Any Positive thoughts on Topamax?

Hi, I started about a year ago for mostly hormonal migraines, but they were starting to "branch" out. I've also had "regular" headaches most my life. I keep Excedrin Migraine in business I started out on 25mg and very gradually worked up to 150mg. The most annoying side effects included issues with word recall and trying to formulate my thoughts. This was a bit of a problem in the spring, as I teach online and that was a looonnngg semester to say the least. However, I did adjust. I also stopped dreaming, or don't remember them at any rate, and I used to dream in vivid detail. It does earn it's nickname, Dopamax. But, yes, it was worth it. The side effects have definitely faded (though still apparent) and though I still have some headaches they are nowhere near the intensity or frequency they were at before I started the medication. 

Hope that helps some. If there's anything I could recommend, it would be to go slow and be patient

I visited the National Migraine Clinic in London best thing I ever did they also have a Web site take a look

Hi Emma

I was on topiramate 2 years ago and have written about my experiences on here many times.  DO NOT use it, it is lethal and in my case if I'd continued it could have killed me.  The side effects can be debilitating and many people on here have had bad experiences.

I believe in the USA it has already been banned or is in the process of being banned.

I wouldn't bother if I was you, but you must do more research and read up on other people's experiences.

Good Luck

Hi Emma

I started taking Topiramate three weeks ago - 25mg at night - for migraines which were becoming significantly worse in frequency and intensity (twice a week, completely wiped out for 2-3 days at a time each, what a waste of a life).  For the first couple of weeks there were quite a few side effects (tingling in hands, word blindness, tiredness ++, apathy, spatial disturbance, lack of appetite) but these have reduced almost to nothing this week as my body has got used to it.  I'm a writer so the word blindness was a bit of a problem!  Migraines are much much less and the use of Sumitriptan as soon as the headache part starts means that they've not really been a problem at all for three weeks which has been wonderful.  I'll carry on taking the Topiramate unless the side effects increase again.  A lot of people really hate Topiramate but it really does depend on how the individual responds.

Hope this helps and good luck with finding a preventative or cure for your migraines.

I was prescribe Topamax in January 2006. Prior to that I was suffering 2 or 3 migraines weekly. Topamax reduces that number to two in all of 2006! I was taking 25mgs twice daily. Side effects are as described above re: loss of words. (Difficult during a job interview).

In the 10 years since migraines began returning a year or two ago with greater frequency. 2 or 3 per month. I increased the dosage to 50 mgs a.m. and at bedtime. It felt like my brain was in mud. Concentrating was very difficult so my doctor adjusted the dosage to spread it out over the day (including splitting pills in half). Now it's been about once a month (at or near a full moon!). Searching for words still a problem, but better than headaches. Good luck.

I have taken a lot of different migraine medications . This does help limit my migraines. The side effects are strange but tolerable. I did lose weight which is a bonus. Soda tastes terrible, but honestly I don't need to drink it so I don't. I feel weird aches or pains that last for around two weeks and then they go away. I am convinced they are all side effects. It might be my hip for two weeks and just as I am thinking maybe I should go see my doctor, it goes away. This week it is my jaw. It also seems like I can't always recall things as easily as I used to. I have suffered from migraines for about 18 years and with topamax it has cut the number of days in half and I take a Relpax and it usually goes away. Good luck.

I am replying to this thread, hoping that someone will respond quickly. I have only taken topirimate for two nights now (50 mg per night). The first night, it knocked me out and made me exhausted and stupid the next day. Last night, I had near seizures all night and didn't fall asleep until almost 4am and feel twitchy and horrible now. I am also on Concerta for ADD. I used to be on Topamax and was able to adjust o it fine, but after having a seizure a couple of years ago, I'm afraid I may be more prone to it affecting me differently. Will I be okay if I stop taking it immediately? Please help...

I was given Topamax for severe chronic migraines absolutely nothing would help it only Topamax stopped them but the negative effect it stopped my monthly and I just recently stopped it's been 14 months since I started I stopped 4 days ago it's worth a try I guess if you don't mind in regular or the possible of no ministral everybody is different though

it's difficult for me to say Emma as I am past the age of periods

Sorry

Over the years it became worse and over-the counter medication did not do it anymore.

8 month ago I went to a neurologist and got Topiramate 100mg (take before sleep). I had almost no migraine since, except when I am ill for other reasons (allergy, cold...) then I take additional Sumatriptan.

In the beginning there were some pins and needles but this went away.

The biggest problem however is subtle and many people may do not notice it. I suspect that Topiramate causes lack of comprehension. I am an engineer and understanding complicated things is my life.

The last 8 month I have become  ...stupid ... The only way for me to tell, is looking at the results of my work. I cannot get anything done. I have not finished any work in 8 month. I must get off this drug, but I do not want to live with the head-aches again. What to do?  Retire? and accept the fact that my life is over?

Lately I have reduced the dose to 50mg and it seem to work. I know from years of experience with migraine that I sometimes can manage my illness. I am willing to do some compromises.