Topamax vs gabapentin
Common Questions and Answers about Topamax vs gabapentin
topamax
Just to add a ditto to Selma. I too was on gabapentin for a while, it upset my stomach awful and I just didn't feel good taking it, so I switched to its cousin, pregabalin (Lyrica) and I did just fine with years of taking it. Both drugs almost overnight stopped the severe pain in my lower spine, so if pain is still your issue, then pehaps Selma's thoughts would work for you.
I have recently had to come off gabapentin 3 x 300mg ad day for facial nerve pain. I had to stop them abruptly on doctors advice as I was suffering breathing problems, that was 3 weeks ago and I am still having withdrawal syptoms, anxiety and pain, has anybody had the same problem, does anybody know how long these symptoms go on for.
Don't know anything about Topamax -- it's approved use is for seizures and preventing migraines, not treating them, which suggests it's not for pain control, but docs use many things off-label. Have you tried neurontin (gapapentin), the earlier drug from Lyrica? Many tolerate it better, some less. It can also cause weight gain, as will any drug that slows you down -- these drugs are basically GABA, which is the body's relaxant, so when you target that you can gain weight.
I was originally put on Gabapentin and had a quick large amount of weight gain. So they put me on Topamax to reverse the weight gain and for my migraines. It helped my migraines but within about 3 weeks I started having pins and needles sensation in my hands, which quickly started occurring in my feet. Within a week it went from pins and needles to a piercing pain as if being stung by bees and kept getting worse.
There are many stories out there where people abruptly quit and had a withdrawal syndrome from stopping the GABApentin. For me, that risk from taking it for a week vs the anxiety and depression from withdrawals was worth it. For some, it seems to have an amazing ability to minimize withdrawal syndromes. It did just that for me.
I suffer from migraine headaches and prior to surgery was on gabapentin. After surgery, I switched to topamax which helps reduce my headaches. I am 52 years old.
My question is three-fold: Can my white matter changes be the result of the surgery? The result of taking topamax because I've only been taking it since my surgery? The cause of my migraines?
I just posted about my neuropathy pain. I am also on Lyrica. It is the only thing that keeps me going without going crazy. I also have it in my hands and the Lyrica doesn't do much for them. I haven't had headaches (knock on Wood), but can emphatize with you on the other. What type doctor prescribed your Lyrica? I saw my podiatrist when this all started, although I knew it was chemo induced, because I also have diabeties and needed the assurance that it was not from that.
Welbutrin has worked for me for years, but about 8 days after starting Topamax for migraine control, the depression is kicking my butt. Could the Topamax be responsible? I would rather have migraines than be depressed!
Not sure your dose of Cymbalta or Gabapentin… Perhaps you could increase the dosage of one of them??? I used to take Gabapentin, but it caused me to gain weight like there was no tomorrow, so I insisted that I be given something else.
You can also talk to your doctor about Topamax (generic is Topiramate). I was on that for several years and did better than anything else but my neuro wanted me off it, so I agreed to go with the Duloxetine.
There are options.
Dr. David Grider, Big Pine Key, FL put me on Topamax. Topamax saved my life! It is/was used for treating Epilepsy/seizures. Researcher's found it seemed to block and "cure" Migrains. Perhaps, it cured me. But God in Heaven, please give me back my memory. I appear unintelligent, ignorant and disinterested in what friends have confided in me-e.i., their expectations that I will retain what may trouble or bring them joy.
I had a death in the family on Sunday. I do apologize. What milligram of the Gabapentin does your doctor have you on? Gabapentin is a little weaker than Lyrica, but is very similar. Let me know and maybe give you some ideas on what to discuss with your doctor during your next appointment. Thanks and again I am sorry about the delay.
I cannot tell you what they are, but they seem to resemble migraines I get on occasion too. I have been on all sorts of meds...Topamax, Amitriptlyne, Nadalol and now I am off all those & my new neurologist has started me on Gabapentin...so we'll see?
I have post herpatic neuropathy. I have taken Tegretol and Gabapentin with good effect, however after a few months I developed terrible migranes. I've also tried Lyrica and Lamotragine with the same side effect. My neurologist has prescribed Topamax with these medications but it doesn't help the headaches. Normally I suffer from the very occasional headache and am a very healthy person. Triptans to do not relieve the migrane caused from the gapapentin.
I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH A HERIATED DISC IN MY NECK C6-C7 FOR ALMOST AYEAR, NEUROLOGIST SAYS THEY CAN ONLY TREAT ME FOR THE SYMPOMS OF HERNIATED DISC,( CERVICAL NECK SPASMS) TREATMENT HAS BEEN AS FOLLOWS, PERSCRIBED NORTRIPTYLINE FOR A FEW MONTHS ALONG WITH FLEXEREL, WHICH DID HELP BUT I ASKED TO BE TAKEN OFF NORTRYPTILINE DUE TO WEIGHT GAIN, I WAS THEN PUT ON TOPAMAX, I HAVE BEEN ON THAT FOR A FEW MONTHS BUT THE SIDE AFFECTS ARE BEGIINING TO REALLY GET TO ME, SO NOW MY NEUROLOGIST IS SWITCHIN
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