Delayed Side Effects--Topamax

[greenne]

Hi,

From my previous posts...I was injured in a rocket explosion in Baghdad 4 months ago. I was knocked out for a few seconds and suffered a head concussion. Since coming back home, I started to have migraine like headaches along with other post mTBI symptoms (dizziness, cognative problems, etc).

Anyway, my neurologist is treating me currently with 25mg Nortriptyline and 25mg Topamax at night. They have helped (more so the Topamax). The first week and a half I noticed absolutely no side effects of the Topamax. Today I have some slight hand trembling and also felt like my speech wasn't right. (Like I couldn't think of the right word).

The side effects are still better than the migraines. This is the only thing that has worked thus far--I still get Migraines about 1-3 times a week. Mine are short lived--1 to 2 hrs usually. With the Topamax, they seem to be dulled also. Before preventatives I was having 1-2 per DAY. Some were so bad I prayed I would just pass out so the pain would go away. I'll do almost anything NOT to go back to that.

So my question is....is it normal for side effects to appear after a few days with Topamax? Does Topamax take time to "enter your system"...kinda like the anti-depressents?

Nate

[blackcompe]

Hey, Im so very excited to find your post. I've been dealing with the results of a severe concussion for four years. My life has been totally ruined by it. I have the worst headaches, every day, Im fatigued, cognitive problems, etc. I've tried so many medications from antibiotics to anti-depressants. I've just realized I need to see a neurologist. Your experience with Topamax makes me hopeful. Awesome! Good luck with everything.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
The dose of Topamax is slowly titrated up to reach the therapeutic dose levels. This is done to improve patient response and improve tolerability.So in a way you can say that it takes time to enter the system.
Some of the common side effects of topiramate that are seen when it is used as a preventive therapy for migraine are tiredness, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, depression, pins and needles sensation and difficulty with language.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topiramate
The trembling of hand could be because of increased anxiety and difficulty in speech due to trouble with language.
Hope this helps!