Topamax

[fearfactor]

I could easily get a prescription for Topamax as I have migraines and my doc and I talked about it at our last visit.  I would also LOVE the weight loss side effect.  Anyone that has or is taking Topamax - does it make you feel nervous?  Does it make your heart beat faster and/or palpitations?  I have anxiety so I can't use it if it will make me more nervous.  Anybody have bad side effects from Topamax?

[annetteford]

I can understand what Jawyte1202 is going through.  I have been on topamax for about 6 months for migraines.  I am currently taking 100mg.  When I started the medication, I weighed 109 pounds.  I am now down to 101.  I have to make myself eat at times.  I have got to the point at night, I sit down and eat a big bowl of chocolate icecream just to try and keep my weight up.  It's like I eat, but I still keep losing the weight.  I think alot of it is muscle because I used to be a gym rat, but now that I am on this medication, I feel so tired, I don't go to gym and lift weights like I used to.  The side effects are aggravating at times, the numbness, lack of memory, being tired, and just feeling like **** (for lack of better words).  I'm hoping eventually the tiredness will subside and I can get back to my normal routine because this medicine helps my headaches tremendously, but if I keep losing weight and can't get into the gym, I'm going to have to find an alternative.

Good Luck to everyone.

[Bobbie-Jean]

Hello everyone, I just wanted to say that im sorry for everyone that has had such a bad deal taking topamax. I am 33 years old and have been suffering with migraines since i was 13. I was put on topamax about 4 months ago and it has been the best thing that I could have done....I take 100mg every nite before bed. the first 4 weeks were hell but after the slow increase my body had gotten use to it and now im fine.....Once in a great while i will lose my thoughts but i get it back in a few seconds..I rather have a brain fart then suffer anymore...As far as the weight loss part of it i have lost 17LBS since taking it...


Its sad to say but i have thee children 3,5,and 13 and I have passed the migraines along to my 5 and 13 year old soooooooo I pray that there is hope for them and that they dont have to suffer like i did for years....

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE

[trinagirl]

some of these comments are very unnerving. i was diagnosed with bipolar 2 years ago and have been on lamictal since. after having continued panic attacks, my doctor added lexapro to my mix. appearently this is normal. in two years, i have gained nearly 30lbs, and on a 5'1 frame, it is really unhealthy. my psych and i have been watching this and yesterday she added topamax to counteract the weight gain and add as an additional mood stabilizer. gradually i will increase my dosage until i reach 100mgs over the next four weeks. i have been warned about vision, memory and numbness, it surprises me that more people haven't heard of this before taking it. i took my first dose last night, and did have trouble falling asleep, although it could have been any number of things. if you are overwieght, and are looking for only the miracle drug, i would not recommend topamax. epilepsy, migranes and bipolar disorder are serious problems with neurological functions. any medication that adjusts those functions in attempt to correct can't be good for a healthy brain. we will see how it goes. hopefully i will be singing its praises not in the emergency room like some of the other members.

[sherbear33]

I've been on Topamax for 6 months with no side effects.  I still get migraines but not like I was. I haven't made any trips to the hospital since being on it. As for Weight Loss-I don't see it.  I'm happy on it.  It has made a difference for me.
My best friends mother has been on Topamax for 5yrs for her migraines and she has lost a ton of weight on it.

[MerryCookston]

Hello friends,

I wanted to share my story to say that there is alternative solutions for us migraine sufferers. My name is Merry Cookston and I am 56 years old. I have suffered from migraine headaches since I was in high school. I was on Topamax 2xs a day plus Zomig when the headaches came on which was about 2 to 3 times per week.  

I would come home on those headache days to a dark room, not being able to eat or talk and nearly vomiting from pain.  At one point, 15 months ago, my husband did have to take me to the hospital because the migraine was so out of control.  It took 5 shots to finally knock out the pain.

After 20 years of pain and trips to the ER, I wanted to find a better way to cope.
I had a doctor friend refer me to a natural product, which has changed my life.  In fact, I have had only 2 migraines in over 15 months.

Over the past couple of months I have been sharing my story with other people who suffer with migraines like me.  My son has created a web page for me so I can reach more people who struggle with migraines and feel like they have NO HOPE.

THERE IS HOPE! Please feel free to check out more information about my story and the healthy alternative I have found to significantly help my migraines.

Copy and paste the link below into your browser window for more information or you can email me at ***@****.

http://web.mac.com/joelcookston/iWeb/Migraines/Merry%20Cookston.html

[jubug73]

Hi Everyone, I have been taking topamax for 1 month now... The side effects have been worth it to me. I would rather have the tingling in my fingers and toes and the 10lb weight loss than the awfull migrains that I was having. I haven't even had a headache since the first full week of taking topamax. My doctor has me at 75mg a day. I take it at night since anything I take makes me sleep. So I always get a good night sleep. Medicine just works differently with different people.  Good luck to all.