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florida2001
hi, I have about 15 headaches per month, sometimes more, sometimes less. Sumatriptam with tylenol always works for me, but was put on topamax 50 mg dosage. it is not working. I am curious what dosagge the doctor put you on?
since is not working the doctor put me on amitriptine 10 mg, but I am so scared of side effect and weight gain especially. did you have any side effects while taking this med? thank you
Rebecca C Moderator
Thanks so much for your questions,
Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. I get it, starting new medications can be frustrating, we just want the pain to stop!!
Here's the thing - Topamax is a medications best started at a low dose (25 mg a week) and increased very slowly. Some people may need a slower taper than others. Here is the dosing information from the manufacturers site https://www.janssenlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/TOPAMAX-pi.pdf. The migraine dosing is on pg 5.
Having said that, when we start new medications, it can take up to 90 days at the therapeutic dose before we see improvements. The bottom line is it can take some time. It's important to give each medication a fair trial so we know which ones really work. I hope that makes sense!
Is your doctor well versed in treating migraine and headache disease? If not it may be time to reach out to a doctor who is a true expert in treating migraine and headache. These doctors are different from general neurologists as they are certified in headache medicine, all neurologists are not. General neurologists may be fine doctors but have a hard time being experts in one area because they treat many conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and more. A true migraine/headache disease doctor treats migraine and headache all day, every day. Here is more information on how these doctors are different and how to find one;
https://migraine.com/blog/really-find-headache-specialist/
https://migraine.com/living-migraine/neurologist-vs-specialist
https://migraine.com/living-migraine/change-thoughts-new-care.
We're here for you! Please let me know what you think and I hope today is a good one, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team
wendel1409 Member
I have been on Topamax 100 mg at night and 25 in the morning for about 5 years and have found it has worked. I've had some brain fog and some tingles in my fingers but very little. Has really cut down my migraines significantly.
Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's sounds like you are having good results with this medication with tolerable side effects!! This will give others hope!
Wishing you a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team
Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor