Topamax Side Effects - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

R_Ann · 01-04-2007, 08:16 AM

After trying to read all of the posts about Topamax for migraines I am curious - has anyone taken it WITHOUT any of the side effects? (Is there such a person?) *Well, the losing weight one would be ok* It seems like there are alot of "severe" side effects that make one wonder whether it is actually worth it.
I'm very seriously considering it since I have been having a battle with my drug plan and am only "allowed" 18 Imitrex (100mg pills) for 3 months/refillable after 6 wks and that is not enough. (I already did one appeal in September which didn't fly-can't quite understand their logic on it. Script is for "as needed" and yet they feel they have to limit the dosage-but if I wanted percosett I could take as many of those I want). I try to take them sparingly but the migraines are becoming more frequent-like sometimes 2-3 times a week. I have an appt with the doc tonight so I would like to be as informed as possible.
Thanks
RA

NJpeg · 01-04-2007, 08:53 AM

There is such a person - me! I started the Topamax about a month ago and have had no side effects - not even the weight loss (even though that would have been good) - maybe a little tiredness - not too bad. I am on the Relpax for the headaches, but with the insurance only allowing 6 a month and since I was going over that each month, that's why the doc put me on the Topamax, so hopefully the headaches will become less frequent.

pumpkin04 · 01-04-2007, 10:57 AM

I've been on tompamax for about 3 weeks and I have very little or no side effects. I took 25 mgs a night for 11 days and now I'm up to 50 mgs a night. I don't really plan on going much higher if at all. I love it. I think the key is to titrate slowly and to drink a lot of water in proportion to your size. (im rather small 5`1 and drink approx. 100 oz. of water a day)

The first week I ws extremely tired, confused, dopey, "high", etc. Then all of a sudden on day I woke up and had all of this energy back and felt like normal. When I titrated up the first day I was a little tired but that went away the next day.

The only side effects that I have now are extreme loss of appetite. I have to remind myself to eat and I am definitely lossing weight which I definitely welcome! LOL

When I don't drink water I may feel a my foot fall asleep but once I drink some water that goes away.

pumpkin04 · 01-04-2007, 10:59 AM

I'm also allowed 9 maxalts a month and with the topamax i think i'll be good.

ihaveaheadache · 01-04-2007, 05:24 PM

NJ Peg - Can you tell me what dosage you take? Also, do you need to have blood work done on Topomax or other kinds of workups to make sure it is not effecting liver enzymes or eyesight or any of those other rare side effects? I am scared to take it but if upping my Propranolol does not help, Topomax will be my next shot.