I have been prescribed topamax for my migraines. I asked the dr and pharmacists both how this is supposed to help migraines but dont really understand thier explaination.What it the mechanism that helps?Also I have been told to take this at bedtime so for anyone using this are there lingering side effects in the morning as well? thanks:eek:
Is Topamax effective for migraines?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by SOMEWHAT_...
- Topics:
- topamax, migraine
Details:
Answers (3)
I was a chronic migraine sufferer! I have been on Topamax for 2yrs now and have been migraine free! That is why I joined this board-today...my concern is that I will have to be on the medication for the rest of my life! I swear by this medicine. My migraines were horrible!! Topamax has kept me migraine free now! I take it twice a day..morning and night. I do notice weight loss with it though. Small price to pay for relief.
I regret to say that Topomax is useless. I have found that for me so far the only thing that I have found is Imitrex Stat with Amerge. I know that I am committing grievous error in reporting this to the group but I have had migraine so bad that I have taken two needles; then the darkened room, cool, and without sound. Some of these episodes have been known to go on for 3-4 days. My Doc is aware.
I am NOT a medical professional. The way I understand it is Topamax is a seizure med and it calms the blood vessel activity in my brain. My migraines are most likely caused by a combination of blood vessels that get too much stimulation and an anuerysm that was recently discovered. Which Topamax helps with as well. I take a pretty large dose and like you, I take full dose at night. My only bothersome side effects are numbness/tingling in feet and hands and loss of energy in the evening. I can live with the tingling. But recently let the nuerologist know that the energy level was too much to bear and he replaced part of the Topamax with a Calcium Channel Blocker. I am still in the tranisition process, but so far I am regaining some energy and not seeing an increase in headache frequency. So I am pleased. Topamax has been a successful drug treatment for my headaches. I have taken it for over 2 years and seen a dramatic decrease in my headaches from 2 a week to less than 2 a month.
Best Wishes to you.
Wow! I had a headache the other day that wouldn't go away for 21 hours without Chlorpromazine an anti-psychotic drug given to me at ER. Have you ever heard of this as a form of treatment?? I am so sorry for you to have experienced these type of headaches 2 times a week. Life cannot go on like that, you would have no quality left. I experienced a vague/mild headache for 5 days afterwards. And told they don't think it was a migraine, how do they know for certain, as this was the first time I'd experienced this?. I don't think they treated me properly when presenting to ER, I'm confused why they chose this approach. Do you know anything about this medicine being used?
Thanks Heidihoe