Topamax And Headaches Facts

Topamax And Headaches

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has any one tried topamax for headaches and weight loss? I get head aches on a regular basis and i am also over weight one of my co wokers told me i should ask my doctor about topamax that it helps greatly with the headaches and alos as one of the side effect of decreased apititte. has any one had any personal experiances with this medication?

Sprig replied: "This is a good medication for headaches and for weight loss, but it is also NOT a medication to mess around with. The side effects are seriously intense for a lot of people and it's generally prescribed for epilepsy (it's an anti-convulsant) or migraine. It's important to understand that migraine is a not just a bad headache. Topamax is usually given to people who have severe migraine disease which includes a combination of severe headaches, visual changes, often numbness and tingling, nausea, vomiting, hearing things, seeing things, and a series of other neurological problems. If you just have headaches and need to loose weight, learn what's triggering your headaches and take care of that first, then try to manage your diet and exercise. There are a lot of less intense drugs that can be used to prevent headaches and even less severe migraine disorder that have less side effects and are much cheaper. Trust me, topamax is not a drug that should be taken without absolute necessity. I take it because I have migraine headaches everyday which take away my vision, make me sick, make my face and hands numb, etc.... i.e. I really have no other choice. My PCP thinks it's such an icky drug that he sent me to a neurologist to prescribe it because he didn't think I should take it unless it was really going to work. The side effects are horrible- I'm dizzy all the time, I feel like someone is stabbing needles into my feet, my mouth is dry, I'm drowsy all of the time, I have trouble forming words when I talk to people, I have a hard time concentrating, and so one. Really, I just want to stress, don't take this drug unless it's the only thing that works for you and you really cannot function in the world without it. It sucks and it's expensive, even with great insurance. It costs me $90/month for a relatively low dose and my husband works for the federal government so we have excellent insurance. It's a gross drug."

i am taking topamax for cluster headaches how do you get rid of the tingling? what are you taking or doing to get rid of cluster headaches?

Josie B replied: "I don't take this medicine, but I read that you should take potassium supplements to help with the tingling. Your doctor should be the one to tell you the amount of potassium to take. Drink plenty of water because it causes kidney stones. I hope this helps."

Jeffrey L replied: "Gatorade works, bananas work. I don't really mind tingling though so I really don't do anything any more; but then I have a mild case of tingling since I also take Lisinopril for blood pressure. That's another suggestion: if you are on any kind of b.p. medication, a switch to Lisinopril might do the trick. (Can't help you on the cluster headaches; I take Topamax to prevent migraines and it does a great job of that.)"

Why would a doctor prescribe topamax and trazadone for headaches? You think the doctor thinks the person is getting headaches because of medical reasons? or is there science to it? i meant because of psychiatric reasons

midnightmoon62 replied: "Topomax is a migraine med. Trazodone is a sedative anti depressant. When it comes to migraines, sometimes its hard to tell what the triggers are. These meds will help the person sleep the headache or migraine off - which is often the only way to get rid of that severe of a head ache (sleeping, that is). If they are stress headaches or migraines being triggered by stress, it may help level that out."

kuiper replied: "Both topamax and trazodone have off label usage for migraines. Even though they are antidepressants, they have other uses, among which is reduced headaches in some patients. So no, your doctor is probably not treating this as a psychological problem. There is medical support for this line of treatment, though it is not effective in all patients."

a_gondos_gotta_do replied: "Topomax is a medication that is used as a preventative for migraine headaches. It was originally intended as a seizure disorder drug and was found to treat migraines, and bi-polar disorder as well. Migraines can be caused for many reasons and doctors are not really sure what triggers them. Some of the reasons are stress, lack of sleep, anxiety, tumors, changes in diet and the weather, flashing lights, and even strong odors. Trazodone is also a migraine preventative drug which was originally developed for another purpose. It is an antidepressant which was found to treat migraines and tension headaches. Both Topomax and Trazodone have to build up in your system over a period of 1-3 weeks to take full effect and really start to work. If you are worried that your doctor thinks you have a psychiatric problem and is putting you on these medications and telling you they are for headaches that is not the case they are really to treat migraines and tension headaches. I know the Topomax works, I have been on it for 3 years now and I have only had 1 migraine which was my fault because I ran out of my prescription and didn't have any for three days. This is compared to previously getting a migraine about every 2 months that lasted about 5 days before I started taking it!"

