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Migraine Headache
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Posted 2/24/2007 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! My name is Jen and I have been suffering from severe migraine (like) headaches ever since a skull fracture six years ago. I have been on just about everything known to man and two years ago took myself off of everything (with the dr permission) because I felt totally over medicated and and a result...overweight . So I got off the meds and got pg. Now I have a beautiful 18 month old (as well as a 14 year old) and the migraines are just too much to bear. My dh is gone so much so I had to get back on something to try to get some control over these. So, two weeks ago the neurologist put me on 200 mil of topamax to start off with ...that's right, he didn't work me up to that dose, he started me OFF at that dose. Reading about it now, I see that is just insane. Luckily, I don't really feel much more confused or forgetful than normal, but I do feel like I have a horrible case of the flu...so achy all over and no type of energy. I don't know if that is a coincidence or not. The tingling in the hands and feet is there for sure, but I can handle that. I have lost about 11 pounds in the two weeks I have been on the meds (nice plus) However, I have noticed a HUGE improvements in the migraines!!!!!! YAY! I am so excited about that, but I feel like I have traded the h/a for the flu/exhaustion. Anyone else able to combat these things with topamax? The relief from the migraines has been too good to give up!!!
Posted 2/25/2007 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Congratulations on the success of the topamax. But I'd seriously look into finding a new neurologist -- any doctor who would start you on a dosage of 200 mg. of topamax isn't even taking the time to read the Physician's Desk Reference or the label insert. At the very least, you should ask him why he didn't start you at a lower dose and work you up. You might have gotten successful results at a lower dose, which should always be the goal of medication.

I would hope you'll overcome the side effects with time, but there's absolutely no excuse I can think of for not slowly easing into that high a dosage. If he's that careless about a medication that's tinkering with your brain chemistry, do you really want him making other decisions about your health? Just my opinion -- but a second medical opinion certainly wouldn't hurt!

Mark
Posted 2/25/2007 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ncarmywife,

Welcome to Healing Well. I think it is fantastic that you are able to function at all after a start dose of 200mg of Topamax - good grief what is that Doc thinking about??? Sorry for the powerful reaction but this is not a drug to be taken lightly, and should be increased slowly to allow the body to adjust! I would strongly recommend that you change your Doctor or seek a second opinion as you need to be able to deal with the symptoms that you are experiencing at present!

We are not trained professionals here and cannot advise you other than give a personal opinion or refer you back to your Doctor! I am very glad the Topamax has had a positive effect on your headaches, and hope that this continues for you.

Please let us know how you get on. Take care

Ann
Posted 2/28/2007 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the replies. Yes, I was really worried when I got online and saw how people are normally titrated on Topamax and that I was given 200 mg immediately. My husband works in psychology in the military...they also work pretty closely with neurologists (I am not seeing a military neurologist) So, to make a long story short, I was able to speak with a different neurologist about my situation and she seemed to think that it was ok. She said it wouldn't necessarily be the way that she would do it, but that the doctor certainly wasn't being negligent in my care. She pointed out the the doctor did call me for three days in a row and that I had his emergency phone number to call him.

Oh yes, and the flu symptoms were actually the flu! My two kids came down with it the day after I did. Thankfully, we are all feeling better now.

So, except for the pins and needles (which have been greatly reduced with drinking lots of gatorade!!!!) I am feeling great! For the past six years I have been a p[risoner in my own home and Monday I joined the gym and for three days in a row I have been doing water aerobics.

Thanks for encouraging me to get another opinion!:)
Posted 3/2/2007 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad this has helped for you. Just keep a watch on the MG. On 50mg, I started losing my way home, not being able to follow a recipe, cry, anger, and kidney stones. DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS! They failed to tell me this. But really, 200 may be what you needed, but I had great success on 50mg, so that is healthier for your body if your able to get relief at a lower dose. Just ask maybe.
Topamax was my "miricale" for about 2 months.... sadly it ended badly.
I do hope this is not the case for you. I know your so relieved to be able to feel alive again. just keep a ceck on your body and make sure your doing what is best.

My best advice is NO ASPATAMINE (or other artificial sweetners!)
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