Posted by headachequeen on April 5, 2005, at 19:11:25
In reply to Re: topomax pain, posted by hurtinhead on April 4, 2005, at 18:06:06
> I have had issues with migraines for years now. I am a 34 year old woman, and back in 2000 the doctors think I had a small stroke, as they found a "lacunar infarct" on my MRI, accompanied by localized numbness in my face and extremities. Therefore, the docs are afraid to prescribe the normal migraine meds like Zomig and Imotrex due to my "stroke" history. So today, a neurologist I've just begun seeing prescribed Topamax to prevent the migraines, since I can't take the other stuff. However, after reading these threads, I am scared as hell about it. First, I am an attorney and I can't afford to get "the stupids." (Especially because I've just started a new job and the stupids can get you fired right quick, although I know popular opinion is who would notice a lawyer with a case of the stupids)
> Second, I could stand to lose about 60 lbs (all gained w/in the last year-coincidently my first year of work as an attorney.) However, I'd rather lose weight on my own than get stupid.
>
> Third, my doctor has me starting Topamax at 25mg daily for the first week, and then increasing 25mg each week until I reach 100mg. Is this too fast? I'm really afraid of the cognitive side effects. Do you all think it would be OK to double the time it takes me to work up to 100mg?
>
> Also, please, somebody tell me this drug did not make you incapable of thinking straight.
>All right, here I am ... this drug has never made me incapable of thinking straight...
at the moment I take 600 mg a day for migraine although mainly for epilepsy along with two other migraine meds ...
I too have had a small stroke, two actually... another page in the resume <sigh>
I am not an attorney but I have to think on my feet pretty well all the time and in much the way you do.
At this moment I am entering into two new undertakings: a radio news magazine with ten minutes open air leading to fifteen if it proves popular, discussion with the listeners about the days' lead topic... and an on-line magazine on a topic I know nothing about other than I like to spend money on it... I shall be editor with between six and twelve writers, a few photographers meeting my demands and as a professional photographer I can be very demanding, while I intend to do most of the cover shots myself...
mes amies, did I not say that the battle had shifted and that I was not giving in to epilepsy?
I shall be maintaining my photo studio for children and pets, another recent project, and my what was latest venture, an ongoing photo exhibition... changing the scenery so to speak, every so often with limited edition prints available for sale...
So, if Topomax does not give me the forgetfuls, you are more than safe....
That is IF... read that IF again, you do not move up the dosage too fast and weekly increments is too fast.... yes, too fast.
Start in the evenings... starting topomax in the mornings is worse than morning sickness...
At bedtime take 25 mg... for TWO (2) weeks or longer until your body says this is all right....
then move up by another 25....
if the total dosage is to be 100 mg then stay on that second increment for a couple of weeks or longer until your system says all right then start 25 mg in the morning and take it for two or three weeks before you increase to 50 mg....I doubt if 100 will affect the weight much but it could surprise you... I started losing weight in the first week... and I needed it...
the past ten days I have been unable to eat... no interest whatever and am now wearing a size 7 jean or dress pant... we have gone too far... I see the doctor on Thursday to see why my lungs hate me and why I am not interested in food...
not even steak or shrimp or chocolate...
saw surgeon today and he is too busy doing tummy tucks and face lifts and whatever to do my hand until late summer....
arrrrgggghhhhhhhhh
and those lumps get in my way...
may take them out myself...have eliminated the lump on my wrist myself....
if there is a problem, ask a woman to solve it is my new motto...
good luck with the migraines...
I started topomax in early January 2003 and have not had a headache since... and loving it
kat
poster:headachequeen
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050404/msgs/480368.html