Anyone taking Topamax or Elavil??

[sunny78]

I have recently been diagnosed with migraines without headaches and my doctor wants me to start taking Topamax. I am a little worried about taking Topamax because I have heard that it has horrible side effects.

I heard Elavil also works to prevent migraines.
  
I was just wondering what other peoples experience was with either one of these drugs. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

[tigz0]

I took Elavil.  It didn't help migraines and the side effects were wretched.  I'm not usually one to experience side effects, but I did with this medication.  Tired , tired, tired, twitching, spasms, horrible dry mouth.
I had luck with both naturopathy and chiropracty. Naturopath helped with diet etc, finding hidden triggeres, allergens etc  and the chiropractor (which netted the best results for me) helped with alignment and pressure on nerves.  Beware your doc may not like to hear of either of these alternative health options, but they helped me greatly. Best of luck.

[browneyedmama]

HEY THERE!!  i have been on topomax and imitrex. i found that neither of them really worked for me. topomax made me very moody. other then that i had no other side effects besides the horrible migraines. so i cant really say that i dont recommend either, they just didnt work for me. everyone is different.
i decided to take initiative and changed my diet and get more exercise.... and its paid off. i use to get 3-4 migraines a week.... now i get 1 every couple of weeks. i really believe that food has a lot to do with it.

jkgirl- i was at the ER with a migraine once and they gave me oxygen, there was almost immediate relief. i was amazed. i have been there several times for migraines... but only a few times has the oxygen helped. but... its better for you then any prescription... im all for the oxygen!!

[jkgirl221]

Taking Topamax now.  I have taken literally every other medication out for migraines and many others that aren't generally prescribed for migraines.  I've had migraines for 13 years now and have them roughly 3 times a week.  I'm keeping a journal on here tracking my weight, side effects, and other details how Topamax is making me feel.  Honestly it's not as bad as others like Imitrex.  I'm just on 25mgs right now so I haven't been moved up yet.  Thus far, not bad but not good.  Hasn't really helped much with the migraines/general headaches but I'm only in the beginning stages.  I'll post every day in my journal if anyone gets bored and wants to see how this stuff works.  Also got my sleep pattern tested.  Might be something for ya'll to check into.  Studies show if you aren't getting enough oxygen when you sleep, it affects you the next day.  Who knows.  Might be as simple as that.

[candycane55]

I took Topamax it gave me terrible stomach pains and also caused me to have a kdiney infection with white blood cells in my urine.  I now have gastristis in my stomach and have to take Nexium for that and also an antibiotic for the kidney infection.  I told  my doctor it hurt my stomach and he upped my dose from 100mg to 200mg and then the problems really started.  If you do go on this drug look up the side effects first.  It does make you loose weight but do you want to damage your kidneys and stomach like I did?? It didn't even help my migraines that much and neither does the Zomig I am taking Inderal now and seems to help but makes  you very tired.  Also the Topamax makes you forget things and can damage your eyes.  Just be careful....... Candy

[MOM23ANGELS25F]

Hi am new here. I was on topamx and worked for awhile, then i became almost ammune to it and it stopped working........

[LifesAHeadache]

Thanks for the response.  I personally do not see any difference that would warrant Topamax over Elevil based on the symptom change but you may have told her more.  Regardless, I want to go the Elevil route with a higher dose - you are still talking small doses, I bet she will go for it with no toruble.  Good Luck with the tests and let us know how you are doing and how the tests come back - only if you want.  I'm pulling for you!