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Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » inky

Posted by Mitch on November 7, 2001, at 23:12:02

In reply to Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?, posted by inky on November 7, 2001, at 14:38:52

> Hi,
>
> I just started (last night first dose) on Topomax as a migraine prophylaxis.
>
> I don't have a history of any psychological disorders. just found this site through a Google search and you guys sound really knowledgeable.
>
> I've had migraines for most of my adult life and in the last few months they've become daily occurences. I've been taking Zomig and Ibuprofen to combat attacks -- have tried lots of other meds, too, both preventive and "abortive."
>
> My doctor, a headache specialist, recommended Topomax based on some very favorable results in his other patients.
>
> I'm a bit worried about side effects. They started me on 15 mg/day to increase by 15 mg each week until either the daily migraines go away or I reach 90 mg/day.
>
> I'm not taking any other neurological drugs.
>
> I'm a bit worried about the side effects. I do feel a bit groggy today but I don't know if it's from the Topomax. Is this commmon? Does it go away?
>
> My doctor mentioned tingling fingers, loss of mental acuity, depression, weight loss (not a negative in my opinion!) and dehydration.
>
> Has anyone experienced any of these? I'm particularly worried about the loss of mental acuity and grogginess since I need my brain power! I'm also worried about depression because I've seen what a horrible disease that can be.
>
> And I'd like to know if the side effects tend to go away with time. If so, how long does it take?
>
> If anyone has any advice, comments, experiences, etc. on taking Topomax for migraines, I'd appreciate it.
>
> Thanks!


Hi Inky,

It seems that more anti-epielpsy meds are starting to be used for migraine prophylaxis. I know Depakote has been used for that and has an approvable indication for that purpose.

I have tried Topamax for my bipolar. Lots of others here have tried it as well for various things (mostly bipolar disorder). All I can say is that it *can* cause some fairly bad cognitive dulling effects. I wouldn't say that it is all that "depressogenic". As with many meds nowadays you have to start low and go slow with dose increases. I made it up to 50mg/day for a while with other meds added on and I was pretty foggy-headed. Many people here have had little trouble with that if you hang with a dose long enough before you increase it. 15mg to start was where I started. I would continue taking the 15mg/day dose until the "tiredness" or whatever seems to abate *before* you go up a notch in the dosage FWIW,

Mitch


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