Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 10:08:27
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by TexasChic on November 10, 2003, at 15:40:08
> I was also wondering if anyone even
knew about it since my doc didn't tell me!
I think this is the comment in your post that
bothers me the most as it could be me speaking.
The only side effect my neurologist mentioned was
the weight loss. I know it is something that I
needed as well as the seizure and migraine control,
but I also needed the warnings about other side
effects and I think that we are entitled to warnings
about the other side effects.
This is not to say that I would have rejected the
medication given the warnings, but would it not
have made me a better prepared patient? Or am I
simply whining after the fact?
While I have learned a lot here and found a lot of
advice here on how to live with the side effects
when (and IF) I encounter them, should I not have
had the warnings from my physician?????
And should I not have been better prepared to make
the decision whether or not **I** wanted to choose
to use this medication???
I keep reading and hearing that **I** have the
option;it is MY choice... well, without that
information,how do I make an informed choice?
and without that information, how am I prepared
to deal with side effects when and if they occur?Physicians and pharmacists need to take the time
to inform patients... we have the right to be
told about these things... the drug may be the
medication of choice... we need to know that too
and WHY, but we need to know what to expect and
how to deal with the effects...
what those effects might be or will be and how to
live with them...
the nausea that occurs on occasion there are meds
to help... my regular doctor has prescribed some-
thing for that and it helps... I just have to keep
it with me...
the dehydration, there is water readily available..
the rest, it is wait and see, and find a solution
but, Texas Chic, *your* doctor should have told
*you* and *mine* should have told me and heaven
knows how many others should be telling people
and preparing them to live with the side effects...
poster:headachequeen
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031111/msgs/278521.html