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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Topamax doesnt seem to be working for me
        
(Message started by: Patrick_A on Dec 7^th, 2007, 9:16pm)

Title: Topamax doesnt seem to be working for me
Post by Patrick_A on Dec 7^th, 2007, 9:16pm

Been on the Topamax now for 7 days, I have tapered up to 100 mgs and have been on that much now for 3 days. I am still getting the CH's at their regularly scheduled times.
I am wondering if I should keep it up or if I should go ahead and switch to the Prednisone/Verapamil taper that worked before. I hated the Pred/Verap combo because of the side effects but I am to the point now that I cannot wait much longer for the Topamax to start working.
I'd appreciate any and all advice.

Pat

Title: Re: Topamax doesnt seem to be working for me
Post by EstieSA on Dec 8^th, 2007, 3:25am

I started Topamax a couple of weeks ago together with a steroid taper.

Started with 50mg/day. Increased with 25mg every 5 days.

Yesterday I went up another 25mg as I'm still having a breakthrough every 4-5 days... :(

200mg in total now , 50mg am , 50mg noon & 100mg evening.

I am only now experiencing some relief , so increase the dose/give it time is what I suggest.

BTW , I'm chronic and chuffed with the results so far...

Title: Re: Topamax doesnt seem to be working for me
Post by Corinakitty on Dec 20^th, 2007, 4:15am

My husband started on Topamax about a week ago, and so far it's not working for him either. His neurologist still hasn't set him up with O2 either. He has an appointment for an MRI next week, and if he doesn't DEMAND the O2, I may just call and do it for him.

Title: Re: Topamax doesnt seem to be working for me
Post by lennycohen on Dec 21^st, 2007, 8:36am

Topamax kept me headache free for almost two years, and although I've had a recent breakthrough, give it some time, I didn't get relief until I titrated up to 100mg 2x a day. One thing about it tho, it that it may not stop an episode, you may need to break an episode with a pred taper or by some other means, and then let the Topamax be preventative from there ------ you might consider doing the taper as well as the Topamax long term to keep the episodes away

Title: Re: Topamax doesnt seem to be working for me
Post by thekidd37 on Dec 31^st, 2007, 11:25pm

I know you've got lots of replies on this already, but i just wanted to give you my 2 cents. Im a chronic suffer. I've tired everything! So it seems anyways. :-) I would suggest staying on the topomax. Its worked for me. It hasen't stopped my headaches but given me a life back! For years i had none. 8 headaches a day. 3+ hours pr attack. I was done. Locked and loaded. Topamax really saved my life. Though i need to increase my dosage it really helps.

My best advise would be sure to take it at the same time everyday. In the am and night. Be religious about it!

Title: Re: Topamax doesnt seem to be working for me
Post by ccbiggsoo7 on Jan 9^th, 2008, 11:55pm

topamax did nothing for me except make mine worse! Verapamil and lithobid combo is one of the best!

Title: Re: Topamax doesnt seem to be working for me
Post by debbie on Jan 12^th, 2008, 9:16am

my doctor said that it takes at least 6 weeks for topomax to begin to work. but I'm interested in the possibility that topomax might be making me worse. I've been on it for over 6 weeks now and I am getting worse. I didn't even think I had cluster headaches and now I'm definately getting signs of cluster headaches and last night I had my first bilateral pain on the left side of my face. that never happened before. the only med I'm on that could make my symptons worse is topomax. does anyone else have any imput on this.