I have been taking Topamax for migraines and recently underwent a colonoscopy which I have had twice before, this one was very painful and the nurse told me that topamax increases my tolerence to pain medication effectiveness does anyone know if that is accurate? I am now concerned about other proceedures I have to have done and pain meds not working. Thanks. M.

I'm far, far from an expert but I've been taking Topamax since it was released and I've never heard or read that or anything like it.

And I've been through two surgeries and was not told anything like that.

It is widely prescribed for epilepsy seizures (that's why I take it) so maybe you'd like to ask this in the Epilepsy forum too.
Best wishes.

I have never heard of anything like that either. Didnt the Dr. put you to sleep while having the colonoscopy. It wasnt the Topamax

I actually spoke with my rheumotologist today who told me that topamax makes the pain meds metabolize faster and that the Dr. should have compensated for that. He was the one who had referred me for the test. He said his son is on topamax for seizure disorder and they compensate his son's meds when he has a proceedure. M.

what do you mean compenste?

I have been on this drug for 5 years...and finally I have had the common sense to come off...always feared I would put weight on....when I came of..not worth all the other diasters that have happened to my body.

As far as pain meds, I do not know if this is related..however I can not take any PAIN medication while I am on this drug...I get severely ill. Stomache cramps to the point where it is like labour. These are any prescription meds, codine or no codine. I have had surgery, and was treated interveiously, with a pain medication, demeral but since then nothing orally.

I have been on Topamax on and off for about 4 years, so that would have made it 2002 when I started the Rx. I went from 100mg twice a day from my Primary Care Doctor to 200mg twice a day by my pain doctor about a year ago. I have been on pain meds since 2001 and have not noticed an issue with them being less effective while on Topamax. I started on Percocet and took a dose all the way up to 10/325mg tablets. Then I was given Dauldid 4mg twice a day. Then to the Duragesic Patch 50mcg with Percocet for breakthrough pain. At which time my Topamax was doubled for nerve pain. Then to Duragesic with Dauldid. Then Duragesic was changed to 75mcg and Oxycodone (pure) for breakthrough. And now back to the Dauldid for breakthrough pain. I have not noticed the Topamax has effected my relief. Maybe it has something to do with the dose you are on before there are any effects. The only side effect I have is that soft drinks taste like dirt. I wish the best of luck!

I have been on Topamax for the last several years for migraines. It's been helpful. I haven't noticed it influencing how pain medication works, which I have taken both for my migraines and for other issues. However, as a side note, I have found Topamax to be a very difficult medication...the side effects are very debilitating.

I am on topamax for migraines, and have had to take pain meds for both a dislocated elbow. And a concussion. ANd had no problems either time with
the amount taken.

Donna

I've been on Topomax for at least 8 years or so,and I've also been on heavy Pain Medication for about 10-12 years! And I think what they said about the Topamax increasing your tolerance was a MYTH! I have noticed no difference in my tolerance mixed with the Topamax when I was started on it.But I did notice that once I started Topamax,I started losing weight like there's no tomorrow.But I also started losing my short term memory after awhile with the Topamax also, big time! But I still take it,because I'm loving the weight loss! But it doesn't effect my morphine,and valium in any way.I also had a procedure done with the GI department,it was an upper GI,but they didn't mention anything about the Topamax,and the pain Meds reacting in anyway! I'm sorry they put you through that,I can only imagine what you had to endure!