Migraine

Hi, I'm new to all this and glad to find this site. I have had headaches since I was younger (am 30) but more recently have begun to get them on a daily basis and nothing has helped. I recently have been put on Topamax but so far, it isnt working. How long does it usually take to kick in? Does anyone have any suggestions? I am usually a pretty active person but lately am not able to do much because of the constant headaches. It is getting pretty frustrating.

Any suggestions would be great!

Kelly

Hi Kelly,

Welcome to the Forum. I've been on Topamax since August. My neurologist just increased my dosage to 225 mg and I'll continue to increase every two weeks until I reach 300 mg. It's hard to say when you'll start to notice a difference since medicines affect people differently. I assume you've been diagnosed with migraines. I'm also taking another preventative that seems to be helping. It's called Namenda.

There are lots of helpful information on this website. I'm sure one of the moderators will be along shortly to post some links. Again, welcome.

Hi and welcome to the forum!!!

Topamax, like any other drug, needs to be given a fair shot at working - which is about 6 weeks to 2 or even 3 months. I know - ya wish it would be sooner!

For some, it starts working right away. I found results on it in the first week at 25mgs. Others, it may take a while. How long have you been on it for? Are you still tapering up your topamax dosage?

If topamax isn't the drug for you, don't worry - there are over 100 preventive options out there, so don't give up!

Welcome again to the forum! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask away!

We look forward to hearing more from you!

Hello, Kelly, welcome to the forum. We're glad you found us.

If you are having migraines or headaches that often, it is time to seek out a doctor who is a migraine/headache specialist. See this list:

Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists

Has your doctor given you a specific headache or migraine diagnosis?

Welcome to the forum family Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your migraines are increasing, mine did the same thing when I hit my mid thirties. Seeing a migraine specialist has helped me out a great deal.

Here's an article to help get you started:

Learning about migraines-where to start

One other suggestion is to keep a migraine diary. It will help you keep track of triggers, medications and any patterns in your migraines.

Again, welcome to the forum!

Hi, Kelly!

I'm so sorry you're having daily pain. Are you taking medicine more than 2 or 3 days a week? Taking meds more often than that can cause Medication Overuse Headache, which was formerly called Rebound Headache. It's caused by taking acute meds (triptans like Imitrex, OTC pain relievers, and prescription pain relievers) too often. If you're in a rebound cycle, most preventives can't work. The only way out of a rebound cycle is by stopping the offending med.

My head got out of control in my 30s, too.

Welcome aboard! Looking forward to seeing you around.

Gretchen in Mississippi

Hi Kelly, welcome to the forum