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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Ginny on March 8, 2000, at 15:15:22
How long does it take for topomax to start working? I've been taking it for a week now and I'm almost up to 200 mgs a day. All I feel is groggy and a little dizzy. My feet feel tingly every now and then and I don't feel as hungry as usual. My Dr. prescribed this for me specifically for the prevention of migrain and every day headaches because I get so many of them. I am still gettin them. I really don't see any improvement yet. Anyone out there that has taken topomax for headache purposes only, how long before you saw relief? What other (if any) benefits did you get from taking this medication? How about side effects?
Posted by Cam W. on March 9, 2000, at 16:07:35
In reply to topomax for headaches, posted by Ginny on March 8, 2000, at 15:15:22
Ginny - I have never seen Topamax used for headaches, but I have heard that drugs like it have worked for migraines. Theoretically it could work. What I am a posting about is the quick titration of the drug. Ideally Topamax should begin at a dose of 25mg and be increased by 25mg every 5-7 days. This is to avoid the side effects you have mentioned. Also, you may have some problems with cognition (thinking) during a quick titration; especially with things like name finding and simple math problems. I know that in the real world that dosages are raised quicker, presumably to give quicker relief. The side effects you are experiencing should subside in time (2-4 weeks), but if they are interfering with your daily routine call your doctor and tell him/her about them. Your doc may have you lower the dose and raise it more gradually (don't just do it on your own). If you can live with these side effects, hang on and they should decrease. Improvement with this medication should be noticed within a month, so you'll have to give it time. Another benefit you may notice could be an improvement in your mood (less lability or swinging from feeling good to feeling lousy). Another side effect you may notice is weight loss, particularily if you are a little overweight. The more extra weight you have, the more you could expect to lose, but if you are underweight to begin with you probably won't lose that much (weight loss does not happen in everyone). Hope this helps - Cam W.
This is the end of the thread.
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