Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 50878

Shown: posts 117 to 141 of 1085. Go back in thread:

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?

Posted by Josie on May 30, 2001, at 17:50:55

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Karla on May 30, 2001, at 10:30:38

Has anyone tried Neurontin? My son uses Neurontin for bipolar disorder and experiences little in the way of side effects and no weight issues.

Like many of you who have posted, he hated Topamax and had nasty symptoms with Wellbutrin.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?

Posted by KarenK on June 3, 2001, at 20:30:28

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Karla on May 30, 2001, at 10:30:38

> I have been on topamax for aprox a year now. My neuro told me you need to be on a dose of over 200mg or more to see weight loss results. I have been at 200mg. Haven't seen any loss but I have maintained my weight when I am on lithium and celexa and they should make me gain weight. So... hmmm. My neuro added my dosage up 25 mg every 2 weeks real slow. He said when people do it to fast they have problems. I found that every time I upped it I would experience tingling in my hands and feet. It would last for 2 or 3 days and then go away. I am currently taking lithium and topamax for prevention of cluster headaches. I have also found that topamax affect my memory. Can't remember nothing anymore. That is the biggest problem. Forget apts and I have them written in a calendar book. Forget where I am driven to. UG! It gets bad some days. Had to quit working. I am collecting disability now. The doctors thought it was the depression more than the meds messing with my mind but I disagree. Thats my opinion.

It's the topamax that's affecting your memory. I had to start writing everything down too because I started forgetting appts. I started losing weight before 200mgs but the real effect came at 250mg. Of course by then I couldn't eat anything and then I had a whole new problem so I had to taper down.

 

Re: Topamax for nerve pain

Posted by mcmud on June 22, 2001, at 14:56:15

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by KarenK on June 3, 2001, at 20:30:28

I have been on 75 mg/day Topamax for phantom
pain (I'm an AK amp since '91) for about 6 mos. I started at 25 mg and worked up from there. It completely resolved one component of pain, but left others unaffected. I also take amitriptyline (75-100 mg),hydrocodone/acet.(10mg/650mg.- 4 tabs/day), and Celebrex (200 mg- 2 tabs/day). Together, they tone it down considerably, but do not completely stop it. When it gets going, it feels like my not-toe is stuck in a wall socket.

To get back on topic, the Top. does make my arms and leg tingle noticeably and frequently. I also
notice that I awake frequently at night and think
that it is likely due to the Top. (it was not a
pattern before). I will probably switch to daytime dosing to nip that in the bud. I have noticed some irritability of late, but there are
other factors that I could attribute that to, so I
am monitoring it for the time being.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use » Teddy Bishop

Posted by Kingfish on August 8, 2001, at 15:52:36

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use » maribeth, posted by Teddy Bishop on August 8, 2001, at 3:54:50

Maribeth:

I'm happy to see someone else has had a good experience with Topamax. I am currently at 250 mg and all side effects disappeared for me as well except for sedation, which most people don't seem to experience. I recently switched from Celexa to Prozac which kind of helped at first and am now adding Lamictal to see how its activating qualities help.

We'll see how that goes.

- K.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?

Posted by Lexie on August 8, 2001, at 21:25:36

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Lexie on January 19, 2001, at 20:11:02

Hello All
Well, the recent post led me to get the E-Mail notifification that brought me back here yet once again. I have bad news. I am suffering. At 5'9" tall I am now 110 pounds and caught up in the most seductive fights for my life called "Anorexia", brought on I believe in part from the topamax. I got caught up at first in the "Appearance" part of it, wanted to look good again after all the weight I had gained on the AD's, now it is just a "CONTROL" issue, I can control everything that goes into my mouth. I can't control all of these crappy things going on around me but I can control the number on the scale. I don't have my ex-husband to control me so I will control this. My marriage was the "problem" and the "eating disorder" is the symptom to the problem. Everyone is pulling me every which direction and I feel like if I just don't eat "poof", I will just disintigrate! And then there will not be anything left for anyone. Keep in Touch everyone, Lexie (the one running from the feeding tube)

 

Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain

Posted by mcmud on August 9, 2001, at 11:20:33

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Lexie on August 8, 2001, at 21:25:36

