Hey everyone. For the last 8 years I stayed away from preventative medicine.Only use Imitrex inj. today the neurologist tried prescribing me Lithium,Calan,Depakote, or Topamax I refused them all. Should I take some? What about all the crazy side effects of them? Any help would greatly be appreciated it.

I used lithium for about 20 years as my prevent. Blocked about 70% of my attacks. No long term side effects, short term effects were minimal, a little lethargy, you peer a lot the first few weeks. We take it at much lower doses then when its used for Psyche patients. Was a very effective med for me.

Joe

It's critical for your peace of mind to understand that Federal law requires the listing of side effects. What is almost NEVER expressed here in our messages is the actual rate of occurrence. If you get to the library or drug store and read the PDR (Physicians' Desk Reference) you will see the rate is 1/2% or less and upward.

Rates are POSSIBILITIES, NOT PREDICTIONS. It's a mistake to take every listed side effect as a statement that this WILL occur for you.

Individual biology and our personal medical history is so complex that it's extremely difficult to predict what, if any, reaction you may have to any particular drug or combination of meds that you may be taking. Your single, best protection is to get from your doc/pharmacist, a list of the possibilities and then monitor yourself. Few side effects are life threatening at such speed that you can't respond to signs. Know the signs of a developing issue allows you to contact you doc for advice.

I'm troubled by the number of folks who post comments about side effects, written in such a style that it conveys that this or that side effect is always associated with XX drug. These statement are a disservice to people who have no background in medicine, to new-comers who need information and not fear.

Another self-protection: never accept such a statement which is not given along with some information about degree/frequency of occurrence. Appreciate that we are not medical profs. and confirm what you read here before taking action upon our messages.
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A message I posted about this same issue re. dogs. The message is the same......

I posted this message on a chat group for dog owners (Vizsla). The issues are the same whether we are talking about animals or humans--so a little translating of words will make it understandable. The core idea: side effects are not an absolute--yes/no--issue. We must always balance potential risk with potential benefit. I'm concerned with the tendency to present comments about medicine side effects in terms which frighten folks away from trying meds which might be of benefit.
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This question about side effects from food (allergies) or medications pops up regularly. The problem is, we don't ask the correct questions. The issues are:

1. What is the rate or chance or probability that any particular side effect will develop?

Without information it's easy to assume that the list of side effects is a statement of what will happen if the med is used. In fact, side effects are reported in human medicine/vet literature as a rate of occurrence ranging from less than one percent and ranging upward.

It's important to ask the Vet for two pieces of information: what are the side effects?; what is the rate or chance that a particular effect will occur? Without information it's impossible to make a good judgment about using or not.

2. How serious are the side effects compared to the condition for which the med is being used?

3. How important is my judgment about the risk of side effects vs. the benefit of using this med?

This is a wholly subjective judgment which no one can make for us. We make a decision about how much risk tolerance we have; what are we willing to bear.

Bottom line: A list of side effects is a statement of POSSIBILITIES. It is not a PREDICTION of what will occur. Wisdom calls for knowing both the risk and asking the vet what to look for, i.e., symptoms of side effects. 

Agreeing with everything above, I will say the side effects of topomax are not only possible, they are likely. I say this based on both personal experience and anecdotal evidence listed on this site. I'm not saying don't try it. I am saying it deserves its nickname of "dopamax." On the plus side, it's one of the very few meds we can take that includes potential weight loss instead of weight gain. blessings. lance

Thank You all I greatly appreciate your advice. I think its time to start some preventative drugs. especially since my doctor just cut my Imitrex inj again smh.

Hey Bad,

Check your PM Inbox.  I left you a PM a few days ago...  You can access it by clicking on the bold green "you have 1 new message" in the upper left corner of this window below the date.

Take care,

V/R, Batch