Topamax and effexor

Hi all...I've been taking 25mg. of Topamax at night for 5 days now. Unlike most of you I have not experienced the tingling in the extremities or the weird taste in the mouth or even much tiredness at all other than what has happened as a result of my weird side effect. I was prescribed Topamax by my neurologist for my migraines. I've had them since I was 12 years old. I'm 49 years old. The got worse during peri-menopause which is kinda normal given the hormonal fluctuations, but was told by my neurologist that they would very likely subside significantly when I became menopausal. Well folks, I've been menopausal for 5 years and for the past 2 years my migraines have been the most horrific of my life. I have approx. 15 to 18 migraine days a month, some of the headaches lasting 3 bloody days. So it comes to this...Topamax. In the past I have suffered some pretty rare side effects from some very benign medications so I guess I shouldn't really be surprised that this is happening to me now. The first night I took it I slept like a baby. The second night I was slightly 'hyper' but managed to get to sleep. But for the past 3 nights it's been hell. When I lie down in bed, my body feels as though there are electric currents shooting through it and coming out my right leg. I have to move my right leg or go completely bonkers. Fortunately my daughter is away at university and so I can sleep in her room. So I lie there...on my left side...with my right leg hanging over the side of the bed swinging and swinging and swinging as hard as I can just so that I don't scream. It's awful. Last night was the worst. I saw dawn this morning. I just got off the phone with my pharmacist and he told me that I had described a classic case of RLS - Restless Leg Syndrome. And guess what? Topamax is used to trest RLS!! For bleep's sake! So nice people I am suffering a completely opposite side effect to the one that seems to be the most common one...tiredness. Has anyone else heard of this? Experienced this? It seems to all focus down to my right hip and leg. I have to move it vigourously or go nuts. I am so tired today but that's because I got like 3 hours sleep. I fell asleep from sheer exhaustion after my husband left for work at 7:30am.
A side note...I also take 75mg of Effexor for panic disorder and my neurologist told me that this is a very good mix of meds for migraine prevention. My top dosage for the Topamax will be 75mg taken at night.
I'd really appreciate any feedback on my side effect. Thanks in advance.

D.

I started taking Topamax 3 weeks ago, 25mg for the first week then up to 75mg starting week 2. I am also on Effexor,150mg 1 per day.. I feel good and have had a loss of appetite. My thinking is a little fogged and I must concentrate a bit harder. I started taking this as a pain medication and it works. I am also overweight and know for a fact I've lost. I find myself eating better choices and much smaller portions. My moods are good and I like this medication. Thanks for letting me share ! (:

Laurie

I know that when i got off of effexor, it was a nightmare!!! I had night sweats, chills, nausea, and my mucles would tense up around my torso and neck. It made me feel like i couldn't breathe. My doctor said it was just withdrawls, but it scared the crap out of me!!! He put me on topamax a few days ago, i'm yet to have any problems. I'm really looking forward to the weightloss!!! Does anyone know if topamax is as bad to get off of as effexor??? please get back with me soon!

My Dr. Prescribed Topamax for anxiety. I've tried all the other anxiety meds and nothing seemed to work. This one worked great for the anxiety. But the side effects are getting to me. I can take the tingling hands and feet. That actually happened it seemed non stop at first, but went away after about three months. The main problem I've had is the weight loss. I was at a good weight to begin with, 5'6" 130lbs. but after four months I'm down to 105lbs. I can't gain any weight no matter how hard I try because I'm constantly Nauseous. When I do get my appetite, I can only eat a quarter of what I used to before I get nauseous again. I also have found myself at a loss of words A LOT!!!!!! So, tomorrow I'm going to see if there's something else my Dr. can think of for me to try. I was on Effexor which was good for anxiety, but the sexual side affects were terrible.... Gosh, what do I have to go through for a good love life??? lol

I took topmax prescribed by my Veteran's Administration physician for Migraines. Stepped from 25 mg to 100 mg over 3 weeks. I also take effexor. I already have aphasia and the side effects increased those symptoms and it seems from reading here every other one but eye problems. At the strong suggestion of my "back" surgeon, I have quarterly caudal blocks, I stopped immediately. Anyone who must use the VA for medical care knows getting in touch with ones primary physician is problematic at best and nearly impossible often. The worst is I suspect I was let go at work due to the side effects. I am an accountant currently studying for the CPA exam and could not work well and accurately with the side effects. The only reason I tried this med was to prevent waking up in the middle of the night throwing up with a migraine and losing time at work due to migraines.

From now on I will simply use the injectors of imatrex that may be a major pain, literally and leave me losing a day when I must use it from knocking me out. It seems that I always get every bloody side effect from every med I take. Botton line is, I will never take this medication again.

I started Topamax at 25mg at night for 2weeks and just moved up to 50mg at night. My husband kicks me out of bed every night saying I kick my legs. I don't even realize I am doing this. Them when I try to go back to sleep, my legs feel like I have to tense them up to relax in a constant cyle. I am also on Effexor 225mg and Lunest 2mg, which seems to not work anymore since I went up on the topamax dose.

