Topomax for Migraines - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

AllysHeart · 05-25-2007, 08:33 PM

I had a series of headaches for about 8 weeks, when I was referred to a neurologist by my nurse practitioner.

I had a brain MRI, neck MRI and a couple of other tests. The neurologist is treating me for hormonal migraines. He initially gave me 4 Frova to take, one per day for 4 days. They worked slowly, and were effective in relieving the headache.

He wants me to take a Topomax once a day, only 5 mg. At this time, I am taking 5 mg. Lexapro. I read on the internet that the Topomax is primarily an anti-seizure medication that also helps migraines. I am reluctant to begin taking it, because of the side effects I read.

I spoke to the nurse about my indecision, and she indicated that the low dose might not cause the side effects. I am mostly concerned about the possibility of hair loss, weight loss and memory loss.

Can anyone offer discussion on this with me?

willo1980 · 05-25-2007, 10:01 PM

Hi,

I am a migraine sufferer and was on Topamax for over a year. I started out taking 75 mg a day, though, not 5. I have basilar migraines though, so that may be why my dose was higher. Eventually, during the year, I ended up with my dosage maxing out at 150 mg daily. Now, I didn't noticed hair loss until I got to 100 mg. And the subtle cognitive s/e's and foot tingling didn't happen until I reached 125. Now at 150 I began having severe cognitive problems and had to be taken off.

Topamax is a drug that you'll either love or hate. It worked for me, and while it was working for me, I could've been a walking billboard for the drug. It took my migraines from 12 or more a month to virtually within months. Now, my cousin has simple migraines and he tried it, too. It didn't do anything for his migraines and he had to get off it after 3 months because of kidney stones. I believe he had been on 50 mg a day. It all depends on how your body metabolizes the drug.

At 5 mg (which I didn't know it came that low!) I doubt you would get s/e. Perhaps he wants you to try it that low to see how your react to it. If you decide to try it, be catious, it turns the taste of soda's and any carbonated beverages into nasty flat sludge. I dropped 30 pounds in a year because I couldn't drink soda anymore!

AllysHeart · 05-26-2007, 10:17 AM

Willo,

My prescription is 25 mg. I made a mistake. My Lexapro is 5 mg. I'm still reluctant to take it. I had it since March, I think. I have a checkup in June, and will take up the issue again with my neurologist.

My headaches are not really so much of an issue anymore. The worst went away with the Frova. I've been taking Advil. The Topomax just scares me, for some reason.

I have a prescription for Amerge, but have not taken any of them yet, either. I'm glad to have it, if its ever needed.

Thank you for posting your response and giving me some insight on the Topomax.