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Author
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Topic: topomax and irritability
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egantwin
unregistered
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posted 10 February 2003 12:03 AM
 
I have been on topomax for about 4 weeks. I have been migraine free so far which is either amazing or just a freaky coincidence. I have good spells from time to time. My biggest complaint now that I am up to 50 mg twice a day is that I feel somewhat irritable. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think it might go away in time? I'd like to stick it out a few more weeks to see if my mood improves and if the migraines stay away.IP: Logged |
Lorrie
unregistered
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posted 13 February 2003 12:11 AM
I am just going to be starting on topamax, so am glad to hear you have been headache free with it. First I have to gradually decreasee off of amitriptyline, and that has been a challenge (that is making me irritable/anxious and having difficulty sleeping.)I will be interested to hear how you are doing, and hopefully your side effects go away and the stuff still works. Good luck!
Lorrie IP: Logged |
Lorrie
unregistered
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posted 10 March 2003 11:09 PM
Hi! It is Lorrie again. Just wondered if you are still on Topamax and having success? I am on 25 mg in am and 50 mg at night now, and have only had one migraine in the past month, so that is very encouraging for me. I too felt really irritable for the first few weeks, although I wondered if that was from coming off the elavil too? But now I feel like myself again, minus the head aches. I hope you are having good luck with this med too. Has any body else had any luck on it? I heard there was a TV special with mixed reports, but I missed it. The most important recommendations I've read about are to increase the dose very gradually to avoid the side effects of memory loss and decreased coordination, and to drink lots of water to avoid kidney stones, and to report any eye discomfort immediately, as on rare occasions has side effect of glaucoma. But for me the freedom from head pain is wonderful, and so far no side effects with the gradual (over one month)increase up to present dose of 75mg per day in divided dose. Hope this helps someone else! Good luck and never give up. I've been fighting these things for 20+ years and right now I'm having a great year. Take care, LorrieIP: Logged |
egantwin
unregistered
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posted 13 March 2003 11:14 PM
Dear Lorrie, Well, It's been a couple of months for me. Unfortunately, I had a cluster of migraines during the week of my last period. I was up to 100 mg per day at that point and my neurologist thought I was doing good and wanted me to go up to 150 mg. It's been 2 or 3 weeks since then. I'm up to 150 and the side effects I was feeling (irritibility, some gas pain, some other minor things) have subsided pretty well. I still feel some tingling in my arms and legs once in awhile but it doesn't really bother me much.
I've had only one migraine in the past few weeks. I took an imitrex early and it went away quickly and completely. Normally that would be the start of a few days worth of headaches. I'm thinking I may need to go up a little more in dosage (to 175 or 200 maybe) My doc says they find the medicine most effective between 100 and 200 milligrams. I'm going to wait until I go through my next period and see what happens. Then I'll talk to him. I wish you continued success with your trial. Do you have any side effect complaints? If you do, hang in there. You'll prbably get used to them. I wish you many migraine-free days, weeks, and years! SIncerely, EileenIP: Logged |
Lorrie
unregistered
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posted 22 March 2003 12:59 AM
Hi Eileen,
I have still been increasing the Topamax dose slowly and am just starting on 50 mg am and pm tonight. So far only side effects are tingling in feet and fingers with increases, and that seems to only last the first few days and is tolerable. I did have a few migraines that made me decide to keep up-ing the dose too, but like you, the Imitrex seems to be able to keep me going, even if not feeling 100%. But then I fell on the ice a few weeks ago and suffered a mild whip-lash, which has started a whole new cycle with neck and back of head pain leading to headaches. Darn! So it's hard to really judge the topamax fairly. I did go for a massage and chiropracter on Wednesday, and thats helped. So hopefully, I will get back to where I was soon, or even healthier for that matter! So good luck to you and keep me posted how the Topamax is working. I look forward to hearing from you and wish you freedom from pain! LorrieIP: Logged |
