What is Migraine Headaches
Migraine is a neurological disease, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on o...
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Topamax and Side Effects
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I know there are a lot of discussions on topamax already, but i'm new to migraines (just diagnosed recently and i was having them daily almost 24 hours a day for the last month and a half) and the amount of info in the discussions is a little overwhelming. i've been taking topamax for about five days now and i've had almost no trace of headaches, but i feel dizzy most of the time and it gets worse as the day goes on, i am feeling a little spacy at times (which is bad as i'm in grad school), and i am having very noticeable balance issues. i also notice my mood gets worse as the day goes on and i feel very down. are these side effects worth putting up with or do i have other options? or maybe the side effects get better as i build up the medicine to a therapeutic level? my neurologist tells me the other drugs in this class have worse side effects than this, and that if i don't like the topamax, i would have to consider maybe stopping medications i already take, including zoloft, which i take for anxiety, and birth control, neither of which I would like to stop taking. any suggestions or comments would be appreciated as i don't know anyone else with this problem! thanks!
Posted on 01/25/09, 11:01 pm |
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I'm on Topamax, taking 350mg, and still going up; I increase this Tuesday to 400mg. I am finally getting to a level that is preventing the Migraines, and Yes, I have had every side effect!! (Weight loss being my favorite).
I'm an elementary school teacher and there's nothing worse than being spacey, forgetful, and not being able to finish my sentences in front of the children. The worst day was doing that in front of the Principal during a surprise review. But, that's life with Mr. Migraine. Most people would not stick it out the way I do, but I'm known for my preserverence (aka: stubborness). You have to decide for yourself if it's "worth it" . Now, the good news: a lot of the side effects go away when you stay at the same dosage. I did stop taking birth control pills, though. Good Luck to you! 
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I just saw my doctor last night and she upped my Topamax from 50 mg. a day to 75 mg. a day for one week and then I'm supposed to go up to 100 mg. a day. She wants to see me back in 6 weeks. I haven't really had too many side effects except a little tingling in my hands and toes (I'm trying to drink a lot more water) and, in my opinion a good side effect, eating less/less appetite. I'm a little nervous about upping the dosage because of all the nasty side effects I've read about but am kind of excited to see if it helps lessen the frequency of migraines. I stopped taking birth control too. Wish me luck!
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Hello, I noticed that you take Topamax and birth control pills. My daughter's neurologist told us that Topamax will make birth control pills ineffective. He had to change her from Topamax to Amitriptyline HCL when she started taking birth control pills. You might want to check into this if you do not accidentally want to get pregnant.
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I tried the Topamax, but I could not tolerate it. The first day I took it, I could not remember driving to work. I could not concentrate at all. The things I read about it said it could take several weeks to get used to it and the side effects would gradually go away, but I have to work and I have a family to take care of. I decided to get off it.
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I have taken Topomax for close to 4 years now and have no side effects. I also take Lexapro. However, do not like zoloft and donot have to take a bc pill. Migraines are caused by hormones so Reply # 1 is correct they can be caused by your pills. I take my pills every night at the same time. What ever you do, I am sure your are consistant with your timing. Give it some time, if you can not handle the side effects or if they are too extreme go to your doctor there is a new medication out - maybe he can try you on that one.
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I have been on Topamax for 2 years now and I take 400 mgs daily I notice some speech trouble at times some memory issues and some problems with spelling but it control my seizures really well as for the headaches it does nothing for them so right now I'm trying to find something that does.
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