Does anyone know anything about topomax?
My doctor put me on amitriptyline...Sp?
First, and he said that topomax would be
his last choice for headache prevention
meds. Is this a serious drug or does it
have bad side effects...Worse than the
amtrip? Just curious. Jenn
|
sami_1982
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Dec 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Australia
Topamax Anticonvulsant Drug Posted: 11-06-04 06:56am
Hello topomax has some pretty severe side
effects. Its initially a anti seizure
medication. Do you have seizures at all.
Ask your doctor for (sodium valproate) its
good for headaches. Topomax has severe
loss of appetite, kidney stones, liver
problems. Its a pretty nasty drug and yes
your doctor is right in giving itto you as
a last resort.
Cheers sami here is some
information.......What is the most
important information I should know about
topiramate?
Seek immediate medical attention if you
experience blurred vision, changes in
vision, or pain in or around the eyes
during treatment with topiramate. These
may be early signs of a serious side
effect.
Do not stop taking topiramate without
first talking to your doctor, even if your
symptoms have improved. It is important
to continue taking topiramate to prevent
seizures from recurring.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag
to let others know that you are taking
topiramate in the case of an emergency.
Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Topiramate may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you
experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid
these activities.
Alcohol should be avoided while taking
topiramate. Alcohol may cause increased
sedation or drowsiness. It may also
increase the risk of having a seizure.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor,
drink several extra glasses of fluid each
day during treatment with topiramate to
minimize the risk of side effects such as
kidney stone formation and metabolic
acidosis (a decrease in a certain
electrolyte in the body). Additional
fluid may be necessary during hot weather,
vigorous exercise, and illness (e.G.,
fever, vomiting, diarrhea).
Decreased sweating and high body
temperature have been associated with the
use of topiramate. These side effects may
be dangerous. Avoid becoming overheated
in hot weather and during vigorous
exercise, monitor sweating, and drink
plenty of fluid to maintain hydration. If
sweating is decreased or body temperature
is elevated, contact your doctor.
What is topiramate?
The exact way that topiramate works is
unknown. However, it is believed that
topiramate alters the chemical impulses in
the brain that cause seizures.
Topiramate is used with other medications
to control seizures.
Topiramate may also be used for purposes
other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare
provider before taking topiramate?
Before taking topiramate, tell your doctor
if you
have kidney disease or a history of kidney
stones;
have liver disease;
have lung or respiratory disease such as
asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis; or
need to have surgery.
You may not be able to take topiramate, or
you may require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring during treatment
topiramate is in the fda pregnancy
category c. This means that it is not
known whether topiramate will be harmful
to an unborn baby. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or if you could
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether topiramate passes
into breast milk. Do not take topiramate
without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take topiramate?
Take topiramate exactly as directed by
your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose of topiramate with a full
glass of water.
The tablets should be swallowed whole.
Due to their bitter taste, the tablets
should not be broken.
The capsules may be swallowed whole or
opened to facilitate swallowing. If the
capsules are opened, the entire contents
of the capsule should be sprinkled onto a
small amount (teaspoon) of soft food
(e.G., applesauce, custard, ice cream,
oatmeal, pudding, yogurt). This drug/food
mixture should be swallowed immediately,
without chewing. The mixture should not
be stored for future use. If the mixture
is combined in a small container, add some
water to the container after the dose has
been taken, and drink the water to ensure
the whole dose has been taken.
Topiramate can be taken with or without
food.
It is important to take topiramate
regularly to get the most benefit.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag
to let others know that you are taking
this medicine in the case of an
emergency.
Do not stop taking topiramate without
first talking to your doctor, even if your
symptoms have improved. It is important
to continue taking topiramate to prevent
seizures from recurring.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor,
drink several extra glasses of fluid each
day during treatment with topiramate to
minimize the risk of side effects such as
kidney stone formation and metabolic
acidosis (a decrease in a certain
electrolyte in the body). Additional
fluid may be necessary during hot weather,
vigorous exercise, and illness (e.G.,
fever, vomiting, diarrhea).