Egantwin
unregistered
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posted 23 March 2003 12:20 PM
Dear Lorrie, That really stinks about your accident on the ice! SOunds like a good plan your have, though. I have a wonderful chiropractor who does wholistic massage therapy (called amma) which works wonders on lots of muscular prooblems and helps when I have a string of migraines I can't break too! Anyway, I've been taking 150 mg of topomax per day for the past three weeks or so 75 in the morning and 75 at night. I'm just starting my time of the month and I had two migraines in the past week under very stressful times. They were not as bad as usual in that I took 1 imitrex and they were knocked out immediately. Normally, I may have had to take imitrex a couple of times and they might have clustered together for a few days. I usually average about 10 migraines per month. I am going to wait until the end of my time of the month and call the neurologist to see what he wants to do. My side effects have pretty much disappeared except for a little tingling from time to time but nothing notable. So if he thinks going to 175 or 200 mg per day would make a difference or if there is a possibility of even eliminating them altogether (can you imagine?) then I am willing to go up a little more. I'll let you know what happens. In the meantime, I hope you feel better! Sincerely, EileenIP: Logged |
Lorrie
unregistered
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posted 12 April 2003 11:56 PM
Dear Eileen, Hope you are headache free and still finding that Topamax is the answer you have been looking for. I have recovered from my fall,my neck seems pretty well back to normal (or as good as my neck gets anyway). I am on Topamax 50 mg a.m. and p.m. and haven't had to use Imitrex since March 24th. That was during my usually bad week with my period, when I normally have 3 or 4 days sick in bed and all, and it went pretty well. The one migraine I did have was tolerable after the Imitrex, I had a short nap and then was able to return to work. On the topamax I feel like I am a little more irritable, my husband says I seem to not have my usual sense of humor, and I feel edgey all the time with a bit of nausea too. I've no appetite, but am glad to have lost a bit of weight. Are you experiencing any of those things? I had thought I would increase the dose, but due to these side effects (if it is due to the meds) I have stayed at this dose. I still think its worth it, if the head pain is gone. And I really hated the side effects of Elavil much worse, and I put up with that for a year and half. Anyway, let me know how it is going for you. I wish you all the best.Lorrie IP: Logged |
sody
unregistered
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posted 09 May 2003 11:19 PM
i took topamax for a while about 4-5 months ago for my chronic headaches. it didn't work for me, but it did make me really sleepy and cranky. that's the main reason i got off of it. it's really weird how it reacts so differently in people. my doctor had prescribed it to another lady and it worked perfect for her, no side effects, but on me it sucked. that's rad that it helped out your migraines! hopefully the side effects aren't too bad. good luck!IP: Logged |
lessaun
unregistered
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posted 24 June 2003 11:21 AM
I am taking 50 mg of Tomopax twice a day for chronic nerve pain and fibromyalgia. I have noticed that I am at a loss for words from time to time. However the topomax works really well for the pain. I have also experienced some hair loss... I don't know if this is from the medicine or not. If anyone else has experienced these symptoms let me know.IP: Logged |
Diana Craigen
Member
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posted 20 November 2003 02:33 PM
I've been on 100mg of Topomax, am and pm, for about five months now. The tingling went away after a couple of weeks. It bothered me the least. Irritability would be an understatement. I was so short-tempered, I didn't like myself. That is very out of character for me. Next came depression. It was all very hard to deal with. Still, it was worth putting up with all of it to be free of headaches. Before Topomax, I had to get an injection of nubane combined with one thing or another to put me out of my misery. Most of the time Imitrex only took the edge off of the headache once I stopped throwing up. Now, I get a headache only about once a month as compared to once a week before. And, when I do get one, Imitrex stops it quickly and completely. Topomax has been a life saver. My doctor has put me on Zoloft and I feel like my old self again. It is funny how the effect is different on different people, just don't give up. I did notice a tremendous hair loss. I never thought it might be the Topomax. Oh, well! I'll buy a wig! The benefits of Topomax out-weigh my vanity. Those who look at me will just have to deal with it!IP: Logged |
