Nortriptyline Alternatives Compared

For Migraine Prevention: My doctor prescribed me a 25mg dose of Nortriptyline after having severe migraines every week since the 8th grade. 7 years later, I am finally able to go to work and not worry about vomiting from my head aches. I’ve been on it about 2 years and I’m not sure if my memory was this terrible before, but I’d say the pros outweigh the cons. Also topamax worked for me as well but caused me to have severe anger issues.

For Migraine Prevention: My doctor prescribed me this tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline 25mg at bedtime as our second try at a migraine preventive. My previous prophylaxis was a beta blocker that I stopped due to side effects. Oddly my pulse was high when I started taking it. Luckily that ended up being temporary; it returned to normal in a few weeks. I do have a dry mouth but am fine when I'm drinking enough water and chewing gum. Dry mouth increases risk for cavities so good dental hygiene is now essential. It took a few weeks to work but I haven't had as many bad migraines while on it. I think nortriptyline has mildly helped with anxiety and sleep. My favorite thing is how affordable it is. Not having to use as much expensive sumatriptan also has helped financially.

For Migraine Prevention: I took Topamax as much as 300mg/day for 15 years and my last dose was 150mg at night. I recently changed to Lyrica which is also an anti-convulsant and am taking 100mg/day and find it more effective than Topamax without the memory and lost word problems. I discontinued Topamax because it slowly got to the point where I could not remember something for an hour. Topamax also was causing erectile dysfunction problems for the last 3 years. I do not have this problem with Lyrica. In the end I was getting 5 or more migraines a week and now get 2 or 3 a week and expect to increase Lyrica to 300mg/day.

For Migraine Prevention: I had migraines that lasted up to nine days. My neurologist started me on 25mg Topamax and the frequency dropped off immediately. I actually loved the way I felt on Topamax. I had boundless energy, no appetite, and was always in a good mood. After two years, I decided to stop taking it because my skin was breaking out and I think I felt a little too confident in myself. I drove a little faster, said really odd things to people (no filter) and seemed to be turning into a show off about how skinny I was. Not my best personality! I stopped taking it and didn't gain any weight, but the headaches are back. Once my dermatologist gets my skin cleared up, I might go back on it, but will be very mindful of the side effects.

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.