Spine95: Regarding Topomax - I tried several different drugs for my nerve pain with great results, but horrible side affects. The nerve blocks and such did not have good long term results for me. Topomax was a life saver for me. Short term side effect was a little "messy head" for about a month, and a "lot" of weight loss until I got on the right dose... but, I needed some weight loss because of the weight gain I incurred from the Pshychoit drugs they put me on before they actually put me on the drugs that actually handled my pain. In fact I am a size 6-8 female normally, but when I got into my accident, they tried to put me on these anti-psychochoit (sp) drugs for the pain that did NO good!! and I gained 60 pounds in 60 days. I thought it was "water weight". When I told the doctor it wasn't working and I wanted to get off the drug and asked if I would lose the weight she told me, "No, your appetite actually increased and you actually gained that weight... it's not water"..... It took me several years after that before I got on topomax to finally relieve my "NERVE" pain... I was on several other pain medications for the other injuries, but I couldn't get the nerve pain under control. I was at 180 pounds, but before the accident and before the anti-Pshyshochit drug I was at 130 pounds. Once I got on the topomax, I dropped down to 120 pounds in about 60 days. So be very careful. My doctor progressively increased my dosage because of the "weireness" side affects and my body's side affects... and, I was enjoying the weight loss. But, if you can't tolorate the weight loss, you really need to be careful. But, the "weirdness" is temporary. By weirdness I mean severe moodswings, lack of concentration..... etc.. Good Luck