i have just had my dose of topiramate increased to 25mg twice a day for horrid migraines. I have today come on my period 4 days late ( not normal) and am basically unable to move I am in agony, I have read online there can be a connection with taking topiramate, I have never expereiened this whilst taking the liwer dose. Has anyone else? Thanks in advance.
I have just had my dose of topiramate increased to 25mg twice a day for horrid migraines?
Question posted by pennpott on 10 Jan 2013
Last updated on 12 January 2013
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4 Answers
jamie222411
12 Jan 2013
I have severe dibilitating migraines, I truely feel your pain and agony. I don't know of the drug your referencing, but have a quick line about the butibital. I took it regularly, ( more than 8 yrs.) I love,loved it. Worked wonderful combined with a narcotic for severe migraines. The only drawbacks are it can kill you if you take it every day for yrs. and decide to quit. Second, I found it caused. A lot of rebound migraines, even worse than before. I do not take it anymore even though it truely helped. But the rebound migraines weren't worth it.
sara12345
13 Jan 2013
My doctor didn't tell me either that taking the Butalbital more than 2 times a week can cause rebound migraines. If you keep to that amount, you should be able to take it. I've successfully taken it for many years except that one summer when I took it too often. What a nightmare that was. I had to fire that doctor for a number of reasons. What a quack. And taking too much acetominophen which usually comes with it can damage the liver.
Tee6759
11 Jan 2013
I used to take 400mg per day of Topiramate. This is the generic form of Topamax. It worked wonders for preventing my chronic headaches and migraines. True, its primary use is in preventing seizures. But it was found to be very effective in migraine prevention. You are taking a very low dose right now. This can be titrated up by your doctor based on your individual response to the medication. The ONLY reason I had to stop taking it is I lost my insurance. I couldnt afford the $200.00 per script. I miss taking it because it really did help. My headaches have come back with a vengeance.
I hope this info has helped. I wish you luck!
Seeking peace,
Tee
Inactive
11 Jan 2013
Good answer too. will get in touch with you soon. Love, ruthie
sara12345
11 Jan 2013
Oh, I wasn't aware that Topiramate was the generic form of Topomax. Was the generic really $200 per script? That doesn't sound right. Did you try another pharmacy to compare prices. That amount is outrageous for a generic. So sorry to hear that your headaches have come back with a vengence. Try the manufacturer for some help with providing the pills to you for far less. Or call the social services dept at your county. Maybe I went through this with you before. I remember telling someone on this site the same thing. Why doesn't our government make sure that everyone in pain has medication before spending so much on our needless wars. Makes me so angry. I wish YOU the luck. I can't stand my migraines which do still grab me for days at a time. Otherwise they are 24/7 at a milder level.
cupcake7667
11 Jan 2013
I'm not sure of that medication but I get horrid migraines associated with my cycle (I think you said you had your period), is that the only times you get migraines? I do get then from neck tension as well. They knock me out. I'm down for a day: complete darkness, no sounds or movement. I was prescribed Butalbital Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine, which is a barbitrurate sedative mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and caffeine. This non-narcotic pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, and migraine.
The usual dosage is one to two tablets every 4-6 hours, but should be taken as
directed by your physician. Total daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets. Extended and repeated use of this product is not recommended because of rebound headaches. It doesn't say for migraines but I take 2 right when it comes on, fall asleep and wake up 80% better. But, again if you take it a few times a week you will get rebound headaches. They're s different names for this combo, one common name is Fioricet. Mine get so bad I often throw up so maybe talk to your doctor about this medication if your's isn't working. I'm sorry honey!!!
Inactive
11 Jan 2013
Great answer. Didn't get that email. Have a great night. ruthie
sara12345
11 Jan 2013
YES, any change in estrogen levels can cause severe migraines. So the period being 4 days late could have meant a bigger change in the estrogen. I used to get migraines associated with my cycle and yes, the trick was to take the Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine right away. It always worked so that I could always go to work doing training all day. Mind you, I still had a headache, but it was manageable. Now having migraines from a major stroke, the same medication often does not work.
sara12345
11 Jan 2013
You said that you are taking it to treat migraines. NIH lists it as an anti-seizure medication. Perhaps you should try one of the more common daily preventative migraine medications such as Topamax. Or have you already and your doctor is giving it to you off-label? If none of the meds have helped you, then you most likely be helped by Botox. I have no experience with it, but Drugs.com lists the following as possible side effects: "Genitourinary side effects in the female frequently have included intermenstrual bleeding, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, vaginitis, and amenorrhea." Hope that your migraine gets better.
Related topics
Further information
- Topiramate uses and safety info
- Topiramate prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Topiramate (detailed)
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