I have now been on Topamax just over 5 weeks. I have had all of the horrible side effects from it with no relief of migraines. I visited my Dr. last wk & he added a Blood Pressure medication, a Triptan, B-12, Midrin & Toradol to my list of medications to take?? Im feeling very overwhelmed & over medicated. I feel like my migraines are getting worse. I am very moody, emotional, missed 2 periods & I have gained weight. I refuse to take Triptans as the one & only time I took them I have a severe reaction to them. He is a top rate Dr for this area & I just dont know what to do????
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Q: Too many medications & no relief??
Answers (2)
9/28/08 5:04pm
Dear Milsoy,
You have some very valid concerns here. Topamax can take up to three months before you see a change in your Migraine pattern. Still, as with any other medication, if the side effects are too much, it's reasonable for you to ask your doctor to help you taper off it. Don't just stop taking it though. That can present problems of its own.
On the triptans -- it's quite possible to react badly to one, but get great relief from another. We've seen it happen here time and time again. Maybe you could ask your doctor to let you try the new one in his office so you'd be there if you have a bad reaction. My doctor did that when he wanted me to use Imitrex injections. I tried one and did fine. That left my doctor and me comfortable with my using them at home.
When did the moodiness begin? Was it happening before you started the Topamax, or did it being afterwards? If you think it's the Topamax, it's important to tell your doctor about it. The same thing with your missed periods. Menstrual dysfunction is a potential side effect of Topamax. Is your weight gain coinciding with your missed periods?
How much have you discussed these issues with your doctor? If you haven't discussed them thoroughly, please make an appointment to do so. Your doctor is a top doctor for your area, but is he a Migraine specialist? Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists. If he is a Migraine specialist, keep in mind that no doctor is the right one for every patient. If your doctor is listening and working with you, great! If not, consider a new doctor.
Hope this is helpful,
Teri
9/25/08 7:35am
I can feel for you. My daughter has been on just about every medication out there and nothing works. We just spent our 2nd day in 3 weeks in the ER trying to get her some relief but she came home in as much pain as when we went. Our neurologist had suggested accupuncture since they have proven it to work, so we are trying that tonight. He said if it does work it could eliminate her need for medication (which doesn't work any way). I will let you know if it works.
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