Hey it's me again. Just wanted to add something else too. I know that we're not idiots here or anything like that. Of course we know there are going to be side effects. I've worked in a pharmacy for 7 years and some of the stuff I wouldn't give a snake! We have to remember that this is a DRUG- meaning that a foreign body, a chemical, so our body has to adjust and/or reject it. Some of us can take it or simply cannot take it at all. I know for a fact a lot of Dr's get perks from Drug companies for promoting certain meds...such as topamax; topamax is a calming inhibitor, we're supposed to feel more sedated, so there in turn they throw in the line, "well if you start to feel depressed let me know". I'm going to try and do the best i can on just topamax for now. i've heard too many people complain about reactions with effexor/zoloft and topamax. Also I want to say the my side effects are subsiding with time, as they usually do. Because I have epilepsy I feel I have to be on this, but i hope everyone out there doesn't.

hi everyone! i have been off topamax now for 22 days and i must say what a relief!!! i feel human again, no pains no weird thoughts, i can speak coherently now and sleep like a baby. i am still on effexor er 150 a day and functioning quite well. vision is better too. take care and becareful with these drugs..if it ain't broke don't mess with it. drudogs

I HAVE BEEN ON TOPAMAX FOR 3 YEARS. I AM NOW UP TO 3OOMG A DAY. I HAVE COMPLEX MIGRAINES THAT ARE LIKE SEIZURES. SINCE BEING ON THE MEDICATION I HAVE NOT HAD AN ATTACK. YES I HAVE SIDE AFFECTS, I AM VERY FORGETFUL, I CAN'T READ A BOOK, I START TALKING AND FORGET WHAT I AM GOING TO SAY. I HAVE ACHES AND PAINS AND MY EYE SIGHT IS WORSE.
BUT I REMEMBER 3 YEARS AGO THE WOMAN LAYING IN THE HOSPITAL BED WHO DIDN'T KNOW HER NAME OR HER FAMILY. MY LEFT SIDE OF MY BODY LOOKED LIKE I HAD A STROKE. i DON'T WANT TO GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN SO I WILL PUT UP WITH THE SYMPTOMS .
I ALSO TAKE EFFEXOR AND HAVE TAKEN THIS MEDICATION FOR 7 YEARS. I DID ASK THE DR. IN THE BEGINNING IF IT WAS OK TO TAKE THESE TWO MEDICATIONS TOGETHER AND WAS TOLD YES BY THE DR. AND THE DRUGGIST.

I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY ANYONE WOULD FEEL SUICIDAL TAKING THIS MEDICATION. I BELIEVE YOU SHOULD CALL YOUR DR. RIGHT AWAY.

it wasn't too bad.. with th help of dr. of course... i came off topamax and only had to use trazadone twice. my sinus problem is gone , the hallcucinations have stopped and i love my husband again..WHEW! scary ....i am also down to 150 mgs of effexor-er shaking a bit still, but will stay with that for awhile. dr.'s advice. thank you for caring...tmaxmom...didn't mean to scare you about not using a dr. for this. i called her immediately when things got real bad. for all of you taking this drug, pay close attention to the side effects and how you feel in your head...TALK to your doctor the first sign something is wrong or with Q&A'S

Does anyone here have positive side effects on topomax??? All I have read are negative ones!

As for me it's been a blessing. I have noticed some side effects annoying, but not to the extent that I don't want to quit it.

If you are experiencing side effects to the point that you want to kill yourself, first of all call your doctor IMMEDIATELY! Check with your doctor to see if other medications you're taking could be causing your feelings.
I've noticed that many of you who are feeling suicidal are also taking Effexor or something else that could be interacting with Topomax. Check into it, and don't stop EVERYTHING at once!!! Doing THAT just might kill you!

Always wean off the drugs with the help of your doctor. If you don't agree with your doctor then go to another one or at least go to the ER and they will help you. Don't take matters into your own hands. Doing it yourself puts your life in risk.

If you think you are suicidal then remember you are not thinking objectively. YOU NEED HELP. If you make a foolish decision you will not only destroy your life, but the lives of many people who love you. GET HELP NOW. Please.

topamax- started 2months ago...the sinus trip is unbearable! i always sound like i have the flu! haven't lost a pound and i am craving sweets like crazy. i hate the tingles everywhere! the thirst is unquenchable. i feel like i am suicidal. i hate my husband when i use to love him. i am also on effexor er 300 mgs topamax 200mgs ....i have now decided to go off ALL of these drugs. iwas first put on them when my mom died because of anxiety.......then when my daughter went to jail. more stress....more drugs....zoloft...attempted suicide....effexor er...for the pass 4 yrs...i am no longer suicidal..i am at peace with my moms death. my daughter has grown up and has stated a family of her own with her husband .... do i really think i need to be on these drugs any more???? nope! comin down the hard way starting tomorrow...need encouragment people! drudogs

100mg 2x's a day graving sugars...to help me lose weight..and level my mood swings..lol still graving sugars!!!!!!!! like crazy...i hate talking most of all...side effect.?? meeting people?? leaving the house?? effexor 300mg aday also. ..weird thoughts and day dreams...

weird dreams only on 50-75mg--increasing 25mg a weak and wheaning off neurontin. taking effexor how long does topamax take to fully kick in ?