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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Withdrawal from Topamax
        
(Message started by: JoycenSA on Jan 16^th, 2007, 12:33am)

Title: Withdrawal from Topamax
Post by JoycenSA on Jan 16^th, 2007, 12:33am

I'm not a CH---but I am a "supporter" on this website.

I have a question about Topamax.
I have suffered migraines for several years.
I started taking Topamax 100MG daily at night, 3 years ago: and have been headache-free these 3 years.

On Dec 23rd I got an INTENSE headache that lasted 9 days....and developed blurred vision in the right eye.
My doctor presecribed FIORNAL:
This broke the INTENSE pain cyle.
But, the pain has remained: over my right eye.
The vision is still blurred.

My doctor NOW says I need to see an opthamologist--and if this doctor can not diagnose the "blurred vision," he will order a CAT-SCAN.

My doctor--who prescribed this medication--has not discussed Topamax:
But, I am concerned that this medication may be the cause of the blurred vision.

Can I just stop taking Topamax?
Or should I be weaned off this medication?

I'm not sure if I should see a nurologist--or follow my doctor's advice and see an Opthamalogist?

Thanks.
Joyce

Title: Re: Withdrawal from Topamax
Post by chewy on Jan 16^th, 2007, 1:14am

Supporter on this website?

Do you have someone in your life who suffers CH?

Quote:

My doctor--who prescribed this medication--has not discussed Topamax:

Then you should bring it up to him.

Title: Re: Withdrawal from Topamax
Post by nani on Jan 16^th, 2007, 8:23am

Hi Joyce. My understanding is that you should taper off Topamax. I've never used it, but the same applies to Neurontin, which I have tried. Anti-seizure drugs should be tapered up and down.
pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Withdrawal from Topamax
Post by E-Double on Jan 16^th, 2007, 9:08am

It is a slow taper b/c if you do not have siezures the risk is there to have them if tapered to quickly.
I had bad side effects from Dopeymax.

Good luck and btw which CHer do you support?

Title: Re: Withdrawal from Topamax
Post by JoycenSA on Jan 16^th, 2007, 1:28pm

Thanks for your replies.

I thought perhaps I needed to make an appointment to discuss TOPAMAX with my doctor--and how to stop taking this medication; after reading this website.

I am surprised that my doctor didn't bring up Topamax when I went in complaining about the 9 day headache and blurred vision.
Then when I talked to him on the phone, later: he told me to see an opthamologist for the "blurred vision."

I came here to read about TOPAMAX.

My son Kevin is the CH.

Thanks.