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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Topamax - working but keeping me awake... http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1339107741 Message started by Ali 7 on Jun 7^th, 2012 at 6:22pm

Title: Topamax - working but keeping me awake...
Post by Ali 7 on Jun 7^th, 2012 at 6:22pm

Hi all...

currently on:

75mg Topamax aaaaaaaand finally had my neurologist prescribe my Imigran subject autoinjector to abort and its been keeping me going since April now!

however...since roughly November i've put up with Topamax causing me to stay awake until quite late at night - roughly 2/3AM...

now that my neurologist has also stopped Nortryptiline as of a few weeks ago...

I was wondering if anyone had any tips for knocking out a bit sooner...

i've tried taking topamax at 8/9/10/11....
i go to bed between 11-12 however i'll be WIDE awake until the early morning!

any advice?...

Title: Re: Topamax - working but keeping me awake...
Post by AppleNutClusters on Jun 8^th, 2012 at 6:59am

I would hazard a guess that the nortriptyline was helping to overcome the insomnia from the Topamax. Is it a possibility to re-start the nortrip for its sleepy effects, or possibly try another sleeping med? You could start with melatonin, as that's beneficial for both sleep and CH for many folks.

As a side note, make sure to drink plenty of water as Topamax tends to dehydrate you. If you'd like more ideas for sleep, I could probably write a dictionary on insomnia and the crazy things I've tried to combat it. :D

Title: Re: Topamax - working but keeping me awake...
Post by Bob Johnson on Jun 8^th, 2012 at 8:55am

Good suggestions (above). If you try Melatonin for sleep, keep the dose between 1/2-3/4mg. Controlled study says that, for sleep, doses outside this range were not effective. Take 1-hr before bedtime. Avoid caffeine after noon.

Has you/doc considered Verapamil over Top? Overall, looks like it has more to offer us.

Title: Re: Topamax - working but keeping me awake...
Post by Guiseppi on Jun 8^th, 2012 at 9:44am

I'm with Bob. I know we hate the idea of moving away from what has been working, but Verapamil remains the leading prevent for a reason, it works for a lot of people.

Joe

Title: Re: Topamax - working but keeping me awake...
Post by JHK07 on Jun 11^th, 2012 at 2:12pm

Drink more beer. Works for me, along with the Topomax. Cheers.

or......Here is an idea..... Take it in the morning !

Title: Re: Topamax - working but keeping me awake...
Post by lydia nichole on Jun 21^st, 2012 at 3:26pm

I am on topamax to 100mg right now final dose will be 200 mg and I have the same problem! My neurologist prescribed me Ambien which I will not take because of the dependence issue. But my Primary care told me to try taking two Benadryl an hour before bed and it really does help well I take it about 2 hours but it he said it is much safer then any sleeping pill.