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Migraines and Topamax

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Lupus
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Posted 5/28/2010 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Everyone, I'm not sure how many of you were following some of comments in other threads about the migraines, photosensitivity and Topamax.  I've been on it since April 12, 2010, my Neurologist put me on it instead of the Depakote that my PCP started because of liver concerns.  He also said that depakote causes weight gain, Topamax causes weight loss.  Hey, I'm all for that, I've been on daily pred ever since my son was born nearly 3 years ago, talk abput hard to lose that baby weight.  I was alwasy very slim and only 5'5", practically starving myself to stay around 155, after 2 months on the Topamax, I'm down to 131 and havn't had a migraine in 3 weeks.  PatyLatty said the drug worked great for her and she lost weight too, but it made her "stupid", anyone else get this?  Patty could you elaborate?  I had alot of problems with glares and sunlight triggering migraines, so got a pair of really expensive glasses.  I need bifocals, so I got the no line, with anti-glare coating, and transition tint.  Just got the two days ago, but they seem to be helping some already.  They just don't do much about the flourscent lights.  I'm just curious if anyone else has tried this med for migraines and what your experience was positive or negative.  Thanks for the imput.  You guys are the best!!
Posted 5/28/2010 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
Jennifer, after having been on Topamax for several months, I started having short term memory loss. I remember going on a medical mission trip to a central american country with people I did not know. I felt like I had alzheimer's and was embarrassed during the trip. I spoke with my doctor about it and her response was that some people call it the "stupid drug". She once had a patient who was a college professor and he could no longer lecture.

I was so disappointed to learn that it was the Topamax that was causing this, because it was so effective and I lost a lot of weight to boot. But it doesn't affect everyone that way. Whenever you start a new drug, be sure to read up on it. All drugs have potential side effects and we need to be educated about them so if something happens to us, we'll know the cause.

My memory came back as soon as I stopped taking it. So go ahead and try it. You may have better luck than I did.

Pat
Posted 5/28/2010 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
You know Pat, I was reading that on the Migraine Forum forum, that people were actually calling it "Dopamax", that they felt drunk and silly while taking it. I have gradually working up on the dosage, just this week went up to the 100mg twice a day. I notice some cognitive problems, like difficulty typing and finding the right words, but those have been there all along with what may be possible CNS involved Lupus, sio it's hard to blame the meds on that one. The main thing I noticed was major hand and foot tingling, but compared to head splitting migraines with a 2 year old boy in the house, that's really nothing, and the weight loss is such a nice bonus. Maybe I'm really going to get with it the higher dosage, but this morning the auroa is finally gone and that was really driving batty because it was pretty much constant. I felt like a 60's stoner always seeing trails off everything like my peripherial vision was always under water. Really weird. Thanks for the input.
Posted 2/1/2015 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Been on Topomax 200 mg gradually increased from 25 mg since June for bipolar along with Ativan 1 mg and Wellbutrin 150 mg along with Plaquenil 200 mg for the Lupus and Celabrex as needed (for 4 years) I also have MCD, Reynauds, Sjogrens, Scleroderma, and another newly diagnosed auto-immune that affects my.....! I had a lot of brain fog but after the Topomax I am doing better, no more migraines either and I am no longer drinking (36-48/day beer drinker-most days) that stopped immediately as with all carbonated beverages. I have went from 197 pounds to less than 150 pounds. Cholesterol dropped 40 points. I eat less than 1000 calories a day and know its a problem and I need to start working out. No problems with hair falling out but I have noticed a severe lack of energy so I am going to try vitamins especially Super B complex and I have been suffering from insomnia since I stopped drinking and started on the meds. I wouldn't change a thing though! I am fortunate than most with Lupus, I have only had one flare which I consider major, others would consider minor. Left me bed ridden for several days. I feel for those who suffer daily. Stay safe, healthy and warm!
Posted 2/1/2015 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome, Aricepatty. You've found an old thread and I don't think these people still post here.

Make sure to post an introduction thread so we can learn more about you. ☺
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