Off of Topa, now trying Relpax

By Angie Tuesday, December 11, 2007

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I went to the follow up with my neuro today and told him about all the wacky stuff with Topa and how I don't like it, so he tol dme to stop taking it, and suggested this triptan, Relpax, 40 mg. But I was just reading how expensive triptans are so now I'm upset since I'm broke and can't afford another expensive medication!! Anyway, I did convince him to send me for an MRI (I'm an adoptee so I don't really know my birth family's history 100%) and I'll do that on Friday. Wish me luck!

Oh yeah, does anyone have any knowledge or advice about Relpax? TIA! Big Grin

Comments (4) | Add comment

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

12/12/07 8:35am

Topamax is a medication we need to taper off slowly to avoid adverse reactions, not just stop taking cold turkey.

Relpax is a triptan that aborts a Migraine attack. Triptans work best if we can take them at the first sign of a Migraine attack.

HERE is some information on Relpax for you.

Tami

12/12/07 6:08pm

Hi Angie,

Currently relpax is the only prescription medication that I take for my headaches. I found that it worked wonderfully for me the first year with practically no side effects. The longer I use it the less effectively it works, in fact it barely works at all now.

It is an expensive medication, if you don't have insurance it's about $165.00. If you have PPO insurance like I do, it is not yet on the formulary and you will have to pay a non-formulary name brand drug copay of about $35.00. To me the $35.00 was, and still is, a small price to pay for the relief the drug gave me.

My personal opinion is that you should give it a try. Even you only get a year's worth of peace out of it like I have, it is still worth the monetary cost. Big Grin

Tami

12/12/07 6:12pm

If you can't afford the drug, most drug manufacturer's have a patient assistance program which often will provide you the medication at little to no cost. Relpax is made by Pfizer, a manufacturer I know has assistance programs. You may want to check in with them and see if they can help you. If not, your neuro or primary md should have samples to get you through.

Take care.

Sorcerer Sue

4/29/08 3:38pm

I have been taking Relpax for a few years now with marked success. Suffering from migraines for over 40 years (since my teen years), I no longer am down for 3-5 days at a time with one of those nasty migraines. Caught early enough, I can get a migraine under control pretty quickly with little (an hour up to three hours) or no down time. Although very expensive, as you mentioned, it is well worth the cost. I parcel them out, and have sometimes waited a little too long because I am hopeful that the headache is not going to turn into a mirgraine. Also, I no longer end up in the emergency room, waiting in long lines, suffering under bright lights and lots of noise and commotion at an also very costly rate. I wish you the best and never give up hope.

Off of Topa, now trying Relpax

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