Had the Migraine/ClusterHeadache to end them all on Monday and was in hospital for 3 days. they started me on Topiramate which I had been prescribed and had been due to pick the prescription up the day I went in.
I picked them up just now but they are different to the ones I got in hospital - does anyone know if it's OK to start those now or should I use up the hospital ones first? The GP said the hospital ones can't be ordered again so the new ones can't be sent back and at some point I will have to take them but he wasn't sure when. He was a bit uncertain about mixing different brands though.
Thanks
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Brychni
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thanks Cat - I too think it will be OK. It was the GP who made me doubt but I think both brands Glenmark and Cadil are 'generic' not sure what that means exactly but sounds like the same thing. Thanks.
The British National Formulary has some specific advice about switching makes - though in the context of epilepsy.
Prescribing and dispensing information
Switching between formulations
Care should be taken when switching between oral formulations in the treatment of epilepsy. The need for continued supply of a particular manufacturer's product should be based on clinical judgement and consultation with the patient or their carer, taking into account factors such as seizure frequency and treatment history.
Patients being treated for epilepsy may need to be maintained on a specific manufacturer’s branded or generic topiramate product.
For some medicines, patients find differences between formualtions even if the medical establishment doesn't. However, even where differences are noted, patients sometimes notice nothing.
I think use the supply left from the hospital, before you start the new ones. Make sure they are the right dosage though. Once you take the new meds, try and stick to the same brand.
I don't see why you can't mix brands, I have been on this med for about a year now and have had a couple of different brands as the pharmacy just chooses, I don't get a choice, I haven't noticed any change in effect for me.
You should be fine, one is most likely the name brand and one is generic. Only difference is the cost to dispense the brand name will be more than the generic. I was on these meds before and had a few different kinds.Side note make sure you know all the side effects with this drug... I was on it for 6 months and was told I would experience temporary memory loss.... it never went away after taking the meds and everyone I know who was put on it had lasting memory problems. I know it's different for everyone so this may not be the case for you( fingers crossed), however I would have liked to know this before hand because now my memory is poop. Hope this helps 😊
I'm not concerned about memory problems: to put it into context, at several points during my last 3 day attack (which would have gone on had it not been for the Frovatriptan) I though about jumping out of the ward window. So memory loss is a small price to play for my kids having me around.I gave up on work a long time ago.
If it works then stick with it! I'm on aimovig auto injectors which was the next step after topiramate with my neurologist. I inject once a month into my thigh and Since I've been on it I've had 2 migraines ( been on it for 6 months ish now) and the occasional headache. Everyone is different so but my injectors have been my miracle drugs. Use to have 15 plus migraines a month and constant headaches in-between.
Not trying to frighten you, but please keep an eye out for any side affects you have on Topiramate. I was on it for 7 months and have just been weaned off. Good luck and hope it works for you!
I love it so far. Just gone up to 50mg a day and am no longer living in fear of an attack. I know I might have one and that it isn't a magic bullet but in combination with the Frovatriptan and my upcoming referral to the clinic I am feeling hopeful for the first time in ages.Every time I feel a bite tired, I get up and do something and the feeling goes away. I get tongue tied and forgetful but couldn't care less. It's nothing compared to wanting to hang myself to get away from the pain. In fact the after effects or postdrome ( I think it's called) make me feel pretty dopey anyway, so there's not much change and it's been happening so frequently and for so long lately it makes no difference apart from the lack of pain, which is bliss.
Good luck. I was taking it for epilepsy but it did not work for me.
I have been on this medication 2 years and only just weaned off. This week wiil be my first week med free. The side effects are challenging. That is putting it mildly. Good luck
What will the next step be if they come back? Surely there is a back up plan? Why are you coming off the Topiramate? I have been told that there are side effects but I have to demonstrate that I have tried it when I go the specialist clinic that the neurologist has referred me to. If I am unhappy with it or it stops working then they can prescribe me some injection beginning with E - can't remember what it's called now.
No back up plan as yet. I have memory loss, twitching eyes, loss of taste, depression, weight loss, 4 stone, hair loss.Pain in stomach and kidney area they cannot diagnose why. I just cannot remember whole conversations. However no migraines.It's affecting my HRT too hence why coming off. I do have Sumatriptan in the house incase of migraine
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