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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Had my Neuro Appointment today
        
(Message started by: Patrick_A on Nov 30^th, 2007, 6:40pm)

Title: Had my Neuro Appointment today
Post by Patrick_A on Nov 30^th, 2007, 6:40pm

My old Neuro had retired. So, i was stuck trying out a new one. He was ok though. I told him of my success with the Verapamil/Prednisone taper, but that I didnt like the combo because of how it made me feel. I asked him to have 2 plans. He agreed to give me the prescription for the Verapamil and Prednisone, but he also gave me a prescription for Topamax. I will try the topamax 1st and if that doesnt work, I'll go back to the Pred/Verap combo.
Can anyone give me some details on this drug(topamax)? How successful is it? What are the side effects?

Thanks,
Patrick

Title: Re: Had my Neuro Appointment today
Post by annar on Nov 30^th, 2007, 8:01pm

I've been on for about a month now. I started out at 25 mg, about a few days then up to 50mg for a few more. Now im up to 125 mg. During this time I was on a Prednisone taper. The prednisone really took the hits down to one a day and lessened the severity to a kip 4/5. After the pred was finished the hits gradually came back. The severity isn't too bad. The worst is about a 7....maybe an 8 if I don't get to it in time with the O2. Usually the kip is 4-6. Right now i average 2-3 a day.

I use O2 and red bull on all my hits and its works fine. Takes them out in about 10 minutes. I haven't had to use my imitrix shots since before my prednisone taper. Thats what counts in my book. As long as I can keep away from the shot!

OK. Side effects. At first, hard to concentrate and find words...phrases etc. Im a teacher and I was having a VERY hard time talking to my students for a extended period of time. I would have to limit the amount of time I gave my lessons. Very hard to think things through. Memory is hazy but manageable. I'm getting by. It's kind of weird, almost like I have to just stop thinking for a few minutes, take a breather and then I can get back into it.
Tingly feet....eat bananas or get potassium supplements.

If this cycle goes past January/feb i might think about another preventitive
reg

Title: Re: Had my Neuro Appointment today
Post by E-Double on Nov 30^th, 2007, 9:58pm

dopeymax!

Title: Re: Had my Neuro Appointment today
Post by brewcrew on Nov 30^th, 2007, 10:25pm

You might want to suggest combining lithium with the verapamil. It's a beast killer for many around here, myself included. I've actually been able to drop the verapamil and was on lithium alone for a long time.

Title: Re: Had my Neuro Appointment today
Post by annar on Dec 1^st, 2007, 12:55pm

on 11/30/07 at 20:01:17, annar wrote:

I haven't had to use my imitrix shots since before my prednisone taper. Thats what counts in my book. As long as I can keep away from the shot!
reg

well, the beast must have heard me! Last might I went through two e tanks of O2 and had to use a imitrix shot to abort a kip 9. It just kept coming back. I think I was worried because I was supposed to fly out of town today. I canceled my trip.
-reg