Just started Topamax, need advice on breathing issue

Hey Aprillynn,

Welcome to the Migraine Board.  I am right there with you on the weather induced Migraines.  I get hit every time a front rolls through.  You are currently on a very low dosage of Topamax.  That's good.  For me, it was poison, and various doctors/neurologists kept raising my dosage.  I was up to 400mg, and one doctor thought I should go to 800mg!!!  It gave me permanent brain damage.  It messed up my short -term memory, the ability to speak well in full sentances, my ability to spell, basically it messed up all my cognitive abilities, probably for good.  I've been off the drug for two years and still suffer the mental disfunctions. 

As far as your side effects, the breathing problem is probably not caused by the medication.  Hyperventilating is usually cause by stress or a panic attack.  It would make perfect sense that you are having these spells, in anticipation or worry of getting a migraine.  If you were actually allergic to the medication, you would go into anaphylatic shock immediately, which isn't the case here.   I don't think you are on a high enough dosage to be getting dehydration problems yet.  You need to stop drinking all that Gatorade, as is has acids in it, which help you think it is quenching your thirst.  Just drink straight water.  Your stomach irritation should go away.  If not, discuss starting Nexium with your doctor.

If your migraines aren't significantly reduced in a short period of time, let your doctor know you want to taper off the medication.  It works for some people, but does awful things to other people.  Frankly, I don't think it's worth the risk of the side effects.

Let us know how you are doing.

Leigh Ann

I have had none of the side affects any of you all have indicated with Topamax. I have been on it for 3 years.   It may be causing the side affects because of a reaction with other drugs you are taking.  I am not taking any other prescriptions except the Topamax (200 mg each night) and Imitrex when i do get a headache which is very seldom and very minor since i have been on Topamax.  I am one of the lucky ones i guess.  Keep trying.  There is bound to be a good combination out there for each person.  It took me almost 40 years to get the right one to work for me!

Hi all, I'm new to the board but I came because I had a question about Topamax. 

First, I'd get a second opinion on your problem with Topamax.  My doctor didn't raise my dosage for a full month, he felt that a week was too short a turnover period to become accustomed to the side effects.  It really shouldn't be causing dehydration at the level you're at....or breathing problems.  It was my understanding that for headaches the dosage topped out at 100mg (obviously other doctors feel differently).   I was a little spacey the first week on the 25mg but after that, I haven't seen any of the side effects, except the weight loss/loss of appetite.  It has managed to seriously stop my headaches.  Try different calming techniques when you start to feel as though you're having trouble breathing.  See if that helps. 

I am new to this board, also. I have had migraines for more than 35 years. Have tried many, many, many medications, biofeedback, accupressure, and accupuncture, among other things. Found that foods, sensitivities to perfume, second hand smoke, and many other things will trigger a migraine.

Just about two weeks ago, I spent a 8 days in bed with one migraine after another, 2 total, Sunday to Sunday. Finally on Thursday, I could not take the pain anymore and made a trip to the ER.

My doctor prescribed Topamax. My experience was horrible! My blood pressure spiked to 160/100, had dizziness, and rebound headaches. I stopped after one dosage. I was leery about this med but thought maybe it would help. It didn't.

I appreciate the opportunity to be here and hopefully will learn some things about controlling migraines.

Thanks.