Rachel
unregistered
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posted 21 November 2003 02:23 PM
I have just began Topomax about a 8 days ago for chronic headaches/migraines I've had ever since the birth of my son 9 months ago. I have experienced a strange side effect that I was wondering if anyone else has also experienced. Anything carbonated (Coke, Sprite, Rootbeer...) tastes extremeley horrible; a lot like baking soda, as strange as it sounds. My family doctor says she is actually on Topomax for seizures and she herself has never heard of this side effect. Any help would be greatly appreciated.IP: Logged |
Sue
unregistered
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posted 01 December 2003 08:23 PM
I started taking Topomax about a week ago and immediately noticed that carbonated beverages taste flat. Only other side effect is that I feel quite tired/fatigued, but happily, no migraines since I started taking it.IP: Logged |
NYCTim
unregistered
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posted 02 December 2003 05:19 PM
Hello Everyone, My psyDr prescribed Topomax today. I will begin with 25 mg in the am, and monitor the side effects. If, I'm not too iritable, I'm to up another 25 mg in the eve. I was prescribed this after gaining about 40 lbs while taking the antidepressant, Celexa. I was taking 20 mg of the Celexa, and now I'm down to 10 mg. This seems to really help now with my depression (after experimenting with Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil). Is there anyone out there who can fill me on Topomax regarding weight loss, and if prescribed in combo with antidepressants (Celexa, if possible)? It's strange in that I really feel that I have to decide now if I want to be over weight or depressed. Thanks, NYCTimIP: Logged |
california-tracey
unregistered
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posted 03 December 2003 12:15 AM
Hi, I started taking 25mg of topomax the week before Halloween. I would go through a box of 9 imitrex a month as an average up to that point. I haven't take one imitrex since I started taking the topomax!!! and I haven't increase my 25 mg a day. I only take it at night as I get so sleepy. I do take 10 mg of Prozac every morning. He suggested the combination and I am neither depressed or irritable. I have totally lost my appetite. I did have an anxiety attack on vacation, but I'm not overly concerned. Does anyone know why they suggest to avoid alcohol with topomax?IP: Logged |
christine2121
Member
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posted 05 December 2003 07:34 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Rachel:
I have just began Topomax about a 8 days ago for chronic headaches/migraines I've had ever since the birth of my son 9 months ago. I have experienced a strange side effect that I was wondering if anyone else has also experienced. Anything carbonated (Coke, Sprite, Rootbeer...) tastes extremeley horrible; a lot like baking soda, as strange as it sounds. My family doctor says she is actually on Topomax for seizures and she herself has never heard of this side effect. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
IP: Logged |
JohnP
unregistered
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posted 11 December 2003 04:21 PM
I asked my Dr recently for Topomax for off label use. But he described all of these side effects(dizzyness, disorientetion, can't drive a car, etc) and implied I'd be walking around like a zombie. It doesn't sound like any of you guys are experiencing anything like that. Any input would be appreciated...Thanks...JohnIP: Logged |
TIFFANY
unregistered
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posted 22 December 2003 03:29 AM
I HAVE BEEN ON TOPOMAX FOR 4 MONTHS AND YES IT DOES CAUSE CARBONATED DRINKS TO HAVE A BAD TASTE. MY OTHER SIDE EFFECTS ARE SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS, WEIGHT LOSS, LOSS OF CONCENTRATION, TINGLING IN FEET IF YOU GET DEHYDRATED.
TIFFANYIP: Logged |
irish619@enter.net
unregistered
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posted 02 January 2004 10:16 PM
Hello everyone. I'm 57 and going to start Topomax. i'm nervous about the side effects. My neurologist recommended it, because I've been using Excedrin for 20 yrs. I was up to 6 to 8 excedrin a day and ended up in the hospital last week with a bleeding ulcer. so, no more excedrin, but my head is killing me. should I bite the bullet and start my topomax? PatIP: Logged |
Rycole'smom
Member
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posted 02 January 2004 10:30 PM
Hi. I would definitely suggest listening to your doctor. I'm sure by now if you've read the information on this board and other information on other sites, you've found that there are a lot of benefits to using topamax as a treatment.