Your doctor may want you to have blood
tests or other medical evaluations during
treatment with topiramate to monitor
progress and side effects.
Store topiramate at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you
remember. However, if it is almost time
for the next dose, skip the dose you
missed and take only the next regularly
scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose
of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical treatment if an
overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a topiramate overdose are not
known but may include severe drowsiness,
poor coordination, tremor, confusion,
difficulty speaking, and nausea.
What should I avoid while taking
topiramate?
Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Topiramate may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you
experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid
these activities.
Alcohol should be avoided while taking
topiramate. Alcohol may cause increased
sedation or drowsiness. It may also
increase the risk of having a seizure.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor,
drink several extra glasses of fluid each
day during treatment with topiramate to
minimize the risk of side effects such as
kidney stone formation and metabolic
acidosis (a decrease in a certain
electrolyte in the body). Additional
fluid may be necessary during hot weather,
vigorous exercise, and illness (e.G.,
fever, vomiting, diarrhea).
Ketogenic diets (high protein, very low
carbohydrate diets that may induce
ketosis) may increase the risk of kidney
stone formation and should be avoided
during treatment with topiramate.
Decreased sweating and high body
temperature have been associated with the
use of topiramate. These side effects may
be dangerous. Avoid becoming overheated
in hot weather and during vigorous
exercise, monitor sweating, and drink
plenty of fluid to maintain hydration. If
sweating is decreased or body temperature
is elevated, contact your doctor.
Tell your doctor and dentist that you are
taking topiramate before having any type
of surgery.
What are the possible side effects of
topiramate?
Seek immediate medical attention if you
experience blurred vision, changes in
vision, or pain in or around the eyes
during treatment with topiramate. These
may be early signs of a serious side
effect.
If you experience any of the following
serious side effects, stop taking
topiramate and seek emergency medical
attention or contact your doctor
immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or
hives);
worsening of seizures;
metabolic acidosis (a decrease in an
electrolyte in the body that may be
detected by blood tests or cause symptoms
such as increased rate of breathing,
decreased appetite, and irregular
heartbeats);
decreased sweating;
fever or increased body temperature; or
side or low back pain, or painful or
difficult urination (may indicate kidney
stones).
Other, less serious side effects may be
more likely to occur. Continue to take
topiramate and talk to your doctor if you
experience
dizziness, poor coordination,
sluggishness, or drowsiness;
irregular back-and-forth movements of the
eyes;
nausea, decreased appetite, or weight
loss;
tremor, numbness, or tingling;
confusion, difficulty concentrating or
decreased memory;
speech or language difficulties; or
changes in behavior, depression,
nervousness, or agitation.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect topiramate?
Before taking topiramate, tell your doctor
if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
another seizure medication such as
valproic acid (depakote, depakene),
carbamazepine (tegretol, carbatrol,
epitol), phenytoin (dilantin), and
others;
a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as
acetazolamide (diamox), methazolamide
(neptazane), or dichlorphenamide
(daranide);
metformin (glucophage); or
digoxin (lanoxin, lanoxicaps).
You may not be able to take topiramate, or
you may require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring during treatment if you
are taking any of the drugs listed
above.
Topiramate may decrease the effectiveness
of birth control pills. Talk to your
doctor about other birth control options
to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Topiramate may increase the effects of
other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol,
antihistamines, pain relievers, sedative
(sleep aids), anxiety medicines, and
muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation,
dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
topiramate is taken with any of these
medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may
also interact with topiramate. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information
about topiramate written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Topiramate is available with a
prescription under the brand name topamax.
Other brand or generic formulations may
also be available. Ask your pharmacist
any questions you have about this
medicine, especially if it is new to
you.
