June 11th
2008
2:50 AM
I have been taking Topamax for about 6 months now. I have been on several different everyday medications for migraine prevention and Topamax has been the best one. I was first prescribed Relpax to help relieve the headaches. I eventually got to a point where I was getting migraines every day/every other day (insurance only covers 12 pills per 20 days). I was later switched to Imitrex - which is MUCH more effective (1 100mg tablet) but my insurance only covers 9 pills per 30 days (unbelievable).
Just wanted to give you guys some background on my situation. I have been through 2 MRIs and a CAT scan, visited a neurologist, done 2 sleep studies, spent 2 months on a breathing machine for possible sleep apnea causing migraines. My family doctor, my neurologist, everyone I saw was unable to determine the cause of my migraines.
THE GOOD NEWS is I was referred to an UPPER CERVICAL SPECIALIST by my old chiropractor. This may not sound believable but my headaches have decreased to about 2-3 per month since I've been treated by my new chiropractor. My old chiropractor was the type who did a complete adjustment on my spine/hips and cracked my neck both ways every time I visited. The upper cervical specialist focuses on C1-C2 vertebrae and uses calculated heat readings to determine where there is inflammation and there is no twisting/turning involved. Look up upper cervical chiropractic on google and see if these treatments will help with any of your headaches. It has helped my situation dramatically and I will continue seeing this specialist and probably come off of the topamax in the next few weeks.
-- By legacygt48 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
February 21th
2007
5:14 AM
I have been on 100 mg of topamax twice a day now for over three years. Most of the early side effects have worn off like soda tasting bad and the memory loss. I never had any hair loss. Also the weight loss has stopped and I did gain it back which really stinks. Anyway, the reason I was looking, was that in the last several weeks, I have been suffering horrible body aches and joint pain. My hands and knees hurt very badly. I am 39 years old and hate to think that arthritis has set in so quickly. And I know that I can't have the flu with no other symptoms and so often. Does anyone else have these symptoms? Also I wonder why these could have started after so many years of taking it.I have tried to wean myself off in the past and the migrains came back full force.
-- By cynex1 | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
September 14th
2008
12:28 PM
I had all of the above side effects when I was on this crap. Topamax is highly dangerous. I now have developed Narcolepsy, have problems with my joints, my memory has trouble here and there for simple things. I am only 29, and haven't taken this stuff for about 4 yrs. I have permanent problems now that I have to live with for the rest of my life. I didn't have a choice in the matter. I was ordered by the court to take a psychological evaluation. They asked some questions and determined that I was Bi polar. Topamax was the drug they put me on, and look where I'm at now. I also have Migraines, which I had way before this poison, and my advice to everyone is that this stuff is dangerous, don't take it!
-- By sufferinginhell | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me