I can only speak for myself but my case has been similar to what has been listed before me. I started @ 25 mg/day, increased to 25mg 2times/day, and go to see my neurologist in 4 days for a follow up from my first visit since beginning the topamax 3 weeks ago. Initially I was very tired and iritable. That all seemed to go away within the first week. The distinct taste change with the carbonated drinks has not and if that never goes back that will be ok since I'm so addicted to diet soda it has made the break easy for me finally after years of trying! I have noticed a change in my headaches from a daily headache of a 3 on a scale of 1-5 with a migraine at least once a week to a dull headache daily (about a 1 or 2) and only the need to take 2 migraine tablets to abort pain in the past 21/2 weeks. Baby steps, I know, but I'm used to going through a bottle of Advil or Excedrin in the matter of a month or less to lessen the pain.
Keep on reading and look for support. We're not alone out here. Best of luck to you, Happy New Year ~LisaIP: Logged |
Angelsun
unregistered
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posted 03 January 2004 02:00 AM
Hi, I've been in Topomax since January after my hysterectomy I had terrible migraines and tried everything and ended up on this and it has been a life saver for me not only for my migraines but for my weight and self esteem. I'm migraine free(except for 3) and 55 pounds lighter since I've started the med. There are small side effects that don't bother me and I'm on paxil so I couldn't feel better. I'm on 200 mg. So keep trying eeryone is different as to how their body handles things. Good luckIP: Logged |
carrie
unregistered
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posted 30 January 2004 03:29 PM
quote:
Originally posted by christine2121:
I have been on topomax for months now and I am on 200 mg perday. I can't drink sodas anymore b/c they taste flat also. That is kinda a good thing though. I also have lost extreme weight (35 pounds) in three months. I was a little over weight to begin with. What it helps out is tremendous though... IP: Logged |
Potfarmer420
unregistered
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posted 01 February 2004 05:17 PM
hi there i am supposed to be taking topomax for my psuedo tumor cerebri, and for the seizures that just started happening. i am currently on dilantin 300mg daily for the siezures, but i am really concerned about the side effects that i have read about and if anybody could let me know i would greatly appreciate it like the side effects regarding the liver now i have had Hepatitis A and my liver functions have been out of whack lately already without taking the topomax, and the pressure in the eyes my eye pressure was last recorded at 26 now is that to high to consider taking this ot what i am so confused about the side effects that i have read on here even like the irritability after 4 years of this a 9 surgeries later i am already pretty irritable so im not sure if my hubby can live with me being irritable even more. thanks for taking the time to read my story and i hape to hear something soon it was interesting reading your guys stories. DaphneIP: Logged |
Tori
unregistered
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posted 03 February 2004 02:29 PM
I have get daily migraines!!!!!!!!IP: Logged |
Tori
unregistered
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posted 03 February 2004 02:34 PM
quote:
Originally posted by egantwin:
I have been on topomax for about 4 weeks. I have been migraine free so far which is either amazing or just a freaky coincidence. I have good spells from time to time. My biggest complaint now that I am up to 50 mg twice a day is that I feel somewhat irritable. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think it might go away in time? I'd like to stick it out a few more weeks to see if my mood improves and if the migraines stay away.
I have tried Topamax for about 2 weeks and in the first 2 weeks i became irritable and severely depressed. The medicine did not even work!I only got up to 50mg and i was finished with it. My parents took me off the drug and i felt sick and horrible the next week. Since I have been off the drug i have felt a lot more happier. I would talk to my doctor if I were you and ask their advice. Alsoyou could try putting an ice cube between your top lip and your top gum and leave it their for 5 seconds. It has worked for me and it is unbelieveable!Good luck!
Tori (another migraine sufferer)
IP: Logged |
tcharnock@cavtel.com
unregistered
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posted 04 February 2004 09:47 PM
I tate the same on drinks with topomax quote:
Originally posted by Rachel:
I have just began Topomax about a 8 days ago for chronic headaches/migraines I've had ever since the birth of my son 9 months ago. I have experienced a strange side effect that I was wondering if anyone else has also experienced. Anything carbonated (Coke, Sprite, Rootbeer...) tastes extremeley horrible; a lot like baking soda, as strange as it sounds. My family doctor says she is actually on Topomax for seizures and she herself has never heard of this side effect. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
IP: Logged |
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