Topamax 25 mg--white tablets
topamax 100 mg--yellow tablets
topamax 200 mg--salmon-colored tablets
topamax sprinkle capsules 15
mg-clear/white capsules containing small
white to off-white spheres
topamax sprinkle capsules 25
mg-clear/white capsules containing small
white to off-white spheres
brand names:
topamax
|
purple333
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 1420 Location: Sydney
Posted: 11-07-04 02:30am
Jenn
if you're not turned off topomax after
that lsat post you never will be!!
I would suggest that you look into
alternative treatments that do not have
side effects etc>>>>i sasume
you have migraines or terrible headaches
in which case perhaps yu could try a ces
machine (dynamind.Com or alpha-stim.Com)
which is basically what has helped my
migraines after over 30 years of failures
with various meds. The plus is a one off
expense, can use it anytime (i often use
it while on-line but have also had it on
when driving - no problems) & ther are
no absolutley no side effects or
interractions with other
treatments>> soryy one thing some
people find it a problem if they use it
too near bed time (i don't) so it is
suggested that you use it no closer than 3
hours before bed.
|
brenda f
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 3 Location: florida
I Tried It Posted: 04-27-05 18:51pm
Hi I tried topomax a while ago about 3
years ago. I lost about 10 or 15 lbs on
it which is just a bonus. I believe it
did help my migraines slightly but to be
honest at a higher dosage the effects were
so severe I got "stupid" my brain just
didnt work right and I actually flipped
out one night at work. But I am having
new migraine problems and have decided to
give it another go the worst that can
happen is it does not work and I quit it
easy enough. Hope ive helped :roll:
|
karaslick
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 2 Location: charleston
Posted: 05-17-05 16:27pm
Hi, I just started topomax last week and
was reading what yall had to say about it.
What do yall mean about "stupid"?
Thanks!
|
karaslick
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 2 Location: charleston
Posted: 05-23-05 12:46pm
Thanks for your reply. I hope I dont lose
any weight. Didnt realize it was
potentially a weight loss drug. I am
going through a divorce so that has
already taken care of about 10 lbs. Good
luck. Take care.
No migraines so far.
|
Cabarett
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 5 Location: Pa
Posted: 05-29-05 20:30pm
I've been on topomax for a month and I
couldnt wait to get off it!
I had bad and I mean really bad tingling
in all parts of my body that drove me
crazy :shock:
i have bad migrains but I take maxalt and
I dont get any side effects and works
great :d
|
leomum
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 1 Location: il
Topomax Posted: 05-29-05 23:17pm
Hey all, I have been on everything under
the sun for my migraines. Have had them
for 25 years. Even spent time at the
wonderful diamond headache clinic. I am
spent so many nights in the er just
getting iv for being dyhydrated and
demerol for pain and so I could sleep.
I have had every migraine medicine on the
market, imeritrex, zomig, etc, I have been
on elavil, vicodin, and every other
narcotic out there, then in 99 I had a
hystorectomy, what a lifesavor, helped my
migraines tremodously, but did not get rid
of them.
I finally saw the right neuro for me, she
put me on topomax, 200 mg, not only have I
lost weight, yea, but my migraines have
decreased so much, I can function, yes I
have them but not for weeks at a time, I
don't have the light shows, nor the
nausea, or the throbing on the right side
of my head, yes I have the pain but
nothing like it was, the topomax has been
my life saver.
These migraines are passed on to my son
and one of my daughters, so it is a family
affair which I am sorry to say. They
only get them once every blue moon and
they are not so debilitating but still
they get them.
Some one just told me about cold laser
surgery, any one heard of that???
|
Tsera
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 3
Posted: 05-31-05 23:29pm
I've been on topamax for a little over a
year.
I have experienced weight loss, roughly
35-40 lbs, but I could afford to lose it.
I also take 250mg of topamax per day,
which may be higher than what your doctor
may reccomend for you.
A previous poster mentioned tingling. I
had that as well. That is a common side
effect that happens. Mine went away as I
adjusted to the medication.
All medications have side effects, some
mild, some severe, you're just going to
have to weigh the options. What's right
for you?
