Topamax

[fixit]

Anyone find any success with 50mg of Topamax a day? Had relief of chronic daily headache/migraine at 75mg but side effects were intolerable. Dropping to 50mg daily to see if it still works without the awful side effects.

[Tina_Sadlivsky]

Hi! Tried topamax 50mg. It helped for s few weeks but still gave me serious side effects, such as constant low mood, apathy and suicidal thoughts. Once, my mother pulled a knife from my hands. Had to attend psychologist afterwards(

However not sure if it wasn't my personal intolerance, still don't recommend to play with topamax at all.

[fixit in reply to Tina_Sadlivsky]

That is a serious reaction Tina. Sorry to hear that. Bloody pills. Since I posted this I have just started a migraine. Just can’t win! Have you successfully found anything that helps?

[Tina_Sadlivsky in reply to fixit]

I feel so sorry for you(

When it just starts it feels like an agony until you get used. Unfortunately, there is nothing so far that can fully cure migraines. The most important thing is find what works for you and not to rely on pills to much if don't want to add failing liver, pancreas, stomach and kidneys to your problems.

When i was diagnosted with migraines 5 years ago I had GON injections for a period of time. This mostly had placebo effect. I have had propranolol 40mg. It don't help. Then I tried topamax. And now, I have amitriptyline. It gives some side effects as usual but not as bad as topamax or propranolol( I fainted twice in one day and got some amnesia)

Apart from this, when the very first signs of ANY headache appear is drinking plenty of water, for about 3 litres per day, wearing something warm- thick socks and hat, (both compulsory!) and take hot shower. Taking a bath might be dangerous, as you could faint. So, it's up to you. Also, I don't eat or eat in very small amounts when have headache. If migraine attack happens I take sumatriptan or migralife as soon as I start feeling the pain. In addition, I started a migraine dairy to see my reactions to different stimuli- music, noise, odours, light, physical activity. Based on this I excluded a list of products from my diet- oranges, cheese, chocolate, bacon, all fizzy drinks, fast food, fried food, potato, most of pastry. Alcohol, smoking, pubs, nightclubs and Mcdonalds are deadly for migraines. At least, in me. Smell of the last one makes me feel sick and dizzy, so i cannot even enter it. Swimming is perfect for headaches. Jogging- it depends. Good rest is extremely important, so try to sleep full 8-9

Don't combine tomatoes and sumatriptan. Hands trembling like if would've taken double expresso in empty stomach. An overall feeling of having a flu.

Hope this will be helpful for you.

[fixit in reply to Tina_Sadlivsky]

Thanks for the tips Tina.

[designer111]

HI. I was prescribed this, bought it, got home and read the side effects and threw it away. I hated the suicidal effects and feelings of low thoughts on the literature and decided it was not for me. It scared me. Never tried it. I was prescribed Candersartan and after 6-8 weeks miraculously my migraines almost diminished. When I get a headache it is exactly that ... a small headache that I would say is on a scale on 1 of out 5. I can still got to work and get things done in my day. Have not taken a triptan for months! Candersartan is a tablet for blood pressure though so my blood pressure is lower but still in healthy range. Perhaps give a go?

[fixit in reply to designer111]

I will look into it thanks designer111.

[fixit]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. This programme sounds amazing but I live in the UK.