Chronic daily headaches with migraines

[Emmaev]

Hi can anyone give me their experiences of topamax. How long did it take to work. Was anything better other than amitriptyline

[astrosdiva]

I took Topamax for several years for chronic Migraine and found no improvement whatever. In fact, mine got worse. I gained 40 pounds on Elavil in the 1980's. Now I take a combination of beta blocker and anti-depressant (Nadolol + Cymbalta). Not a cure, but I'm better than I've been in 50 years. Good luck.

[jasperc163]

Hi Emmaev,

I tried Topomax but only made it to 50mg (which helped a bit) before i had to give up on it (due to side effects). I am also on Nortriptyline (only 20mg) which maybe helped a bit but not as much as the Topamax. I am still seeking a solution (and a reason for all of this) as I have had a constant daily headache, with occasional migraines, for 9 months now).

sorry not much help!

[misstah]

I've been on topamax for a year, I can't tolerate any more 50mg a day and I'm still contemplating on coming off it because of the side effects. It's only because it has helped with my daily migraines that I've persevered for so long. I tried amitriptyline but it seriously affected my sleep so I wasn't on it for long. But I know someone who tolerates a higher dose of topamax than me and does it help with their migraines. Everyone is different, the only way to find out is to try it. I'm in the process of coming off Propananol which I found useless to be put on gabapentin with the topamax

[Karker]

Hi I went on tops max twice and had to come off both times because of the side effects. The good news was it helped to stabilize my weight however the side effects were too bad to justify staying on. I didn't feel it gave me much relief. Hope it works for you

[Hidden]

Hi I've been on topamax now for nearly two years starting at a low dose but I'm now up to 400mg daily I have had some side affects weight lose and confusion , it has helped a bit to reduce my migraines in the beginning but I get on average 15 to 20 a month just about to start Botox so hope to reduce topamax. I think if you can get on with it it's worth a try but there are lots of drugs out there don't get stuck of it if your worried about side affects remember you have to give it at least a month to level out in your system that's why the start you on small dose . Hope helps

[sarahly2008]

I take Topamax and Imipramine for my headaches and the combination seem to work for me. Been on them for getting on 10 years now and try to come off and the headaches get worse so must be doing something. Don't really get side effects so guess I am lucky!! Really interested in the possibility of Botox and whether that works and how to get it.