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-   -   Topamax (https://www.neurotalk.org/headache/188314-topamax.html)

wingsscrub 05-10-2013 07:00 PM

Topamax
 
Has anyone had experience with Topamax? I'm on it mostly for a tremor, but I also have migraines (as well as a slew of other symptoms).

I'm just curious about other people's side effects so I might know what to expect.

Thanks--

Nanc 05-10-2013 07:38 PM

I used Topamax for years without any adverse side effects. It helped me so much! It greatly cut down on the frequency of my migraines. I was on a high dose of it for many years and I ended up coming off of it recently because it no longer helped me :(

Most people get tingling hands and/or feet for the first couple of weeks when they start taking it. My Neurologist told me to eat a kiwi a day during that time and it would stop. It was the extra potassium and amazingly it worked!! It can also cause nausea, but that goes away. It helps to start on a very low dose and gradually increase it. Some complain about it making them feel dopey, calling it dopamax...I luckily didn't have that problem :)

Nanc

wingsscrub 05-10-2013 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanc (Post 982515)
I used Topamax for years without any adverse side effects. It helped me so much! It greatly cut down on the frequency of my migraines. I was on a high dose of it for many years and I ended up coming off of it recently because it no longer helped me :(

Most people get tingling hands and/or feet for the first couple of weeks when they start taking it. My Neurologist told me to eat a kiwi a day during that time and it would stop. It was the extra potassium and amazingly it worked!! It can also cause nausea, but that goes away. It helps to start on a very low dose and gradually increase it. Some complain about it making them feel dopey, calling it dopamax...I luckily didn't have that problem :)

Nanc

I tend to be very sensitive to meds-I literally started last night on a low dose. This med is more for my tremor than the migraines (but is a welcome bonus). I have some tingling already, so I hope I don't have more! :)

Thanks for the kiwi advice-I'll have to try that out for sure. I love kiwi so it won't be hard.

Nanc 05-10-2013 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingsscrub (Post 982518)
I tend to be very sensitive to meds-I literally started last night on a low dose. This med is more for my tremor than the migraines (but is a welcome bonus). I have some tingling already, so I hope I don't have more! :)

Thanks for the kiwi advice-I'll have to try that out for sure. I love kiwi so it won't be hard.

I am surprised that I didn't have issues with it because I seem to be allergic to everything and have so many problems with meds, it's crazy! It tends to curb your appetite at the beginning too, unfortunately that part didn't last long for me :)

The kiwi thing is wild, when I missed a day I tingled! I love kiwi too so it was easy to add it in!

I hope it helps you!!

wingsscrub 05-11-2013 09:21 PM

I bought a bunch of kiwi today figuring it can't hurt either way. Of course now I've got increased tingling in my fingers.

I'll let you know how it works out!

Nanc 05-11-2013 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingsscrub (Post 982772)
I bought a bunch of kiwi today figuring it can't hurt either way. Of course now I've got increased tingling in my fingers.

I'll let you know how it works out!

Hope it helps. Keep me posted!!!

wingsscrub 05-15-2013 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanc (Post 982781)
Hope it helps. Keep me posted!!!

Did you still have headaches while on the med? Not migraines persay, but smaller headaches? I am and it's super annoying...

Nanc 05-15-2013 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingsscrub (Post 983763)
Did you still have headaches while on the med? Not migraines persay, but smaller headaches? I am and it's super annoying...

Yes, I did, but I have what I call daily baseline headaches...meaning I have a headache every single day and have since I was a kid. I cannot remember a day without one. It's that annoying headache that is always there. With Topamax, I didn't have as many bad headaches or migraines. Unfortunately, it didn't do anything for my daily headaches. Sorry I am not much help with that, I am not sure if those smaller headaches are normal with Topamax.

wingsscrub 05-15-2013 03:30 PM

I appreciate the help. The kiwi is definitely helpful!

The headaches are annoying. I'm not sure I'm a fan of this drug. Since it's prescribed more for my tremor than migraines, we'll see how it goes. I have no probs coming back off it.

Nanc 05-15-2013 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingsscrub (Post 983789)
I appreciate the help. The kiwi is definitely helpful!

The headaches are annoying. I'm not sure I'm a fan of this drug. Since it's prescribed more for my tremor than migraines, we'll see how it goes. I have no probs coming back off it.

Hey! I know those headaches have to be annoying for you, sorry you are experiencing them. If it doesn't work out, at least you tried!

Good luck!! :hug:


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