metoprolol, it wasn't working very well after a month or so. Called the Dr. and went back on the Neurontin, but it is a lower dose than I was on before. Don't know why that is but I go back to the Dr. in a month and will talk to him about it then.
We have been having weather changes too and it has been giving me headaches. At the higher dose I barely felt it.
I sure hope your mood swings will go away soon, especially for your husband. ;)
Kierra-Maybe you should keep looking for a dr. that really wants to help you. The first dr. I saw about my migraines told me I just needed to relax more. Sometimes I wake up with them. How much more relaxed can I get when I am sleeping?? It was then that I found another dr.
Have you been checked for allergies? I know most of my triggers now and try to stay away from them. Seems every year there is another one. About a month ago bacon started giving me headaches and I really like it but now have to stay away from it. (I really miss my espressos too!)
Good luck to you and keep in touch. :)
memyselfandi-I will ask my dr. about Zoloft when I see him next month. It's always good to hear about what works for someone. I'm glad it is working for you so well!!
How did it make you feel when you first started taking it? Do you have any effects from it now? Keep in touch. :)
"Talk" to you all later. Vickie :wave:
Tanya9
09-24-2002, 04:55 PM
Vickie,
Great to hear from you! Sorry that the Metoprolol did not work out for you. Back on the Neurontin again, huh? If you should have any weight gain while on it - don't worry about it - it sure beats having the headaches/migraines - right!? ;)
(Knock on wood) I've been virtually headache free - but still very, very moody. But here's a kink in whole realm of things, my husband and I are talking about having a baby. So now I need to talk to my Doc about weaning me off of all meds. He's probably going to think "great now that we've got you feeling better". We'll see. Keep in touch. :wave:
Great to hear from you! Sorry that the Metoprolol did not work out for you. Back on the Neurontin again, huh? If you should have any weight gain while on it - don't worry about it - it sure beats having the headaches/migraines - right!? ;)
(Knock on wood) I've been virtually headache free - but still very, very moody. But here's a kink in whole realm of things, my husband and I are talking about having a baby. So now I need to talk to my Doc about weaning me off of all meds. He's probably going to think "great now that we've got you feeling better". We'll see. Keep in touch. :wave:
Vickie
09-28-2002, 03:13 AM
Tanya9, I sure hope the doctor can find something for you to take that will be safe while you are trying to have a baby and while you are pregnant. I will keep good thoughts for you. :angel:
Glad you have been mostly headache free.
Yes the weight gain would be better than having the awful migraines, at least that is what my husband told me. There is always something isn't there?!
Good luck to you and please stay in touch. :wave:
Glad you have been mostly headache free.
Yes the weight gain would be better than having the awful migraines, at least that is what my husband told me. There is always something isn't there?!
Good luck to you and please stay in touch. :wave:
marleneG
10-24-2002, 06:30 PM
Hi everyone. I have been a headache sufferer for as long as I can remember, but for the last couple of years they have really gotten worse. I have been on topamax for the last six months and am now at 200 mg. I have experienced the numbness and the weightloss, the dizzyness, and the confusion. I don't like the way I feel when I am on the drug. I still have the headaches. I don't have the same level of pain, and the migraines are less frequent, but I fell very disassociated with my life. I recently started experiencing pain in my jaw and when to the dentist. She told me I had TMJ, which is a disorder of the joins of the jaw that can be brought on by stress and clenching of the teeth. This can cause any number of headaches and migraines. I talked to my doctor but he just gave me a muscle relaxer and some other medications. I am really sick of medications. Has anyone else heard of this disorder?
Vickie
11-01-2002, 04:38 PM
Hi marleneG, Welcome.
I had TMJ a long time ago. Took care of it with stretching exercises and a mouth guard.
The Topamax gave me headaches but Neurontin seems to work pretty well, maybe you can try that. Good luck to you. :)
An update: Last month I had a terrible migraine. Lasted about 12 days with 3-4 days in the middle that were extremely painful. Had a Demerol (50mg) shot but it only lasted 1 1/2hrs. Also tried Ultracet and that didn't work either. It finally went away on it's own.
Went to the neurologist. He put me on Zoloft.
Then went to my regular dr. and he decided I should take the neurontin with it but at a higher dose. Just started all this so will have to wait and see how it goes. He said if I get a really bad one again I will get a much higher dose of the Demerol. I hope that won't be for a long time!
Have a great day everyone. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/cool.gif
I had TMJ a long time ago. Took care of it with stretching exercises and a mouth guard.
The Topamax gave me headaches but Neurontin seems to work pretty well, maybe you can try that. Good luck to you. :)
An update: Last month I had a terrible migraine. Lasted about 12 days with 3-4 days in the middle that were extremely painful. Had a Demerol (50mg) shot but it only lasted 1 1/2hrs. Also tried Ultracet and that didn't work either. It finally went away on it's own.
Went to the neurologist. He put me on Zoloft.
Then went to my regular dr. and he decided I should take the neurontin with it but at a higher dose. Just started all this so will have to wait and see how it goes. He said if I get a really bad one again I will get a much higher dose of the Demerol. I hope that won't be for a long time!
Have a great day everyone. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/cool.gif
Lee G.
07-27-2005, 10:56 AM
Tanya9, I came across your post while researching Topramax. I wanted to offer a possibility for the cause of your Headaches. I'm 40 years old. My headaches started about the same time yours did. It took me several years to figure out that they are hormone related. When I started tracking them with my period, I found that I would get a bad HA about 3-4 days before my period starts, around the 3rd day of my period and when I'm ovulating. I do have another trigger which is heat. I live in the South and when it is really hot and humid and I'm out in it all day, I'll get a HA. My ha's sound similar to yours...feels like a knife in the eye and wraps around to the base of my skull on my right side only. They've gotten worse through the years. I've taken Phrenalin, Midrin, Amerge and recently was put on Topramax and Zomig nasal spray. The Topramax make me feel like a slug and I want to sleep all the time. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to stay on it. There is one thing that has helped me. I go to a massage therapist that does accupressure massage. He can hold his thumb on the "hot spot" at the base of my skull and my ha will be gone in just a few minutes. Unfortunately, I can't go see him everytime I get a HA. Thought this might be helpful.