Taking Topamax

Hi,

 I had 2 brainstem strokes in June of this year. I am left with terrible migraines every minute of every day. The neurologist put me on topamax. I am now up to 200 mg a day. No relief whatsoever. He has told me to give it up to 3 months before we give up. Along with no relief I can't sleep because of the awful feelings in my arms and legs. It is like restless leg syndrome only in my arms too. My family doctor prescribed Restoril for sleep but it does nothing. Any suggestions? I am seriously ready to lose my mind and don't know how much more I can take!!!!

Thanks for listening.

Crittlebird

I would have to agree with Ann.  At 200 mg you should be getting some pain relief.  I take topomax as well, and in the beginning the side effects (especially the tingling/numbness in the feet/legs/hands/arms was horrible!) were really bad.  The first neurologist that put me on topomax put me on 100 mg (not at once, but that was the dosage it moved to) and the side effects were so bad I would have to go to bed as soon as I took the pills b/c of the dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.  I took myself back down to 50 mg, which is were topomax seems to work for me. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for everyone. Are you going to a neurologist who specializes in migraines? Often they know of more medications and treatment options for migraines than a regular neurologist does.  Sending healthy thoughts your way!

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