Hello again--

I went to the neuro yesterday and while MS is a possibility, she hasn't officially diagnosed me. I am, however, now on Topamax for the tremor and sort of the migraines.

Does anyone else have experience with this drug? One of the side effects she mentioned was an increase in tingling and numbness, which might drive me even more insane than I already am. I'm nervous about that.

I'm just a little freaked out since I want a diganosis.

Thanks for the help--

PS--the itching and zappiness seem to have decreased a bit, but benedryl is a lifesaver at night, as is my boyfriend. He helps me not scratch until I bleed.

Hi Wings, Even though you haven't yet met all of the criteria
for a MS DX, I'm happy that your Neuro is testing you and
treating your symptoms. It shows the he/she is validating
your illness and not making you think you're crazy, as
some do.

I don't have any experience with Topamax. I know others in the MS forum have used Topamax. You can also post a question in the headache forum.

I'm glad your dr. is being proactive and testing you to rule out MS. Also, sounds like you have an awesome BF who is supportive.

I hope you don't mind me posting here--I haven't been diagnosed with MS, but my symptoms are most like it.

Anyway--

For the itching-is it potentially all the time? (or most of it) Is there anything I can use besides benedryl? It's exhausting.

And the tremor-is it mostly an intention tremor? Or something else?

Thanks for the help. I might not know what's wrong with me, but I find this reassuring.

Benadryl or topical ointments rarely help with itching caused by MS. Itching caused by MS is Neuropathic and is treated differently than other types of itching.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/abo...ing/index.aspx

http://ms.about.com/od/signssymptoms...-Sclerosis.htm

I suppose I should clarify - I take benedryl and it doesn't totally clear it up, but it does lessen the itch.

However, it's good to know ( and also bad to know) that it wouldn't help with a neurological itch that would come with MS.

I just wish I knew what was wrong, you know? But I seriously seriously seriously cannot tell all of you how much I appreciate the feedback. Makes me feel less crazy with all my symptoms and whatnot.

I know

We all know and understand ((((Wings)))).

snoop is right. MS itching is a sensory symptom and might be helped with medication. i'd ask your dr. someone else just posted about itching too.

Hello

I can't answer the question about the itching, but I am taking Topamax - mostly for nerve pain, and also to help me with getting scrambled neural messages to go to the right places (especially in my legs which like to shake and give out, causing me to fall).

Yes, I do get some tingling especially in my face, and some on my left side. It doesn't really bother me too much though, and has pretty much disappeared after I had been taking the drug for a few months. It still happens occasionally, but not badly. One thing I did notice was a reduction in my appetite, and I lost about 15 lbs without trying or feeling like I had missed anything (there should be more meds like that I say ). I think that has plateaued though - but I haven't regained the weight. I am on a very low dose.

Regards