[Catch]

I've been taking topamax for about 2 years due to severe and frequent migraines. It has helped quite a bit, hasn't stopped them, but they are limited to three a month, and generally not as severe.

Problem? They just released generic topamax (topamirlate). Not only does the generic NOT work, it was giving me migraines. For the five days I took the generic I had a migraine every day. I stopped taking it, and my headaches are back to where they were before I even started topamax.

Anyone else taking topamax notice an increase in headaches when you got switched to the generic when you refilled your rx?

[Jaspar]

Originally Posted by Catch

I've been taking topamax for about 2 years due to severe and frequent migraines. It has helped quite a bit, hasn't stopped them, but they are limited to three a month, and generally not as severe.

Problem? They just released generic topamax (topamirlate). Not only does the generic NOT work, it was giving me migraines. For the five days I took the generic I had a migraine every day. I stopped taking it, and my headaches are back to where they were before I even started topamax.

Anyone else taking topamax notice an increase in headaches when you got switched to the generic when you refilled your rx?

Antiseizure medications are notorious for causing problems when switching to generics. We must consider a medication change exactly that - a CHANGE. Like switching entirely.

Our family must pay a lot of money out-of-pocket because of medications coming out in generic form. Then the insurance insists that generic be bought and they won't pay for name-brand. Yet some of the generics do not work for the patient. So we must make up the difference in co-pays.

This has bitten us in the butt numerous times because sometimes the switch goes well, and sometimes the switch is disastrous. It can result in death depending on the problem that arises. It is a shame to be forced to a change when something has worked for years.

It is not just the antiseizure medications.

Jaspar

[Vowel Lady]

There certainly is more than one generic. Perhaps your doc or pharmacist knows of ones that are less likely to cause issues. They should be the same, but it seems it could be an issue for you. I would make an inquiry. Perhaps you can go to a different pharmacist or ask your pharmacist about making a change next go around. It's possible your doc has some old samples to help you out at least a little while you do this experimentation. The only other thing I can think of is to ask your doc if you might add a small dosage of something else to your Topamax dosage (like Elavil, etc.).

[Peter B]

I wonder if it is the fillers used that is causing the problem?
I understand that generics carry the same active drug, but use different (cheaper?) fillers.
My daughter insists on the originals only, as she says that these are the ones that have been tested.
I asked my chemist if that was true, and he said that they have all been tested, but I have my doubts.
Get the original formulation if you can to avoid a reaction to different ingredients.
You may be one of the super-senstive ones, like my daughter.
She will start with a tiny dose of anything new, never the recommended dosage. She builds up gradually until she finds her limit.

[MdotDdot]

this is common with generics. topamax dose being too low sometimes is the cause for ineffectiveness. some people take 600-800 mg/day!! although 100-200 mg a day is sufficient for 75% of people out there. probably better to switch to another med if stopping topamax did not change your headaches any. multiple options out there!!

[fattoush]

Originally Posted by MdotDdot

this is common with generics. topamax dose being too low sometimes is the cause for ineffectiveness. some people take 600-800 mg/day!! although 100-200 mg a day is sufficient for 75% of people out there. probably better to switch to another med if stopping topamax did not change your headaches any. multiple options out there!!

Multiple options I don't know. Topamax is a miracle drug for migraine. Can't the doctor insist on "brand name" in the prescription? But I guess then you pay a huge difference now that there's generic...

I'd appreciate it if you guys posted comments on my question on Topamax and migraine. Topamax unfortunately makes me very depressed quite fast, even suicidal at 100.
I'm new. I'll be filling out my profile.

Thanks.

[rosejack41]

hi,

I also tried the generic topamax and it did not work at all. My headaches came right back. I went right back on Topamax. To bad I need to pay the higher amount for Topamax.

[smile357]

yes we switched my daughter to name brand Topomax and it has gotten better. It is much more expensive but worth it because less side effects. I am finding I don't think generic are the same as name brand. They don't seem to work as well. The price was 60.00 for 30 pills compared to $10 for I think 60 or 90 pills.

[lisaa123]

If it is not broken do not fix it. If it is working for you, stay with it. Migraines are too hard to get rid of once you get one. I would go back to the name brand. I wouldn't dare switch even for the savings.

[Mz Migraine]

Originally Posted by lisaa123

If it is not broken do not fix it.

Excellent advice.

Since you are weaned on & off Topamax, it would seem to me that you should also be weaned onto the generic form.