As most of you know, after 8 years of remission I have RSD again, but now in my left arm. The neuro started me on topamax, which I've never taken before. I've done 1 week of a 25 mg tab in the morning and a 25 mg tab in the evening. I'm supposed to do that for 2 weeks, and then increase it to 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the evening. I've noticed a tiny, tiny bit of a difference in my pain levels, but that might just be wishful thinking.

For people who have taken topamax before, how helpful is it? Does it really reduce your pain levels and help you regain function? My burning pain is constant at varying levels, but is mostly manageable. However my movement is very poor. I have stabbing and aching pains in the upper arm and shoulder that prevent motion and the whole shoulder area is stiff. My arm is pretty much just for show. I can type, because my hand is unaffected, but I can't lift anything or hold anything. I can't raise my arm to brush or wash my hair. I can't reach with it. I can't drive and I can't work.

I'm off of work for two months and I'm really hoping to return. I reached remission once, and I'm crossing my fingers I can get there again. I tried neurontin before, but it didn't seem to do much for me. Do I have a chance with topamax?

Are there better treatments I might have a chance with again?

Should I go straight for the nerve blocks, since they did the trick before?