I’m one of the 21 million + people who suffer from migraine headaches. They started in my early 20’s and stuck with me until this very day. Mine are bilateral and typically weather related, however the neurologists that I’ve seen over the years have poo-poo’d this theory. The problem is, they fail to come up with another theory to solve the horrific pain I have suffered with over the years and countless trips to the ER for relief. Too many sick days off from work, countless days spent in a darkened room with an ice pack strapped to my head and numerous times when I’ve missed out on things due to migraines.
Trips to the ER: Don’t get me started on that! Some nurses practically rush you in, but the majority put you on a list in competition for 25th place with the guy in distress with a stubbed toe. Even he would go ahead of me, ‘cos he remembered his ice pack (faux pas on my part to have forgotten mine). I’ve waited 3 hours and other times 14 hours. My relief at the ER is an IV drip of 2 meds; but it ultimately works after laying there with the hustle and bustle and bright lights of an ER room. It is worth it though; 3-4 days of nonstop throbbing pain finally comes to an end.
I have good news. After 28 years and 6 neuros, I have found a brilliant one who has prescribed a preventative medication for my migraines. I take Topamax; a relatively new medication which took about 3 months to really take effect. Wow, what a difference! He also prescribed Imitrex. This med is used at an onset of a migraine and within 20-30 minutes the migraine is usually gone. I use the Imitrex nasal spray, however, it does come in self-injecting needle and tabs.
Written by: Me
Posted by fattoush on March 24, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Doesn’t Topamax mess up your mood? Twice I tried it, the second time with an anti-depressant on board and because I knew how well it works despite a scary first experience. The two times, it would make me angry, jittery, unable to concentrate, and ultimately suicidal.
Posted by cherished79 on March 30, 2009 at 6:06 pm
All I can really comment on Topamax is it’s principles in helping with my migraine headaches. I’ve suffered for years with no luck, and finally found a neurologist who started me on Topamax. I really don’t think it’s affecting my mood – maybe it is?
Posted by YoursTruely on June 4, 2009 at 3:09 am
I, too, was a migraine sufferer before i was started on topamax. Its done wonders! Seriously, no migraines since, for my college life its been a blessing! The only side effects i experienced were the occasional tingling in hands and feet (parasthesia i think is called) and i lost like 30 pounds when i first started it. But wow, what relief!
Posted by cherished79 on June 6, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I thank whoever discovered this Topomax med. So many years visiting ER after ER with 4 & 5 day migraines, and now this in combo with my Imitrex. Go figure.
Posted by mary ann kelly on July 8, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I wanted to say that i was put on topamax for a while it made me forgetful. However I was put on another drug called Lyrica and within a week they were gone. Or at least manageable with and an otc advil. I am glad that topamax has worked for some of you. I would say dont give up if you have not found relief . Complain until you get satisfaction. You are your best advocate.
Posted by cherished79 on August 4, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Topamax is hit and miss with some people. I have a very good friend who is also a migraine sufferer and Topamax did nothing for her migraines. I do take it everyday, but also take Imitrex nasal spray if I feel a doozer coming on. It is amazing after all of these years something actually works. Stick with Lyrica if it works. Whatever works for sure. Anything but the paralyzing migraines.
Posted by Mary Ann on October 28, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I suffer from depression, actually bipolar disorder and migraines too. Topamax whacked out my moods so bad that I had to be hospitalized. However it is a wonder drug for many patients like yourself. I’m really glad. I’ve heard of people’s lives changing from it.