Hi everybody. Nothing too exciting here.
I had to back down to 50 mg/day because of
urinary stone formation. Wearing a prosthesis
in hot weather is a tremendous heat stress and
I am awash in sweat all day. Since the stone
episode, I have backed down, and drink a minimum
of 6 liters a day to make sure I stay hydrated.
I also drink cranberry juice to reduce the pH.
It was not my idea of a fun time. Incidentally,
my level of pain relief at 50 vs 75, does not seem to be significantly different. Again, I
I did notice some iritability, but could attribute it to a reaction to the heat stress.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain

Posted by bob on August 9, 2001, at 18:04:43

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain, posted by mcmud on August 9, 2001, at 11:20:33

> Hi everybody. Nothing too exciting here.
> I had to back down to 50 mg/day because of
> urinary stone formation. Wearing a prosthesis
> in hot weather is a tremendous heat stress and
> I am awash in sweat all day. Since the stone
> episode, I have backed down, and drink a minimum
> of 6 liters a day to make sure I stay hydrated.
> I also drink cranberry juice to reduce the pH.
> It was not my idea of a fun time. Incidentally,
> my level of pain relief at 50 vs 75, does not seem to be significantly different. Again, I
> I did notice some iritability, but could attribute it to a reaction to the heat stress.

********************

I attained a 250mg level of Topomax, and got more and more irritable along the way. It was the medecine, without a doubt. At the end, I became aggressive and angry, while at other times despondent. I had to taper down some. Then I had a kidney stone attack. I spent 24 hours at the hospital passing a 4.5mm stone. When I was there, they found 3 more stones in that kidney, and another in the other kidney. They broke up the large stone in the kidney with 3, and luckily, the other two were jostled out with it, although not without significant pain. I am still carrying the other one since it is too small for ultrasound. It causes me pain sometimes. When my p-doc learned about my hospital visit, he ordered me to taper off the Topomax immediately and quickly, and completely. It was a VERY mentally destabilizing odyssey of terror and pain. For some reason, I was extremely sensitive to Topomax, and especially to dose level changes. I guess you could say it wasn't for me.

Bob

 

Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain » bob

Posted by Mitch on August 9, 2001, at 23:42:46

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain, posted by bob on August 9, 2001, at 18:04:43

> > Hi everybody. Nothing too exciting here.
> > I had to back down to 50 mg/day because of
> > urinary stone formation. Wearing a prosthesis
> > in hot weather is a tremendous heat stress and
> > I am awash in sweat all day. Since the stone
> > episode, I have backed down, and drink a minimum
> > of 6 liters a day to make sure I stay hydrated.
> > I also drink cranberry juice to reduce the pH.
> > It was not my idea of a fun time. Incidentally,
> > my level of pain relief at 50 vs 75, does not seem to be significantly different. Again, I
> > I did notice some iritability, but could attribute it to a reaction to the heat stress.
>
> ********************
>
> I attained a 250mg level of Topomax, and got more and more irritable along the way. It was the medecine, without a doubt. At the end, I became aggressive and angry, while at other times despondent. I had to taper down some. Then I had a kidney stone attack. I spent 24 hours at the hospital passing a 4.5mm stone. When I was there, they found 3 more stones in that kidney, and another in the other kidney. They broke up the large stone in the kidney with 3, and luckily, the other two were jostled out with it, although not without significant pain. I am still carrying the other one since it is too small for ultrasound. It causes me pain sometimes. When my p-doc learned about my hospital visit, he ordered me to taper off the Topomax immediately and quickly, and completely. It was a VERY mentally destabilizing odyssey of terror and pain. For some reason, I was extremely sensitive to Topomax, and especially to dose level changes. I guess you could say it wasn't for me.
>
> Bob

Bob, et al,

Tegretol and Trileptal have carbonic anyhydrase inhibitor activity which can also result in kidney stones as well. If anyone is sensitive to this problem they should also avoid these two meds as a result from a switch from Topamax.

