200+ Topomax - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

BookwormQberry · 01-16-2006, 02:32 PM

Most users on this board seem to be between 25 and 100 mgs. I have been on 200mgs off and on for 2+ years. I suffer all the side effects in varying degrees. As for headaches I can't remember many days in at least 10 years that I have had some form of a migraine or other headache (no found cause). My neuro has wanted to up my dose to 400mg daily for the last 6mths and that seems to be the most viable option at this point. My hold out is less effective birth control. Have explored all options presented by doctor, cocktails, diet change, preventatives, tests, triggers, etc... As well as chiropractors, exercise, herbal, etc...

Suggestions...Opinions on the 400mgs a day

sinnister81 · 01-17-2006, 01:32 AM

What side effects are you having from taking the 200? and how bad are your symptoms?

BookwormQberry · 01-17-2006, 11:35 AM

I consider myself fortunate compared to the others on Topamax. The severity of my symptoms isn't that bad for my dosage and the length of time I have been on it. Least ways not compared to others.

Side Effect Severity 1-10
Vision Problems 3
Change in BP (hard time controlling temp) 7
Sleepiness (Sleeping harder than before) 6
Dizzy (when exerting myself) 5
Loss of appetite 2
Weight Loss (15 lbs from 124 to 109 at 5'5'') 4
Moodiness (Change of Attitude) 4
Word Loss, Confusion, Forgetfulness, Stuttering 8
Numbness & Tingling in Limbs 3

I'm sure there are some I've missed - today seems to be a good day though so maybe not. For 3 years I've handled 4 business account books and 4 personal accounts and its getting increasingly difficult for me to continue managing numbers on a daily basis between the meds and the headaches.

Mz Migraine · 01-18-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Word Loss, Confusion, Forgetfulness, Stuttering 8

With your type of job, I would not chance an increase. There is no quarantee that the side effect will be reduced lower than an 8.
If you do decide to increase your dosage, I would do it very slowly-25mg at a time. Discuss with your doctor.
However, I must say you are luckier than most as far as suffering from the side effect. You are doing pretty good otherwise on 200mgs. Congrats to ya!

When you do have a migraine, what do you take as a preventative?
I take Zomig Spray 5mg. The spray stops it in it's tracks within 5 minutes when I spray up the nose when I feel the migraine knocking on the door. Works faster than the pill.

I've been on Topamax (100mgs-I refuse to go any higher as my doctor could not quarantee the side effects would get any worse or better. ) for 2 1/2 years.

BookwormQberry · 01-26-2006, 09:26 AM

Yesterday was my weirdest day yet. Woke up with major headache but the left side of my body was felt swollen and the right side felt flat. Noticably different when you looked at my face. Just didn't feel right and still don't today. Got worse for about two hours and then got alittle bit better. Dont know if it's the meds, headache, or something new. Have had the numbness and tingling before but nothing like this...

Ms. Migraine - tried Zomig in both forms, also the Azert, Maxalt, Imitrex, etc... none of them seem to help. Vicodin, Loracet, other pain killers will get me home and phenergen will edge off the nausea but thats about all. Topomax had been warding off either the frequency or the intencity but doesn't seem to anymore.