Topamax

[GJoker]

This was on MSN's 'Ask the Experts' today~ Just more to read on the subject, but may prove to be resourceful...

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[VaBusa]

This was on MSN's 'Ask the Experts' today~ Just more to read on the subject, but may prove to be resourceful...

Reviewing it now...thanks so much!

 

[VaBusa]

So that article did trigger something I have noticed, but never put much thought in to...eating small meals throughout the day...on busy days here at work, I'll eat on the run, while sitting in the server room, on my way to where ever I need to be...I notice that if I eat 5 small meals throughout the day, I don't seem to have as much of a problem...

Hrmmm, thanks again...I need to try that more often and see if it doesn't help me some...

 

[dreamin_of_ridin]

Michelle - When was the last time you saw an eye doctor? When you did, did they dilate your eyes and look at your optical nerve? The is a condition called Psuedo-tumor Cerebri and migraines are a major symptom. It is very rare though and many doctors overlook it. I got lucky and my eye doctor caught it in me. I used to have headaches anywhere from 4 to 7 days a week with at least one migraine every two weeks. Psuedo-tumor is a condition where a person's body either over-produces or under-absorbs cerebral/spinal fluid. That puts pressure on the brain, usually the optical nerve, and causes headaches. It is found most often in women. I can't say that this is what is causing your migraines but it may not hurt to check it out. I take anti-inflammatories for most of my headaches. I find that they releave the pressure the most if not get rid of them completely.

 

[GJoker]

If it helped you some... then it's my pleasure~

 

[VaBusa]

Michelle - When was the last time you saw an eye doctor? When you did, did they dilate your eyes and look at your optical nerve? The is a condition called Psuedo-tumor Cerebri and migraines are a major symptom. It is very rare though and many doctors overlook it. I got lucky and my eye doctor caught it in me. I used to have headaches anywhere from 4 to 7 days a week with at least one migraine every two weeks. Psuedo-tumor is a condition where a person's body either over-produces or under-absorbs cerebral/spinal fluid. That puts pressure on the brain, usually the optical nerve, and causes headaches. It is found most often in women. I can't say that this is what is causing your migraines but it may not hurt to check it out. I take anti-inflammatories for most of my headaches. I find that they releave the pressure the most if not get rid of them completely.

I wear contacts, so I go yearly and am currently due for a visit...I have also gone in between visits convinced it's my vision that's adding to the headaches...I have NOT had my eyes dilated and been checked for that though...

It's definitely on my list now though; thanks so much for the info! Gives me something to look in to...

 

[dreamin_of_ridin]

No problem. Like I said, it's rare so it probably isn't the problem. My eye doc found it by taking a pic of my optical nerve. Everyone has these kind of halos around the optical nerves behind the eyes. Mine were REALLY faint. That's what made him suspicuous.

 

[VaBusa]

No problem. Like I said, it's rare so it probably isn't the problem. My eye doc found it by taking a pic of my optical nerve. Everyone has these kind of halos around the optical nerves behind the eyes. Mine were REALLY faint. That's what made him suspicuous.

Hey, if it's rare, that MEANS it'll happen to me

I've had migraines since I was married

so I recall 'em around age 23 (36 now)...it's been a long time and I've seen enough docs to just keep looking...anything is worth taking a peek in to, right?

Thanks again!

 

[TruWrecks]

Seriously, great insight from everyone and I had no idea so many of you GUYS have had migraines; my experiences have shown that it's mostly women and I almost didn't post up because I figured most guys haven't had 'em...I have been proven wrong, again...

It must have something to do with Estrogen exposure. Matbe the guys around here have just had to much? Of course you ride a Busa, so maybe we're all lacking it. Let's not go there. It could get really ugly.

 

[VaBusa]

Seriously, great insight from everyone and I had no idea so many of you GUYS have had migraines; my experiences have shown that it's mostly women and I almost didn't post up because I figured most guys haven't had 'em...I have been proven wrong, again...

It must have something to do with Estrogen exposure.  Matbe the guys around here have just had to much?  Of course you ride a Busa, so maybe we're all lacking it.  Let's not go there.  It could get really ugly.

I don't know, with the # of men posting up pics of themselves in bikinis and "holdling" other men in their arms, I do think I see the trend here

 

[dudewizr]

No experience with Topamax.  However, my wife takes a migraine drug called Amerge.  They work like magic, but they are expensive.  Our co-pay is $18 a pill.

There is another one called Imitrex that is like Amerge. They work by constricting vessels in your brain, and they can seriously raise blood pressure as a side effect.  My wife has never had any bad experience though, and I think the bp thing is fairly rare. For her, no detectable side effects at all. These drugs are non-narcotic (they are not "pain killers").

I looked up Topamax and it is primarily considered an anti-seizure drug (anti-epileptic drug).  This type of drug usually has unpleasant side effects.

Imitrex is one of those drugs I've never tried, yet I know plenty of migraine sufferers that say it works once, twice, then it's a waste of time...

Never heard of Amerge; I'll go look it up...I've tried several migraine meds that you take at the onset of a migraine; since none of them work long-term, I'm leaning toward trying the preventative instead.  My doc offered it to me last year and I opted out, figured I'd just hope for the best with the meds I was on, but it's clear now that none of them are really doing the job...

