Migraines-Topamax

I have not tried Topamax, but have tried Maxalt. I previously had only gotten migraines once a month and took Maxalt as soon as it hit. Within 20 minutes I was migraine free with no side effects and actually it felt like I had more energy. Don't know if it is an option for you if you would not like to take daily medication, may want to discuss with your doctor. Good luck.

Glad to hear that you decided to try Topamax! I personally was on it a few years ago for frequent/severe headaches. I did not have any negative side effects while on it, I was hoping to lose some weight but no luck! :) I personally ended up being diagnosed with a rare condition that is brought on by pregnancy and is characterized by severe headaches, vision changes, and a multitude of vague neurological symptoms. If you are not responding to typical treatments I would recommend that you have your eyes examined by a neuro-opthamologist or have your opening pressure checked via lumbar puncture. The condition is thought to be caused by micro- blood clots forming in the central nervous system causing the spinal fluid to not be reabsorbed properly, leading to high pressure in the brain which is experienced as severe, unrelenting headaches. Anyway, hope you respond well to the treatment of topamax!!
S.

Hi Frances, I am (was) a frequent migraine sufferer myself and also considered going on a daily preventive medication. Then, my coworker suggested I read this book, Heal your Headache by Dr. David Buchholz. I know I sound like a silly TV commercial, but this book has absolutely changed my life! Once I started reading it, I was like, that's me. I tried the changes he suggests (one of which is quite difficult -- a diet eliminating *all* possible triggers) and I haven't had a migraine in over four months. It is well worth a try, and it may (as it has with me) obviate the need for daily medication. I hope this is helpful to you! Please feel free to send me a message if you need more details. Best of luck to you.

My girlfriend is on Topomax and she is very happy with it. She did lose a Ton of weight, but is happy w/ it. She has a bit of a word retention problem, but I think it is getting better. I don't get them that often, but if I got them as much as you, I would try it.

Good luck.

JD

I was Topamax for about 6 months. I decided to take myself off of it because I hated the fact that I was taking something daily. Taking something (perscription) on the onset of a headache was enough for me. I did not loss any weight :( but I believe that it is also used as an anti depressant and I felt some of that. any how good luck!

I have been on topamax 2 years and replax for the onsite.. Not only has the topamax decreamed my six to 1-2 a month but it's also good for weight loss... At first I had the tingliness in my hands, and I had to switch from coca cola to mt dew because my taste buds changed a bit but I will deal for the pain to do away

My daughter was on Topamax and did not do well with it. She was out of it most of the time. There are other drugs out there for migraines that may have better side effect profile. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Good Luck,
A.

My son was on it for 4 days during which he was becoming very forgetful, we took him off this medication. We took him to see Dr Barbara Griffin in Orland who does all kinds of allery testing food /environmental and we discovered that after removing dairy from his diet the migraines have stopped. After many years of searching for a cure at Christ, University of Chicago, neurologists and countless tests, he is off medication. We were refer by a friend who also had migraines,
Hers have also decrease when she doesn't eat certain foods. Dr Griffin doesn't do traditional testing, it was a 6 month waiting to see her. Good Luck.
M.

I am not familiar with the migraine medication. I do know it would be hard to lose 6 days out of a month and still push through it because of my kids. Have you ever considered chiropractic. It can help. Check out www.icpa4kids.org or www.mercola.com

I kept a migraine journal and only included headaches that were actually a migraine (since severe pain alone doesnt mean it's a migraine). I noticed that more than half of my migraines were happening in ten days before the start of my menses.

For me, going on the birth control pill has helped a lot (it also has somewhat helped with my mood swings and evened out my cycle). I also have Midrin which I take when I do get a Migraine - it works very well for me.

I've never been on topamax but from what Ive read about it, there are much better alternatives!