Migraine

Hi - I just started topamax at a baby dose of 15 mg at bedtime. I am so drowsy after one week - I am going to bed at 8 every night and struggling to stay up that late. Strangely,if I am busy, I am OK. My doc said I could split the dose in half if I need to but if it will go away soon, I want to stick it out.

anyone know how long it takes to get over the drowsiness?

Hi, Leslie, and welcome to the forum!

We've got tons of different Topamax threads around here, and tons of people with experience with it.

I'm sure how long it takes for the drowsiness to subside is a highly individual thing. Everyone's mileage is going to vary on that one. I do understand what you mean by not wanting to split the dose if sticking with your current dose might get you past things sooner. Considering you mention that you just started taking it, then perhaps that's not a big issue, though. Maybe if you split the dose, you'll lose the drowsiness altogether. It might be worth a try. I've never taken Topamax, but I seem to recall that it's generally meant to be taken in a split dose, anyway. You might pose this specific scenario of sticking it out on this dose or splitting and whether than might affect the adjustment time with your doctor. He or she is the best one to hash this out with, since they know your history and how you personally respond to meds.

Unfortunately, I was on it for more than a year and the side effects never improved for me. It was pretty miserable, but at least I can definitively rule it out as a possibility.

I hope it helps you and that the side effects improve.

With much trepidation, I started on 25 mg. of Topamax three weeks ago. I agree, the sleepiness is intense; however, the past two nights, I've actually stayed awake while watching TV between 7:30 and 8:30 PM so perhaps that side effect is getting better. I do know that the "Topa tingle" in my hands I'd experienced a few times has stopped.

On the major plus side, I went more than two full weeks with absolutely no migraine whatsoever after starting (a true miracle!--only the third time that's happened in 12 years!), then had to take Maxalt two days in a row but yesterday was migraine-free. I'm hoping for great things and realize 25 mg. could be but a beginning dose though I'm hoping to stay low because the possibility of "losing words" would really affect my job.

Welcome to the forum, Leslie. We're glad you found us.

Welcome back, Jeanne.

Welcome to our forum family Leslie and Jeanne