For me, i'd rather deal with a little
tingling in the fingers and face while I
adjust to a new medication, than light
shows, pain, and throwing up.
I do still get the occasional migraine,
but it's nowhere near as severe as it
would be without the topamax.
|
Aria
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Boston
Posted: 06-11-05 23:10pm
I have been on many different meds for
migraines, and I found topomax to work the
best. I had taken it a few years ago for
about a year, then decided to start a
family so wanted to give my body a rest
from all meds before doing so. After
taking topomax, I did not have a severe
migraine for over a year. The ones I did
have were manageable. I had never
experienced any kind of weight loss, but I
was on a very low dosage. Now 2 children
later, I am experiencing migraines again
way too often and hopefully will be put
back on topomax, as they are robbing too
much of my time with my 2 daughters.
|
vtrud
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 1
Topomax Posted: 06-13-05 14:11pm
I have been on topomax since early in the
year. I do have some tingling in
extremities. I have also been dealing
with upper right quadrant pain since mid
feb. Ultrasound for gall stones was
normal. Hida scan was normal. Now I am
seeing a gastro dr and he has ordered an
endoscopy and ab ct scan. Has anyone
heard of topomax causing problems like
this? I have all the symptoms of
gallbladder problems but everything so far
shows normal.
|
Chester
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Idaho
Topomax Posted: 06-16-05 15:57pm
I have also been on topomax since early in
the year, and have found it to be the only
thing that can actually keep my migraines
under control. I only take 50 mg in the
am, and 50 in the pm, so seem to be on the
lowest dosage possible. The only side
effect that was really annoying was the
tingling in my extremities. This seems
to have subsided, although when I get
cold, I tend to notice it still. I have
lost some weight, though not sure the
amount. I am very thankful that my
doctor recommended the drug to me - I can
finally function like everyone else around
me!
|
GETWELLNOW
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Arlington, Tx
Re: Topomax Posted: 06-27-05 23:29pm
chester
wrote:
i have also been on topomax
since early in the year, and have found it
to be the only thing that can actually
keep my migraines under control. I only
take 50 mg in the am, and 50 in the pm, so
seem to be on the lowest dosage possible.
The only side effect that was really
annoying was the tingling in my
extremities. This seems to have
subsided, although when I get cold, I tend
to notice it still. I have lost some
weight, though not sure the amount. I
am very thankful that my doctor
recommended the drug to me - I can finally
function like everyone else around
me!
I use to have migraines I stop take all
med because of side effect you should try
nutritional supplements that what I do and
it works no more migraines and other
health benfits you can email me for the
more info. I can tell what I use if you
like dorse
y45@sbcglobal.Net nutrition is your
key to maintaining optimal health. You
need to get off all the med
|
Onezaneygal
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 3
Hi.i Am New And I Have a ?..i Am Sharing a Little Much Sorry Posted: 07-08-05 01:31am
Hi everyone, I am new to this site and ,
actually just found it. I also use
topomax and was trying to get some more
info on it. I have been using it for my
migraines for the last two and half years,
and like most of you, it has pretty much
worked. I have headaches, but they are
under control, not going to the er as much
:).. I have the same symptoms, weight
loss, tingling still in the hands and
feet, but lately I have experienced
something crazy and I was thinking it was
something that I was eating but I am
wondering if its the medicine. About once
a week, I get these intense stomach
cramps, so bad that I can't even stand up,
the pains go up my back, and then within
the hour I have to go (sorry) diahrea (i
know that is spelled wrong) for at least
1-2 hours, it is so intense that I get
scared and so does my husband. I have not
called the doctor yet only because I
thought maybe I was eating to much fruit
and lettuce. Does anyone else have this
happen????I am sorry to be so graphic but
I don't want to stop the meds because I
think my migraines have slowed down.
