i take 200 mg a day for migraines and seizures. i have suicidal thoughts but im on an anti-depressant and anti-psychotic as i also have schizoaffective disorder.

its hard because i dont know if i am ever thinking something real...if its just a side effect of some drug...or an actual real feeling.

If I recall correctly I was taking 175 mg for headaches, and it wasn't helping at all. I started at 25 mg, and worked up to the dose I was taking, maybe even 200, I can't remeber now. I changed neuro's and after evaluating me, he decided the Topamax was not helping me at all, am I was weaned off it. No change without it, no bad symptoms on it or off it...although, I have symptoms and many other ailments, so who knows which symptom belonged to which issue! I never lost weight on it either.

I had better migraine results at 100 mgs. but could NOT tolerate the side effects, which really upset me.
I lowered the dosage to 50 mgs. and learned to accept a certain number of migraines. At 25 mgs, which I have tried repeatedly, I get toooo many migraines and found that to be unacceptable.
Drinking lots of water and moderate exercise helps me overall.
Another thing that helps me with the cognitive dulling and mild depression (side effects) is a natural product abbreviated as "PS." YOu can get this at the health food store. Also check at www.iherb.com. It is well known for helping w/ memory loss and somewhat known for helping w/ mild depression. Double check w/ a holistic practitioner and/or your physician.

Topamax works, and by works, I mean reduce migraine frequency and intensity by at least 50% roughly 1 month after being on a treatment dose. And it works in about 60% of patients who try it. This is the best of all prophylactic meds out there (BB, TCA, etc.). Unfortunately, 20% get side effects bad enough to not continue on the med.
It usually starts working at 100 mg daily. Increasing it from 25 mg every week until that dose has often been recommended to prevent major side effects from developing. But, some people get side effects regardless.
Patients who take it for seizures and migraines should be on at least 200-400 mg daily.
Some supplements are worth trying to help with the migranes. magnesium chloride is the best studied one (may help 50% of the time). Other herbs and supplement may be worth trying..as long as they don't break the bank and taken in moderation.
There are plenty of prophylactics out there, so if side effects are a problem, it is worth talking to your doctor about a different med. Of course, never hesitate to bring this up to your doctor.

MdotDdot.......that is interesting about magnesium chloride. I will look into that. My headache specialist has me on MAGNESIUM OXIDE and it works well for me. Thanks 4 sharing...........it is always good to know what works for other people!