Update - Its been almost a year!

I haven't been here in almost a year and YESTERDAY was a year since being on Topamax. Well, I thought I'd let you all know how things are going since I've seen quite a few Topamax posts.

First off, the side effects have almost completely gone away, except of course for forgetting a word in the middle of a sentence. (Being a sales associate for a jewelry store for the past year having to pull a word out of my rear to make a sale wasn't too fun!) I did end up losing about 20 lbs and have gotten back my appetite now. Darn! JK

Secondly, I became assistant manager for the jewelry store I worked at in September unwillingly and had SOOOO many things just piled on my back. I was under so much stress and the Topamax still worked. I went from 2-4 a week to 1 or 2 a month, with small headaches here and there. One would think that because of the MAJOR stress there I'd get MORE headaches.

Then I switched jobs, quit smoking and started working out. I am now a receptionist for the Lexus/Acura/Mercedes/Porsche and Jaguar dealership here in my city. I love it, BUT... this is where its important! I get a headache almost everyday, I'm thinking, because of flourescent lighting above me.

So everything I've done to HELP my migraines ESPECIALLY topamax (over $200 a month) is kind of going to waste because I get these either BIG or little headaches OR migraines from the flourescent lights.

Now... I've been thinking about lowering my dose on topamax since I've done many natural things which I think we all should try.

- less alcohol

- quit smoking

- started working out (cardio/running)

- eating healthy (including deleting my triggers (CHEESE)

- eliminating stress (jewelry store from hell)

SO now I think the flourescent light is to blame and I THINK its ok for me to taper down my dosage. I had to share with you folks my triumphs. I am VERY proud of cutting back on alcohol AND of course quitting smoking. Being 21, thats hard when all my friends are beggin me to come out and get sloshy.

Sorry I made this post so long, but I wanted to say hello and ask one question. Anyone had any EXTRA success with any part of Topamax (I know the side effects decrease) but how bout the migraines getting better? Or even more weight loss from decreasing the dose??? (I could lose more!?)

Thanks!

Mandy

If you are 21 decreasing alcohol usage can be hard, especially if it is a big part of the social scene with your friends.  I've found the type of alcohol also plays a big part in migraine triggers for many people.  For example, I can't drink any beer, most wines are off limits,...well, it is easier to say what I've found I can drink.  In very small moderation, I've found I can drink top shelf vodka or rum. However cheaper alcohols are processed, or whatever goes into them (truly don't know much about how they produce alcohol)...but I get either an instant migraine or headache every time.  The good, expensive stuff (just vodka or rum) is ok.  LOL...thankfully I drink very little so it still doesn't end up being very much.  If you don't already keep a headache journal, you may consider keeping one to help you further identify some of your triggers (i.e. lighting, types of alcohol, etc).