John de Witt replied: "The science isn't well understood, but both have been used to limit the number and severity of migraines. The finding in both cases seems to have been serendipitous, with the drugs having been prescribed to migraineurs for other reasons. Considering how common migraines are, it isn't surprising that these things happen."

my doctor prescribed me topamax for headaches, and i've read some really bad things about it. anyone take it? I've read a lot about serious side effects, and while not even knowing if this is gonna help me, I'm scared to begin taking it. anyone have any experience with it, positive or negative?

Melody replied: "Well, I took it for severe tics, from my extremely severe Tourette's syndrome. It first would put me in this grey, dull, dreary fog. I'd get up in the morning exhausted and crawl over to the couch from my room and sit there and vegetate all day long, watching TV and sleeping and eating junk. And each time we started to raise the dose, it would take around a week and it would lose effect. So we'd raise it again. And I continued to be sluggish and then increasingly more depressed. To the point the doctor I was seeing thought I was a threat to myself. After a nightmarish attempt at inpatient treatment, I quit the Topamax. And I went back to being my relatively happy self. It was one of the worst drugs I've ever taken. (I'm seemingly very prone to side effects) Anyways, yeah, watch for depression! Cognitive dulling (feeling in a fog) is another (maybe more) common one. I just feel like you oughta know what it did to me. I don't want you to go through that. Mine was definitely negative. But like I mentioned earlier, I have a history of unusual tendencies to be prone to negative side effects. Maybe it will work for you, I don't know. I took it for Tourette's. Good luck!"

can topamax help sinus headaches as well as migraine headaches? I was dianosed with migraines, but I also have sinus. Thanks :)

Chas replied: "Why is Topamax prescribed Topamax is an antiepileptic drug, prescribed to control both the mild attacks known as partial seizures and the severe tonic-clonic convulsions known as grand mal seizures. It is typically added to the treatment regimen when other drugs fail to fully control a patient's attacks. Topamax is also prescribed for the prevention of migraine headaches (also known as prophylactic treatment). However, due to a lack of studies, it's not known whether the drug can treat acute migraine attacks. Most important fact about Topamax Do not abruptly stop taking Topamax. If the drug isn't withdrawn gradually, the frequency of your seizures could increase. How should you take Topamax? It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. It can be taken with or without food. Avoid breaking the tablets; the medication has a bitter taste. Topamax capsules may be swallowed whole, or the capsule may be opened and its contents sprinkled on a teaspoonful of soft food. To open the capsule, hold it so you can read the word "top" and carefully twist off the clear portion of the capsule. The drug and food mixture should be swallowed whole and not chewed. Do not store the mixture for future use. Topamax increases your risk of developing kidney stones. To prevent this problem, be sure to take this medication with plenty of fluids. If you miss a dose... Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once In other words, no Here's a link you might enjoy"

Skizoid replied: "there really is no scientific study that it says it can sure migraines.. better ask for its literature or consult the PIMs book of drugs.. its better safe than being sorry later.. we also don't know what are the far effects of this drug or if it in anyway related to your pain... it would be wise if you take what you are used to taking..."

dbgyog replied: "Hardly. pl see what suits you. If you are in cold country use all warm things. Pl try cold water bath and observe if in hot country, if pain increases use warm. If you have cough/cold body hot water bath will help. Massage and exercise in front of morning sun is good thing, pl try. Pl try simple acupressure given below for immediate relief. If it fails you will have to go for Acupuncture. There is hardly any medicine for H/A OR MIGRAINE. Not only these but for RA, OA, Back ache, Ear ache/ringing, Stomach ache and almost all painful diseases. Hence they become chronic. Acidity, WORRY, sadness, excessive wind, cold , heat, sour food and sinusitis, constipation, intestinal inflammation; drug side effects, stress, bad smell, TV & COMPUTER SOMETIMES, Blockage in the flow of Vital Energy, BODY CONSTITUTION etc are their causes. None of them can be treated with medicine. Our 100% success in treating migraine &H/A confirms it. Acupuncture is the best treatment. I can treat it with naturopathy and YOG, but how can you manage pl see. Pain killers don't treat the pain but we loose the sense of pain for some time; in that duration our body itself treats sometime and credit goes to meds. The useless drugs have tremendous power of side effects like liver/kidney failures, ulcer, inflammation of intestines and lot more. Avoid late sleeping if possible; worry, tension, spicy foods, sour fruits, stale bakery foods, SMOKING and alcohole. Sweet foods, COCOANUT WATER,sweet fruits like dates, milk, rice, SPROUTS, SALADS and good sleep will help if cough is not there. But you try one herbal remedy- two drops of drumstick leaves' juice in opposite nostril if one side pains and both nostrils if full H/A will give you rescue. Betel leaf helps but it is very strong. If it is acute pl search a painful point (with round tipped pen/jimmy) 3-6 mm behind your thumb nail and press it, H/A will disappear within 30 seconds. For forehead/eye pain the points are in front of nails on the finger tips or 3-7 mm below. It may disappear naturally too. Source(s): SHREE SWASTHYAYOG TREATMENT, TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE R.H. 19, Jhulelal Society, Sector 2/E, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, INDIA."