Mitch

 

Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain » bob

Posted by Mitch on August 9, 2001, at 23:45:17

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain, posted by bob on August 9, 2001, at 18:04:43

> > Hi everybody. Nothing too exciting here.
> > I had to back down to 50 mg/day because of
> > urinary stone formation. Wearing a prosthesis
> > in hot weather is a tremendous heat stress and
> > I am awash in sweat all day. Since the stone
> > episode, I have backed down, and drink a minimum
> > of 6 liters a day to make sure I stay hydrated.
> > I also drink cranberry juice to reduce the pH.
> > It was not my idea of a fun time. Incidentally,
> > my level of pain relief at 50 vs 75, does not seem to be significantly different. Again, I
> > I did notice some iritability, but could attribute it to a reaction to the heat stress.
>
> ********************
>
> I attained a 250mg level of Topomax, and got more and more irritable along the way. It was the medecine, without a doubt. At the end, I became aggressive and angry, while at other times despondent. I had to taper down some. Then I had a kidney stone attack. I spent 24 hours at the hospital passing a 4.5mm stone. When I was there, they found 3 more stones in that kidney, and another in the other kidney. They broke up the large stone in the kidney with 3, and luckily, the other two were jostled out with it, although not without significant pain. I am still carrying the other one since it is too small for ultrasound. It causes me pain sometimes. When my p-doc learned about my hospital visit, he ordered me to taper off the Topomax immediately and quickly, and completely. It was a VERY mentally destabilizing odyssey of terror and pain. For some reason, I was extremely sensitive to Topomax, and especially to dose level changes. I guess you could say it wasn't for me.
>
> Bob

Bob, et al,

Tegretol and Trileptal have carbonic anyhydrase inhibitor activity which can also result in kidney stones as well. If anyone is sensitive to this problem they should also avoid these two meds as a result from a switch from Topamax.

Mitch

 

Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain

Posted by bob on August 10, 2001, at 23:28:25

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain » bob, posted by Mitch on August 9, 2001, at 23:45:17

> > > Hi everybody. Nothing too exciting here.
> > > I had to back down to 50 mg/day because of
> > > urinary stone formation. Wearing a prosthesis
> > > in hot weather is a tremendous heat stress and
> > > I am awash in sweat all day. Since the stone
> > > episode, I have backed down, and drink a minimum
> > > of 6 liters a day to make sure I stay hydrated.
> > > I also drink cranberry juice to reduce the pH.
> > > It was not my idea of a fun time. Incidentally,
> > > my level of pain relief at 50 vs 75, does not seem to be significantly different. Again, I
> > > I did notice some iritability, but could attribute it to a reaction to the heat stress.
> >
> > ********************
> >
> > I attained a 250mg level of Topomax, and got more and more irritable along the way. It was the medecine, without a doubt. At the end, I became aggressive and angry, while at other times despondent. I had to taper down some. Then I had a kidney stone attack. I spent 24 hours at the hospital passing a 4.5mm stone. When I was there, they found 3 more stones in that kidney, and another in the other kidney. They broke up the large stone in the kidney with 3, and luckily, the other two were jostled out with it, although not without significant pain. I am still carrying the other one since it is too small for ultrasound. It causes me pain sometimes. When my p-doc learned about my hospital visit, he ordered me to taper off the Topomax immediately and quickly, and completely. It was a VERY mentally destabilizing odyssey of terror and pain. For some reason, I was extremely sensitive to Topomax, and especially to dose level changes. I guess you could say it wasn't for me.
> >
> > Bob
>
> Bob, et al,
>
> Tegretol and Trileptal have carbonic anyhydrase inhibitor activity which can also result in kidney stones as well. If anyone is sensitive to this problem they should also avoid these two meds as a result from a switch from Topamax.
>
> Mitch

Thank you for the info Mitch!

Bob

 

Re:has anyone been really helped by topamax?

Posted by mcmud on August 14, 2001, at 11:36:07

In reply to Re:has anyone been really helped by topamax?, posted by teddy bishop on August 11, 2001, at 13:36:35

Yes, it did get rid of one type of nerve pain
I experienced. It is a partial solution, and
one I monitor closely. I take it in combination
with several other drugs. Amitriptyline seems to
have the most effect, and I have taken it, in
combination with a narcotic for a decade, now.
Topamax is a recent addition, and while it got
rid of one complaint, I certainly am leery about
trying to increase the dose again in the future.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?

Posted by Sammy on September 25, 2001, at 20:02:12

In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48

>Hi Kelly!

