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
poster:JohnX2
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83997.html