Topamax and Imatrex

[MissBG]

So I finally broke down and went to the dr about the migraines I have been having that I am pretty sure are a side effect of the Humira. My dr wants to manage the migraines and stay the course with Humira since it seems to be working.

Here's the thing I am looking at the possible side effects for the topamax and I don't like it at all... I can deal with scary crazy side effects being possible as long as it doesn't turn me into a psycho. I don't like the idea of not being me (make sense?) and the imatrex has all kinds of possibilities for problems with the gut. :ybatty:

And now my dr wants to do an MRI on my brain... I mean come on... I get a couple of migraines a month and now he wants an MRI and me to use a controler med which I tried to tell him that I wasn't really comfortable with and that they didn't happen often enough that I thought I needed them. I think next time I will just keep my mouth shut and deal. :-(

 

[starsandbucks]

I was on topamax for a while for chronic pain (off-label use). I think my dose was 100 mg but I'm not sure. It didn't alter my mood and I never got headaches while I was on it BUT I had hallucinations, which, as you can imagine, was pretty unsettling!

 

[MissBG]

See that is what scares me. There is guy my husband works with that had the same reaction... with 2 kidsthat is just not a risk I am willing to take.

 

[Karo]

I have been taking Topamax since 06 and my dose was lowered at one point. I still take a low dose and have no problems and fewer migrains. Recently diagnosed with mastocytic enterocolitis and the meds all seem to mesh well .But I understand your concerns, Good luck!

 

[MissBG]

I have been taking Topamax since 06 and my dose was lowered at one point. I still take a low dose and have no problems and fewer migrains. Recently diagnosed with mastocytic enterocolitis and the meds all seem to mesh well .But I understand your concerns, Good luck!

What is your dose ? He is wanting me to start out with 25mg and move up to 50mg.

 

[Karo]

It is now only 25 mg daily. I even asked about stopping it, but my doctor said no. I also take Inderal for the migraines. They may want to do the tests for comparative reasons only. I had ct scans with the dye contrast. Migraines are really scary. So is IBD! ha

 

[MissBG]

I don't know... I just got to the point of getting the crohns under control and I feel pretty good other than these migraines and they don't even happen that often. About twice a month and usually I can cope with tylenol, ccaffeine and rest unless I try to "tough it out" and not take anything. I just don't want to put something else in the mix that may screw up my guts again or have other bad effects.

 

[Karo]

Sorry, I have been out of town. You certainly know your own self. I would go with my own feelings. I always have believed you can't go wrong by taking your time. Wishing you well!!! and p.s. the Crohn's would be my first concern, I think. Good Luck!!!

 

[AuntieEm]

I have problems with chronic migraines which increased after starting humira. I was at 50mg of topamax before humira but did increase to 100mg after I had been on the humira 90 days. I use Imitrex upon the first signs of the migraine onset as well. I have not had any side effects myself luckily. I was completely non functional even though I was having improvement with my crohns due to the chronic migraines.

 

[PsychoJane]

Have you ever been on a "ponctual" migraine medication? I think that might be a more reassuring way to go. I don't know topomax but I am under the impression it is a med you would be taking in prophylaxis? Would you feel more comfortable just going with Imitrex or Zomig or Maxalt, these kind of medication that you take only on the symptoms onset. I have a prescription for these as I always get migraine 1 or twice a months. It was made worst (in duration) while I was on Humira. I never took them though because I don't know... These meds scare me too but I know many that takes that and it brings them great relief. Personally I live them through even though it ruins a few day every month were I need to be home and I can't do much more but being sloppy at work when it happens or call off. I manage them with tylenol codeine (which are known to cause medication migraine so must not use too much) and with muscular relaxant (acetaminophen based robaxacet with methylcarbamate) to help me sleep when it's too intense. Nothing better than a hot shower, an iced-pack, 2-3 glass of water and tigerbalm is the best I can do to avoid additional medication

 

[DougUte]

I use to take Topamax, 50 mg. for essential tremor. It was combined with 80 Mg propranolol. I hated Tompomax. It caused my mind to be cloudy.

 

[Shantelle]

I was on topomax and humira at the same time and I felt like I was living in a bubble all the time, it definitely helped with the headaches but looking back it wasnt worth it but in hindsight each person reacts differently to medication. Like a previous poster stated, you know your body and yes, go with your gut instinct. Good luck.

 

[starsandbucks]

So my dr just put me back on topamax yesterday. Hoping that since I'm on different meds now than a few years ago I won't have the weird vision/hallucinations. I'll keep the thread updated with my experience.

 

[MissBG]

Thanks stars! I decided not to fill the prescription. To much I am not comfortable with and the fact that he didnt listen to my concerns and take them seriously enough. I will manage them my own way as I know my way wont effect my crohns and ultimately that is my main concern.

 

[my little penguin]

there are other options.
Do you see a neuro?
My son has tried keppra for migraines
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he also tried amytripyline ( Elavil) which also helps with stomach cramping and muscle pain
WE may try magnesium plus B2 ( riboflavin combo)next since with tylenol is rebound headaches.
did you at least get the MRI?
He has had one-to rule out other serious causes of migraines which need to be dealt with swiftly.


here is a good site for migraines.
http://www.migraine.org.uk/information/migraine-management/migraine-in-young-people/