Migraine meds: I currently take Topamax... - My MSAA Community

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Migraine meds

bxrmom profile image
35 Replies

I currently take Topamax which it worked in the beginning but it doesn't seem to be really working any more and I just read that a side effect is weight loss which could explain my continued weight loss after being off of Copaxone now for a year and being on Tecfidera. For those that suffer from migraines, what do you take? I want to be able to message my neuro through the portal about something rather than him prescribe something I've tried that didn't work. My appt with the new neuro isn't until July 5th.

Jessie

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bxrmom
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greaterexp profile image
greaterexp

I had fewer migraines while taking metoprolol. I sure hope you get some relief. I know how painful and debilitating they can be.

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to greaterexp

Thanks, greaterexp When I was checking out my insurance company website about what meds it covers for migraines...not a lot of them they cover :( Metoprolol they cover..just checked. I will do some research on it.

Jessie

Iona60 profile image
Iona60

Nortriptyline

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to Iona60

Thanks, Iona60 I will look into that one

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belle

I wanted to reiterate your weight loss point. I was on Topamax for quite a while until I started getting "too small." So, yes, it definitely effects weight loss! I gained some weight back after going off a year or two ago but am still small. The doctor is happier, too. I have not tried any other preventive medicine, however, so I can't help you there. Please let us know if you do try something new and how it works. I've just been dealing with the headaches. And, lately, that has been a lot. Best wishes to you!!

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to Tinker-Belle

I will definitely post an update on what my neuro prescribes. My headaches are too often so I need something, just something different. I have a friend that takes Meloxicam for his back pain and says it really helps when he has migraines. I have also read on a migraine group that a lot of people take it for that as well.

erash profile image
erash

I have had patients do well with topamax but In addition to weight loss, Topamax can contribute to a lot of cog fog. Nortriptyline that iona60 mentioned is fairly well tolerated. Propranolol is a beta blocker similar to the metoprolol Greaterexp mentioned. Propranolol crosses the BBB more (blood brain barrier) and thus may do a better job with migraines but both can be limited by lowering your BP too much. There's a half dozen other migraine preventive med options that can be tailored to your needs. So def talk to your neuro about your options! Good luck 🌈

Bearpoop profile image
Bearpoop in reply to erash

When I told my neurologist that my migraines were worse than my ms he suggested trying Propanolol. I have taken Propranolol for my migraines for the last 7 months and its been a game changer. I was having headaches about 4 days a week before starting it. They dropped dramatically! I think I have only had 1 that put me in bed and a few that I take my Sumatriptan to shut down. I don’t have to wonder about making plans and whether I will have a headache that stops me. Good luck!

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to erash

Thanks erash for that explanation. Will definitely talk to my neuro!

Amore55 profile image
Amore55

I take Topamax and have lost lots of weight. I was already thin, so we are watching the scale. It seems to have settled now. In total it caused me to lose about 25 pounds! I went from size 8 pants to size 4. But it really works for me. Let us know how things go. Love, Kelly xx

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador

Hi bxrmom I have been on Topamax for migraines forever. As in 8 or 9 yrs? Mostly for weight loss tho. Effexor is nasty stuff. 😒 I also take sumatripan if I have to.

How much Topamax are you on?

🤗💕

J🌠

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to Jesmcd2

I take 2 -25mg tabs in the morning and a 25mg at night.

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to bxrmom

I take 100mg every mrn. And night. 😐🙃 So there is rm to increase if that is what your looking for. It does cut back on migraines. But I stay away from situations that trigger them. Or try to.🤣😂🤣 Good luck!

J🌠

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Jesmcd2

One Dr told me magnesium also helps. BUT... this Dr also said nothing about MS. 😒😡 His poor secretary did not here the end of that! Let me tell you! 😡😡

But mag is really supposed to help.🤗💕

J🌠

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to Jesmcd2

I have read that about magnesium Jesmcd2 I have thought about adding that, just not sure how much. Need to talk to my either my neuro or my family doc on dosage. Thanks!

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to Jesmcd2

It worked when I first got on it but it no longer works :( and now I keep losing weight so I need to find something else to help that works.

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06 in reply to bxrmom

Tell me about this weight loss? Does it make u nauseous? Upset ur stomach in any way?

I need to see my neuro abot my migraines and this cud be an option for me. I need to lose a LOT of weight

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Midgey_Midge06

It never upset my stomach or nauseous at all. And everything makes me sick.😒 🙃

I'm not sure how it works, just that it does. 🤣😂 But I don't sit still for very long either. And, I had a tendency to have very severe anxiety attacks, that I would lose 15 lbs in 2 wks. By the time I was done with one, I had lost 60lbs within 2 months.

I don't have them anymore! Not like that, thank the Angels💕

J🌠

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06 in reply to Jesmcd2

Dang. My anxiety makes me stress eat. 🥐☕️

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador in reply to Midgey_Midge06

Not these. Take my word for it 😊🤗💕

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06

I take Maxalt for my migraines but Treximet works way better for me. I have recently starting having major migraine problems this year. I almost OD’d on aspirin trying to get a hold of my doc just to get that Maxalt script

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to Midgey_Midge06

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that Midgey_Midge06 . Glad you are finally getting some relief.

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06

I just now saw a news story about a new migraine med available within the next week - Aimovig if u wanna check it out

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to Midgey_Midge06

I received an email about that medication. I will look into it. I doubt my insurance will cover it as they don't seem to want to cover many medications :(

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06 in reply to bxrmom

U can always contact the pharm company. If u fill out an application, have ur doctor sign it and see if they will send to u free

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to Midgey_Midge06

Great idea! Thanks, Midgey_Midge06 I forget about things like that!

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51

My neurologist prescribed Depakote whichz serms to be working kind foR me

Donnie

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to Doubled51

Glad that is working for you Donnie!

July 5th ouch, and I thought mine of June 20th was a long wait ~terry

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to MS_Indestructible

Well, my follow up with my reg neuro was supposed to be June 18, so less than a month later for a new neuro isn't really that bad of a wait in the scheme of things :)

Jessie

MS_Indestructible profile image
MS_Indestructible in reply to bxrmom

very true. I can wait for mine but I should have contacted my neuro sooner ~terry

guitarguy profile image
guitarguy

I’m very surprised not to see Botox treatments listed here!

I started once every 3 maths. and haven’t had a migraine since!! Huge help ! 😀

Dave

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to guitarguy

Glad to hear Botox is working for your migraines.

guitarguy profile image
guitarguy

Thanks. It’s a very pleasant surprise to have med do exactly what it’s intended to and what you want to do. This is extremely rare for me as I seem to be a medical anomaly in so many ways that I don’t even keep track anymore.

I started Botox in January of 2018.

Dave

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom in reply to guitarguy

I know what you mean about meds not working.

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