brittlynn replied: "Migraines are not always easy to detect. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Most people describe these headaches as a mild or moderate pressing, or tightening, head pain. Typically, tension headaches respond well to over-the-counter treatments. Unlike migraines, they are not accompanied by nausea or light and sound sensitivity. Also, normal activity will not typically aggravate them. Migraine headaches, on the other hand, often feature: * Throbbing head pain * Worsening pain with routine activity * Nausea and/or vomiting * Light and sound sensitivity Often, people with watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion and headache may think they have a SINUS HEADACHE. What they may be experiencing is a migraine. Nearly half of all migraine patients experience ocular or nasal symptoms, along with head pain. That's why it's always critical to talk to your healthcare professional."

Has anyone ever taken TOPAMAX for weight loss OR taken it for headaches and have experienced weight loss ? im trying to lose weight and i went and saw my doctor today and she said that she may put me on TOPAMAX to lose weight but its really a headache medicine if anyone could share there experience or any info concerning the weight loss aspect of it i would really appreaite it thanks alot :)

Cristian replied: "no"

Tina T replied: "I currently take it for back pain. Yes, it 's prescribed for migraines, but some people do lose weight while on it. There are some side effects that you may find bothersome: tingling of the hands and feet, soda and beer have a metallic taste to them, no appetite, very hard to concentrate You can read up on it more:--what-to-expect.html"

Sergey45 replied: "Yes, I did take Topomax for headaches and yes I did expirince weight loss on it."

Topamax roller can you ride a roller coasters? Im on Topamax for headaches and some other problem not diagnosed yet, im on 25mg i was wondering if i can go on roller coasters because im going to Howl-o-scream this friday and i was wondering if my medication would make me unable to ride them Thank you!

Topamax for headaches.....? For anyone taking this; how long is someone generally on this type of med or is it a lifetime thing and did you lose weight on Topamax? I just started taking it a few days ago. Thanks.

meanfoote2 replied: "I have been taking topamax for 4 years for migraines. It works! I don't think I would want to stop taking it because my headaches would come back. There are some very serious side effects from topamax. If you are about to start taking it talk toyour Dr about the side effects. (Hair loss, memory problems, kidney stones, leg pain) Weight loss is a "side effect" of the medication. Most people loose up to 7% of their body weight after starting it. I am on a high dose and lost a total of 40 pounds."

badkitty1969 replied: "I've been taking Topamax for about 4 years for migraines and it works great. Aparently, once I started going to the neurologist for my migraines, I discovered that I also have mild seizure issues, so my doctor has been gradually increasing my Topamax dosage. I have always been very thin my whole life, so I didn't need to lose any weight to begin with. I lost weight on the initial dosage of 50 mg of Topamax, which also helped my headaches. My headaches were totally under control at 75 mg but I was way too skinny. I stayed at that dosage for a long time and my weight eventually stabilized when I went back on the pill to stop the heavy bleeding from Topamax (one of the side effects is heavy periods). I got really sick from something else last year and had to stop taking all of my medication. Right now I am back on Topamax and have recently been increased to 200 mg. My headaches have gone away again and I feel much better, but I am WAY too thin."

Kayla K. replied: "My mom took topomax for her migranes and she said that she did lose some weight. I asked her about how long your sapposed to take it and i think that you take it intill your migraes or headaches go away."

witcheywoman replied: "You can lose weight, my best friend is on Topamax but she takes them for seizures. They make her sleep all the time, but get on your puter in type in Topamax an look at all the information there's gobs of info on topamax"

chocoholic_40 replied: "From what I understand with the reading, Topamax in use for migraine headaches is used for an indefinate period of time. I take it for depression; as a mood stablizer. I have been on it for about 6 months and have lost 20 pounds. Did not notice it at first. But you will lose your appetite and not want food. I hope this helps."

cowboydoc replied: "3.5 years for me for intense migraines caused by spinal nerves damaged."

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