Comparing Emgality vs Topiramate

For Migraine Prevention: Started Emgality November 2019 after daily headaches, migraines two a week approximately and occasional thunderclap headaches. Worked great at first by late December headaches cut to 50%, migraine severity much less and also half and only one thunderclap. Even better January and a February with the only marked symptom being last week before injection return to daily pounding headaches ending in mid level migraine. Then mid March, difficulty breathing started. It is now near June and the doctors have no explanation of why I’m having breathing issues. Turns out it’s a known side effect of Emgality, one of the most common too. It’s terrible, like someone constantly sitting on your chest. Considering the pandemic, could not have been worse timed.

For Migraine Prevention: I have been taking Emgality for a few months. Helped the migraines but the second month I did the injection I developed a rash at injection site and the subsequent injections seem like the reaction is getting worse. When I spoke to my neurologist, she said to take Claritin before the injection but I get drowsy with any kinda of antihistamines( even the ones that say non drowsy) . I tried Benadryl before the shot but still got a bad reaction and neurologist told me it’s possible I could get a bad anaphylactic reaction. So I think I will not take the Emgality anymore. Will have to take my rescue Amerge when I get a migraine and keep looking for my miracle cure one day. I do believe the all side effects of Emgality are not well known yet and are under reported.

For Migraine Prevention: I have been taking Topamax on and off I for over 15 years for migraine prevention. I have lost weight on this medication, although not intentionally. Every time I try to stop talking I gain back any weight that I lost almost right away, and the headaches come back with a vengeance. The side effects have been incredibly aggravating! The brain fog is difficult for me because I’m a graduate student. I can’t remember words, read without repeating to make sure I can retain the information. Plus, I felt like it numbed my personality. I’ve read that it cause bone density issues, problems with acid levels in the blood and more. The weight loss is not permanent, and is most likely due to the appetite suppressing effect. It doesn’t teach you how to eat properly, nor is it a long term solution. I have decided to come off of it again. Yes, I have started to gain a little bit of weight, but I would rather have that than the dangerous and frustrating side effects.

For Migraine Prevention: I have been taking this medication 50 mg. Since Jan 7 ,2019. At first after reading all of the side effects and reviews I really just wanted to tell the doc forget it try something else. I guess the side effects are really just person to person. I have had the tingling in my hands and feet, and maybe some mental fog but nothing worse than my mommy brain farts. I have lost a few pounds so far like 3-4. Like I said I didn't want to take it, but I didn't want it to be that one med that worked that I passed up.