Topamax Question

LesLy · 03-14-2005, 11:36 PM

Hello,

I'm 23 yrs old, and I hav'd headaches since I was 8 or 9 yrs old. I had never been professionally treated for them, until I decided to go to the doctor, since i have no money I had to go through my PCP, she first prescribed a beta-blocker, that at first worked, then it didn't, I still take it because it helps me with my blood pressure (which was just a little bit above normal)

Finally this last year she order a CT scan, it came back normal, but with that they gave me the referall to the nuerologist, I went to see it last week on Thursday. (very unhelpful by the way) he was nice and everything but I just didnt feel confortable (maybe its just me)

He prescribed Topamax....25mg a day for a week and then I have to increase it every week until finally I reach 200mg (50mg in the AM and 50mg in the PM)
Right now its been 5 days, I can't drink coke, the first two days I felt very naseous (sp?) and the second day taking it I had the most horrible head ache ever, I took Imitrex (which he also prescribed) and it didnt help at all. The next day I felt kind of better... and I have had very mild headaches this days.

You guys taking Topamax for migraines or who have taken it, what were the side effects? if any?? and did they go away? or how soon did they start??

I would really appreciate any responses.

LesLy

JSaloisSr · 03-15-2005, 05:00 PM

Hi, sorry you are having headaches like the rest of us. I can't answer your Topomax question but i will watch it with you. I started taking it today and have yet to experience any side effects. If I do I will share them with you. I hope you find a solution. Have you told your doctor about the side effects? Also do you take anything else that may interfere with it?

LesLy · 03-15-2005, 05:41 PM

Hello JSaloisSr.

Well.. looks like we're in this together hahaha or so to speak (or write)... Anyways... No, I'll schedule a dc appt for next week probably (with my PCP, I guess I could call the Neurologist also, but feel less confortable with him).
I do take Propanolol for high blood pressure, he said it was ok to take it with Topamax. and he also prescribed Imitrex tablets.

I think the bad taste with carbonated drinks is just a normal side effect, I'vebeen drinking lots of water (so I guess thats good)

Thank you for replying. Keep in touch please!

Lesly

dianne12315 · 03-15-2005, 06:30 PM

Hi,

I have taken Topamax in the past for my migraine headaches and it didn't help me. I was on 100mg a day. The only side effects I noticed was that my food tasted different and I had trouble remembering things. I knew the word I wanted to use but I couldn't think of it. I found this drug to be very frustrating and the dr finally took me off it.

I can't take Imitrex or anything because I have uncontrolled high blood pressure but I also tried Depakote and Depakote ER (extended release). I couldn't take that either because it made my nose bleed.

I also tried the beta blockers for migraines but had to stop them too because they made me short of breath, tired and depressed. If you feel yourselves beginning to get exceptionally tired and have no interest in anything anymore please tell the doctor. Topamax is considered a safe drug but it can have side effects just like any other drug. You should do a search through yahoo and find out all you can about any medication the dr gives you to take.

Dianne

LesLy · 03-16-2005, 04:29 AM

Hi Dianne

Thank you for posting,
I've been researching alot about this medication and Imitrex also. As of today I've been feeling better, I've had HA but not intense ones, just a few light ones...

I've read alot about this you say, that you kind of forget things, or words, that scares me!! But, I'll give it a try anyways and see what happens.

Thank you very much for posting!!

Lesly