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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Topomax
        
(Message started by: I Cant Dance on Apr 28^th, 2006, 12:01pm)

Title: Topomax
Post by I Cant Dance on Apr 28^th, 2006, 12:01pm

I started Topomax last night. I was given all these warnings aboout taking it at night because it will make you drowsy and such. Doc said it would help me sleep.

Well, guess what...it kept me awake. I know it is weird, but vicodin does the same thing to me. Makes most people drowsey , but makes my heart race a little and makes me feel restless and kind of "ichy" all over. Could this be a sign of alergy? I also was peeing and drinking like every 30 - 60 minutes and have a dehydration type headache thismorning.

If it isn't one thing it's another. No sleep and only 4 hours till fat bastard visits.

Title: Re: Topomax
Post by Redd715 on Apr 28^th, 2006, 12:10pm

For a few people, Topomax is their life saver, but for most of us it was not worth it's weight in dog doodoo.

It's termed Dopymax for good reason as it can steal IQ points faster than the gangs in NYC will stip your car.

You also MUST drink plenty of water, it has a history of causing kidney stones.

Certain food and carbonated beverages taste like "a$$" when on this med as well.

Tingling in the fingers and toes on higher doses is another side effect you want to watch out for.

I took it with some (very limited) success for close to year, but I was dumb as a box of rocks and I still don't feel as if all the IQ points have returned. Never had nor was told it would have any effect on my sleeping patterns.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Title: Re: Topomax
Post by Garys_Girl on Apr 28^th, 2006, 12:15pm

Don't know Topomax, but hubby has the exact same reaction to vicodin. It makes him restless and keeps him up - even when he's really tired, he can't fall asleep if he's taken it. And it dehydrates the hell out of him if he doesn't remember to drink water almost constantly.

Never occured to me/us that it's a potential allergy. I have the same reaction (though I have so many fewer pain problems I hardly ever take it). Neither of us feels itchy all over, however - we just have all the other reactions.

Laurie

Title: Re: Topomax
Post by rjl on Apr 30^th, 2006, 5:50pm

Last year when I started a new cycle of clusters the usual DHE45 would not work and even the triptans didn't work very well. I took the 25mg topomax for a week and quit. Then I got hurt bad enough I tried it again. I got used to the side effects and eventually increased the doseage up to 100mg in the am and 150mg in the pm. the headaches didn't go away but the DHE45 and imitrex worked,but I didn't need much imitrex. This year I am taking 150mg and 250mg. I get dry eyes. The imitrex works 3 or 4 times a day,but the DHE45 doesn't work very well and that is why I am searching for answers.

Title: Re: Topomax
Post by Karla on Apr 30^th, 2006, 8:23pm

I took up to 900mg of topamax at the suggestion of a ha specialist in a ha/pain clinic. Said 200 mg is barely theraputic. Good luck in trying it.