I'm on 100 mg a day of Topamax and 40 Celexa. The combination is great. I started September 10 and have lost 6 lbs. Seems like now at least every other day another lb comes off. I gained 35 lbs on paxil but was way underweight so only needed to lose 15 of it. So, I have 9 to go. I'm a lifetime member of Weight Watchers but with the Topamax, don't stay on the program. No need to. I just go weigh in to stay on their books.

The only side effect I've had besides the weight loss is a little bit of an elevated mood. Which, of course, is also a plus. (My husband loves it!)

Keep me posted on how you're doing. Some great person by the name of Tiff posted this message board address on another board so this is the first time I've posted.

Later!

Sammy

 

Re: Topamax Experiences? » Sammy

Posted by Krazy Kat on September 26, 2001, at 9:45:36

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Sammy on September 25, 2001, at 20:02:12

Sammy:

Glad to heaar you are doing well on Topamax. It worked well for me. I have ended up adding Depakote because I was rapid cycling and it really helped but the side effects are much stronger. My pdoc wants to try to titrate down the Topamax because it's always been sedating, but I'm feeling less stabilized already and am feeling very nauseous (have cut back from 250 mg to 200 in the last three days).

So perhaps I need both.

With all the weight gain on these meds, it's a nice change, isn't it? I gained @10 pounds toot sweet on Zyprexa.

Celexa also worked for me for awhile without any really noticable side effects, so that's great, too.

I used to get upset when I saw the words "for awhile" but that seems to be the case with many people. I take Prozac now, but am not certain I need it, but am too scared to stop it. :)

Good luck.

- K.

---
>
> I'm on 100 mg a day of Topamax and 40 Celexa. The combination is great. I started September 10 and have lost 6 lbs. Seems like now at least every other day another lb comes off. I gained 35 lbs on paxil but was way underweight so only needed to lose 15 of it. So, I have 9 to go. I'm a lifetime member of Weight Watchers but with the Topamax, don't stay on the program. No need to. I just go weigh in to stay on their books.
>
> The only side effect I've had besides the weight loss is a little bit of an elevated mood. Which, of course, is also a plus. (My husband loves it!)
>
> Keep me posted on how you're doing. Some great person by the name of Tiff posted this message board address on another board so this is the first time I've posted.
>
> Later!
>
> Sammy

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?

Posted by Sammy on September 26, 2001, at 19:20:03

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » Sammy, posted by Krazy Kat on September 26, 2001, at 9:45:36

Hey Krazy Kat!

Sounds like your on top of things. What problems did you start having with Celexa? I hope nothing changes with me because everything is going so well right now for the first time in a looooong time.

The Topamax seems to elevate my mood a little but not much. And I'm really happy about the weight loss. My spirits are up - no depression at all. Life is good. It's nice to be able to say that.

Keep me posted on how you do with your meds, changing them around and all!

Sammy

 

Celexa » Sammy

Posted by Krazy Kat on September 27, 2001, at 12:56:24

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Sammy on September 26, 2001, at 19:20:03

> Sammy -

No prolems with Celexa - it just seemed to "poop out" as folks here say. And when the Prozac kicked in, I could tell quite a difference between the two - the Prozac helped more, but it also had more side effects (that seems to be the way, eh?)

It sounds like the meds are working for you right now - don't question them. And if anything needs to be adjusted in the long haul, it may be a slight dose adjustment for awhile, or an adjunct, or maybe you'll never need to change. :)

- K.

 

Re: Celexa

Posted by Sammy on September 27, 2001, at 15:34:07

In reply to Celexa » Sammy, posted by Krazy Kat on September 27, 2001, at 12:56:24

> > Krazy Kat-

I'm having a REALLY hard time getting a message to you. I've sent you two but don't see either one posted on the board. I had tried to send them a different way. Did you get either one or maybe both? I'm kind of new at this. Please let me know.

Thanks!

Sammy

 

Re: Celexa » Sammy

Posted by Krazy Kat on September 27, 2001, at 15:56:02

In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by Sammy on September 27, 2001, at 15:34:07

Sammy:

I didn't get a message. How are you sending it?

- K.

 

Re: Celexa

Posted by Sammy on October 8, 2001, at 19:06:22

In reply to Re: Celexa » Sammy, posted by Krazy Kat on September 27, 2001, at 15:56:02

> Krazy Kat

If this gets through, will you please send me your email address so I can get a message through to you? Mine is adssay@aol.com

Thanks!

