Question on Topamax

[mom98]

Hello!

I have been a LONG time migraine and chronic tension headache sufferer. I have never had any form of medical treatment since each doctor I went to seemed to blow me off. This caused me to "self" medicate using a combo of over the counter meds like Excedrine and Tylenols. I ended up suffering from "Medication Overuse Headache". I am currently doing a sort of "detox" from all pain meds and headache inducing foods. I have also started a regimen of vitamins and prescription meds. I take Amitriptyliline 10mg and now Topamax 50mg. Since the Topamax increased to 50 mg I have a noted an increase in"pins and needles" feelings. I feel this in my hands and feet but also in kind of odd places like my heel...not my whole foot, my groin, and my lips and cheeks. The neuro who pescribed said I might experience this in my fingers and toes because of low potassiom but that I should just eat a banana and it'll subside. I am eating THREE a day plus other potassium rich food without much change. It is not constant but comes and goes.

Any thoughts? Anyone else have similar experience? I don't want to reduce the dose or change the med as I am finally having some relief.

[Eddie1994]

I forgot to mention that there is a good headache Doctor in Pottsville near you.  His name is Dr. John Chawluk, he has an associate who administers these injections.  I have a friend who's from that area that goes to him.

[Eddie1994]

A number of years ago I tried Amitriptline (can't remember the dosage though) for none headache related pain and I felt it caused my jaw muscles to become very tense.  There are atleast 50 types of antidepressants a Doctor could try but I'm not a fan of these medications.  That's not to say they don't work in some people.  Mirtazapine is a medication my wife has tried for her migraines but it didn't work.  It did send her to la la land but what's the point, you want to live and enjoy life.

Stress is a great contributor to headaches and apparently Botox has been successful for many individuals having stress related headaches.  It is expensive but worth investigating.    

[mom98]

I haven't been able to identify any triggers besides stress. We took out all of the dietary possibilities and I have noted no changes. I think my major issue is chronic dehydration and poor stress management skills. I tend to internalize! THe 50 mg with Amitriptilne has been a huge help. I was getting migraines 2-3 times a month with tension and stress headaches in between. I'm hopin the pins and needles reduces or goes away as I like this combo so far. Thanks for the help!

[msnova74]

unfortunately the pins and needles are a common side effect.  For me they did get better with Magnesium/malic acid suppliments.

T

[Eddie1994]

The pins and needles is common for Topamax.  You may eventually go to 100mg if it is helpful.  Most medications can cause rebound headaches.  If your migraines are only occassional, ask your Neurologist if you can try Maxalt MLT 10mg.  It's fast acting but you will need to observe a strict protocol for usage to prevent rebound headaches.  

Have you been able to ID your triggers?