Anyone take topomax for migraines?

Question

I just started taking topomax 50mg per day about 11/2 months ago and it doesn't seem to be making any difference. I know that is a low dose and my Dr. will probably raise it next time I go back. I was previously on amitriptaline ( or however you spell that). It didn't work either. I have headaches either every day or every other day. I have migraine strength headaches about 2-3 times a week. This sucks and I need help. Imitrex doesn't work for my headaches anymore and they put me on maxalt 10 mg. Excedrin migraine works good for a while, but I need advice. Any thoughts and yes, I am going to a neurologist ( but only rescently)?

Answer 1

Wow, I can't believe you suffer from headaches every other day. I'm so sorry; that's got to be having a serious effect on your life. Since you've tried all this medication without success, I really think it might be beneficial for you to see a chiropractor.

Contrary to popular belief, chiropractic deals with more than just "neck and back pain." Chiropractic is founded in the belief that the Central Nervous System (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) controls EVERY bodily function. A misalignment of the vertebrae (what chiropractic calls a subluxation) can pinch the nerves running out between them, causing pain, numbness/tingling, or any type of general malfunction in that nerve's corresponding body part. Our nervous system is highly complex and interconnected, so it's important to make sure the nerves exiting out of the spine aren't being pinched or damaged.

I'm not saying that this will be a definite solution to your problem, but it might be something to consider. I used to work in a chiropractic office and saw how it helped many people with chronic migraine headaches and sinus headaches. Chiropractic is a safe, non-invasive healthcare option that doesn't rely on drugs that may have potentially unwanted side effects.

If you do decide to see a chiropractor, you should ask family and friends for recommendations, visit a few offices and pick the doctor that you are most comfortable with. No matter what you decide to do, I sincerely hope that things improve for you.

Answer 2

I am sorry to hear that you suffer so much with the same migraines that cause me the same problems. You and I are a lot a like, I also have tried amitrptalin (spelling Error), over the Counter medications, ralpax, presription Ibpreferan, and currently taking topamax every night before bed and in the after noon w/ little releif so I take maxalt with the migrained that break through the first medications. My doctor is suggesting that I also go see a neurologist because I have been suffering so long and my symtoms are getting worse with vomiting, vision disruption, weakness in my arms, and disorentaion. I am no longer able to function as a human being much less a mother, wife and an employee. Some days I wish that death would come upon me quickly and end my suffering. I felt like no other person could ever feel the extreme pain that I experience. I am sorry for your everday suffering but to know that I am not the only one helps me understand that I am not alone. As you know it is hard not to have that feeling of self pity when you are not able to function and enjoy those every day life pleasures. I have had multiple MRI's so I wonder is it worth seeing a neurlogist, what could he possibly tell me that others haven't. My only thought to you is to know that some people out grow this condition (I pray that is true) and to follow that advise of your doctors and do what ever it takes to get that one monent of releif.

Amy

Answer 3

I'm surprised you were put on Topomax if Amitriptaline didn't work. It sounds to me like you are getting rebound headaches (I'm not a Dr, but I play one on television). It isn't just prescription pain killers that causes this.... how much Excedrin Migraine do you take? This has caffeine in it, and too much will also cause headaches. Read the link below at www.helforpain.com to find out more. Also, taking too many Triptans will make you tolerant to their effect. Try switching Triptans, laying off the analgesics, and try hot baths.
I don't put any faith in Nauturopathy, but I have been a migraine sufferer for 36 years, and know what works for me.
You might want to try Sansert, but make sure you get a full medical before you go on it.

Answer 4

I am also a migraine suffer as well.....Mine are caused because I have a severe case of TMJ. Which when flares up sets off a migraine that will last 72 straight hours.

My family Dr. finally put me on Amerge and what a god send this was. After taking the little bitty pill within 45 mins. you can feel the migraine wearing off. It's a very costly pill but worth being pain free.

My fiance was taking topomax but took himself off of it as it wasn't helping him any and he was losing so much weight from and was having heart palpations from it as well.

I told him a few of my secrets at trying to stay migraine free. The #1 being make sure you get at least 6 hours of good rest not exhausted rest but a good rest. Also stay away from processed foods, such as cheeses, lunch meats ect. also try cutting back on your caffiene intake(which by the way is a hard for me) he has only had one bad one in 2 mos. which is good for him as he was having them daily......

Hope this helps you some.....

Answer 5

Yes. It didn't work for me until I was at 100 mg twice a day. Of course, I am 6-4 so your mileage may vary. It still didn't work very well. The best thing that worked for me was Depakote. I would try that for sure.

Imitrex is great for mine... what dose were you on? 50 MG gets most of mine or the 6 MG injections.

There is another one called Amerge... have you tried that?

Answer 6

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/health/4180455.stm