And yes, Topamax was originally deemed a drug for epilepsy, but it's used for other conditions as well...my best friend takes it daily for issues unrelated to both epilespy or migraines...that part does kind of worry me though...

I've battled the migraines with all the symptoms you've mentioned.  Nothing ever worked shy of the ice pack, dark room, finally vomit and go to sleep.  2 years ago I tried Imatrex, it was expensive so the Doc gave me some sample packs (8 pills).  About 6 months ago I went to another Doc and he upped the dosage size.  Before I had to take 2 of them and now 1 does the trick.  I was actually on the road in Chicago for work and didn't have any with me, so I wnet to an Urgent Care and they gave me a shotof Imatrex, now that's the TICKET right there.  Gone in 10 minutes from a full blown migraine to better than ever.  Imatrex is however most effective if taken prior to full onset.  I would say I've used it around 10 times in the past 2 years.  Good luck.



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[VaBusa]

No experience with Topamax.  However, my wife takes a migraine drug called Amerge.  They work like magic, but they are expensive.  Our co-pay is $18 a pill.

There is another one called Imitrex that is like Amerge. They work by constricting vessels in your brain, and they can seriously raise blood pressure as a side effect.  My wife has never had any bad experience though, and I think the bp thing is fairly rare. For her, no detectable side effects at all. These drugs are non-narcotic (they are not "pain killers").

I looked up Topamax and it is primarily considered an anti-seizure drug (anti-epileptic drug).  This type of drug usually has unpleasant side effects.

Imitrex is one of those drugs I've never tried, yet I know plenty of migraine sufferers that say it works once, twice, then it's a waste of time...

Never heard of Amerge; I'll go look it up...I've tried several migraine meds that you take at the onset of a migraine; since none of them work long-term, I'm leaning toward trying the preventative instead.  My doc offered it to me last year and I opted out, figured I'd just hope for the best with the meds I was on, but it's clear now that none of them are really doing the job...

And yes, Topamax was originally deemed a drug for epilepsy, but it's used for other conditions as well...my best friend takes it daily for issues unrelated to both epilespy or migraines...that part does kind of worry me though...

I've battled the migraines with all the symptoms you've mentioned.  Nothing ever worked shy of the ice pack, dark room, finally vomit and go to sleep.  2 years ago I tried Imatrex, it was expensive so the Doc gave me some sample packs (8 pills).  About 3 months ago I went to another Doc and he upped the dosage size.  Before I had to take 2 of them and now 1 does the trick.  I was actually on the road in Chicago for work and didn't have any with me, so I wnet to an Urgent Care and they gave me a shot, now that's the TICKET right there.  Gone in 10 minutes from a full blown migraine to better than ever.  I matrex is however most effective if taken prior to full onset.  I would say I've used it around 10 times in the past 2 years.  Good luck.

I have yet to go for the shot, but I was close last October...5 day migraine and I do mean it NEVER let up...my doc told me to head to the ER, but I couldn't imagine moving, much less driving there to wait 4 hours and get charged $400

So, it finally eased up...

I have yet to try Imatrex...been on Frova for a year now, plus Fioricet when that doesn't work, followed by some desperation and Excedrin Migraine...I've also tried Replax (that right?)...as with the other meds I've tried, it works great that first time, then peters out after that...

Thanks for the info!!! It means a lot...I've got plenty to talk about with my doc on Friday...

 

[bacharles]

Are your migranes food alergy related?  I know my son had them and layed off certain food types and now he rarely gets them.  He would get them so bad he would vomit.

I've tracked 'em for years and there's no real rhyme or reason to them...the only true trigger I know of is sudden loud noises, like someone popping a balloon...that always leads to a bad headache in an instant, and sometimes migraines.  

I get them pretty badly, but not to the point of being sick to my stomach unless I've just popped too many pills...I pretty much can't function when they're bad though; no driving, can't keep my eyes open (light sensitive), no sound...

Glad your son found the trigger though...

Maybe something to do with the auditory canal?

You would be surprised how much the auditory system ties in to other body functions. Could be a connection there somewhere. Your ears (i.e. the inner workings of the ear), has a direct effect on your balance.

 

[VaBusa]

Are your migranes food alergy related?  I know my son had them and layed off certain food types and now he rarely gets them.  He would get them so bad he would vomit.

I've tracked 'em for years and there's no real rhyme or reason to them...the only true trigger I know of is sudden loud noises, like someone popping a balloon...that always leads to a bad headache in an instant, and sometimes migraines.  

I get them pretty badly, but not to the point of being sick to my stomach unless I've just popped too many pills...I pretty much can't function when they're bad though; no driving, can't keep my eyes open (light sensitive), no sound...

Glad your son found the trigger though...

Maybe something to do with the auditory canal?

 You would be surprised how much the auditory system ties in to other body functions.  Could be a connection there somewhere.  Your ears (i.e. the inner workings of the ear), has a direct effect on your balance.

Possibly Brian (good to see you here btw)

I am ultra sensitive to sounds...I've never noticed anything with balance going on, but I suppose having the doc take a closer look won't hurt