Thanks for listening...Take care...
|
RubyL
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Michigan
Stomach Cramps Posted: 07-17-05 11:27am
Hi . . . You just need to call your
doctor. Chances are this has nothing to
do with your topomax. Many people who
have migraine also have irritable bowel
and other disorders that are similar. You
do need to get this checked out; probably
need a colonoscopy. I have a very long
history of diarhea and constipation, but,
after having everything checked, there is
nothing to worry about; just monitor types
of foods I eat. I am noticing that since
I started taking topomax, I don't have
diarrhea; in fact, I have to eat the foods
i've been avoiding for the past few years:
raw vegetables, fruits, etc. (roughage in
general). You just may need to alter your
food intake, but, first, talk to a doctor.
Good luck to you.
|
mixmastacoco
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 3 Location: virginia
Re: Topomax Question Posted: 07-19-05 16:08pm
jennjenn
wrote:
does anyone know anything
about topomax? My doctor put me on
amitriptyline...Sp? First, and he said
that topomax would be his last choice for
headache prevention meds. Is this a
serious drug or does it have bad side
effects...Worse than the amtrip? Just
curious. Jenn
:wink:
my doctor just did the same to me and he
told me that I may have a form of eplispy,
sp? He put me on a seisure med and I now
have to get an eeg . I did not like the
topomax I got really bad nose bleeds and
my headaches were just worse.
|
tankerbrat8386
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: FT. Bragg
About Your Question On Topomax Posted: 07-30-05 01:45am
I was on amitriptyline for headaches and
it helped a little bit. The only way I
would suggest it is if you are blacking
out or passing out. I am on topomax for
that reason and I still take
amitriptyline. There are different side
effects for everybody so it all depends on
your body. Make sure they run every test
possible before putting you on the
medicine. :d
|
Michelle1
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Posts: 1 Location: TX
Stomach And Constipation? Posted: 01-02-06 20:38pm
Just began topomax 2 weeks ago. No
tingling, but stomach a little crampy
which certainly decreases one's appetite.
Has anyone experienced stomach discomfort
and constipation? Thanks!
|
Emerald1964
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Texas
I Take Topomax Posted: 01-13-06 15:38pm
As a long term migraine suffer I chose to
take topomax after taking every other drug
out there. I feel like I have lost my
life to this drug,
it makes me say words I don't mean to say,
lost of memory, no motivation(my house is
gaining dust as we speak), and most of all
I am so tired all the time. I work
part-time and can make it there and then
just want to sit in front of tv with
changer. It has stopped my migraines,
been on it since may only been to er once.
I was going to er for shots
at least twice a month. I want to get
off, has anyone else quit and what were
your first days after that like? Will I
ever be me again?
Thanks!
|
Sheila Cook
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 6 Location: Illinois
Topamax Posted: 01-14-06 14:12pm
Emerald,
i'm a new topa user (42 days). You asked
if you'd ever be you again. Were you you
with headaches? I wasn't. I feel like
i've gotten my life back. At first, the
side effects were overwhelming. I had
memory issues, word search problems and
such, it worried me. I hardly notice
that now. I think it has diminished,
even though i've moved up in dosage. I
have occassional tingling in my fingers,
but it doesnt last long and I tell you, I
can handle that compared to a constant
headache. My story is every day headaches
and occassional migraines. The first 32
days of topamax gave me 12 headaches which
is a reduction of 1/3!! That is a
god-send in my book! My dosage is now
150mg daily for the last 5 days and not
one headache, i'm not believing it. My
fingers are crossed. I've had two really
good days. I'm feeling really good. I
dont care if I get any housework done!
But, you know what, I feel good! Hang in
there emerald. Give it a chance. When
you feel better, you'll tackle that dust.
I never really ever heard of dust bunnies
creeping out from under the couch and
attacking. I wondered if they ever
would, I thought they might actually a
time or two, but they never did. They
should have at my house, but they didnt.
Hang in there. Life will get better. I
think topamax has done it for me. I've
heard through other forums that for some
reason drinking lots of water with the
topa helps for some reason, so i've been
hauling around a ton of water and that
seems to help the side effects. The only
one that doesnt help is the bathroom one!!
Good luck!! Sheila