Sammy

 

Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?

Posted by inky on November 7, 2001, at 14:38:52

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Janice1 on January 4, 2001, at 18:52:01

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!

 

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

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?

Posted by mcmud on November 9, 2001, at 11:54:30

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » inky, posted by Mitch on November 7, 2001, at 23:12:02

Hi Inky. I have been taking Topamax for > 6 mos. for phantom pain, in combination w/ amitrip. and hydrocodone. The adage start low, go slow is probably the best advice. I found that 50 mg/day is what I can tolerate without experiencing unacceptable side effects. Tingling of the extremities is common. It is very important to stay well hydrated when taking this drug.

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?

Posted by JohnX2 on November 12, 2001, at 17:41:21

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » inky, posted by Mitch on November 7, 2001, at 23:12:02


Hi,

Topomax is one of the few anti-convulsants I have
not tried. I have chronic tension headache and
bruxism and lately was suggested baclofen. But
my older neurologist thouht Topomax may help.
I never got substantial relief from the other
anti-convulsants, but i am currently taking lamictal
and klonopin is the main releaver of my headaches.
When I looked into topomax I saw it worked very
differently than lamictal and it had action at the
GabaA receptor increasing Cl- conductance which is
also what klonopin does. So I was still thinking it
may be good to try, especially given the latest buzz
regarding it being a good adjunct to lamictal.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
john

> > 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

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » JohnX2

Posted by Mitch on November 12, 2001, at 22:56:23

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?, posted by JohnX2 on November 12, 2001, at 17:41:21

>
> Hi,
>
> Topomax is one of the few anti-convulsants I have
> not tried. I have chronic tension headache and
> bruxism and lately was suggested baclofen. But
> my older neurologist thouht Topomax may help.
> I never got substantial relief from the other
> anti-convulsants, but i am currently taking lamictal
> and klonopin is the main releaver of my headaches.
> When I looked into topomax I saw it worked very
> differently than lamictal and it had action at the
> GabaA receptor increasing Cl- conductance which is
> also what klonopin does. So I was still thinking it
> may be good to try, especially given the latest buzz
> regarding it being a good adjunct to lamictal.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Thanks,
> john
>

John, tension headaches and migraines are quite opposite from each other with regards to vascular effects. Anything that might be effective for migraines might exacerbate tension headaches and vice versa. Tension headaches that I have experienced often involve excess use of stimulants like caffeine for example, while caffeine tends to help migraine sufferers.

As far as AED's go: Topamax and Gabitril were the worst for cognitive side effects that I have experienced. I felt like someone rubbed my forehead down with lidocaine and then slugged me with a large Masonic Bible!


Mitch


>
> > > 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

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?

Posted by bob on November 12, 2001, at 23:44:58

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » JohnX2, posted by Mitch on November 12, 2001, at 22:56:23

Mitch:

That quote about the lidocaine and the Masonic Bible was absolutely priceless. I have to admit that the cognitive dysfunction arising out of drugs like Topomax in practically unbearable -- at least with my experience.

 

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

Posted by Mitch on November 13, 2001, at 9:15:41

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?, posted by bob on November 12, 2001, at 23:44:58

> Mitch:
>
> That quote about the lidocaine and the Masonic Bible was absolutely priceless. I have to admit that the cognitive dysfunction arising out of drugs like Topomax in practically unbearable -- at least with my experience.

Bob,

I've got comorbid adult ADHD mixed up with bipolarII problems. For whatever reason, it seems that the AED's that affect GABA in some way appear to be the worst ones. I think one of the mechanisms of Topamax is GABA-ergic in some way as well (I might be wrong here). Gabitril was clearly the worst one (it blocks reuptake of GABA). Even with just a 4mg dose, I could go to work and find myself starting things over and over again. When I was taking 500mg/day of Depakote (for nearly two years), I was trying to train somebody at work and I remember her turning around and looking straight at me and saying, "Do you have attention deficit disorder, or something?". That was before the comorbid ADHD dx. I wonder if a lot of other BP's out there are misdiagnosed or the comorbid condition is missed.

Mitch


Go forward in thread:


Show another thread

URL of post in thread:


Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ


[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.