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Posted 11/19/2011 10:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I stumbled across this site when I decided I needed to admit something was wrong with me. I'm 18 years old and I suffer from cluster migraines and ovarian cysts. I take topomax 1.5 pills twice a day (sorry i'm not sure what that doasge is) & low dose birth control to prevent more cysts.

I can not sleep ever, I still have headaches, my anxiety is terrible, I'm never happy, I focus on all things that are negative, I use to weigh a healthy 120 for my 5'5 frame and now weigh a terrible 90 lbs.

I'm not even sure if I have a question in here. I've told my doctor that I have trouble focusing but he said that my migraines are so bad that I should just deal with it. I use to be really smart, have drive, love life and now I dont want to do crap. nothing, nada. I can't focus, and I can't remember anything. Anyone else feel like this?? -______-

Posted 11/19/2011 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Topamax does have some pretty bad side effects and the inability to focus can be from the drug. When a doc tells you that you should just deal with it - it is time to get a new doc. Is your doc a neurologist? Please find someone who specializes in migraines.............there are other meds you could try and you need someone in your corner who is going to help you figure it out - not someone who just blows off your concerns. Keep us posted!
Posted 11/19/2011 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
yes it was my neuro. I've been suffering migraines since I was in 4th grade and wasn't able to see a neuro until  my sophmore yr of high school so my mom won't let me change bc she can't find one. She is very pleased with him, I on the other hand, am not. But since it's my parents insurance I don't know what to do.
Posted 11/19/2011 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
I work with my family doc who knows me better................do you have a GP or family doc you can talk to? Can you talk to your mom about the topamax and how it may be the cause of how you are feeling? Most migraineurs have to go thru several meds in order to find one that works with a minimal amount of side effects. Do you take an abortive when a migraine starts? Dealing with migraines is a day to day balancing act. Do you know what your major triggers are? It is hard to learn to speak up for ourselves especially since you are so young but we have to be active participants in our health care.

I am sorry for all the questions and the roaming train of thought..........had a bad night and brain just not quite in gear!
Posted 11/19/2011 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
How long are you taking Topamax? If its more than a year or two, I won't be surprised to say that its probably side effect of Topamax. I just took it for 6 months or so but sometimes had memory slips.. Do you know if its working? i.e. do you see reduction in frequency of migraine? You should maintain a diary to keep a track of your migraines. This diary will help you to prove to your parents if the drug is working or not. If they see, its not working and you convince them that you need to check with new neuro guy, may be they will go with you rather easily. When I moved to the US, I just started googling with my location and neurologist, found a few and then search for their reviews. Go with the good one. Your meticulously maintained diary will hep neuro to figure out right drug eventually. (It took me about 3-4 years before I found my long term solution but abortive is still an enigma)

Frankly, if your doc is telling you to 'deal with migraines' then you need to change.
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