Topamax

[GraceUnderFire]

Hi all

I saw my "pain management" doctor this morning (he does not believe in PN) and told him about my poor reaction to Lyrica and having to go back to Neurontin. He wants me to try adding Topamax to the Neurontin and Imipramene I am already taking. I just read up on Topamax and, to be honest, the side effects are a little concerning. Has anyone else used Topamax to address PN? If so, would you be willing to share your experience? I just don't have a good feeling about this and sure don't need more problems!

Thank you
Grace

[ezer]

Yes, I have for months. The side effects are horrendous. When I started that medication, I was really another person. I am a fairly frugal and even tempered guy but I went on a shopping spree and I was noticeably more aggressive. Not good.
I could not remember the name of my kids and I would loose my balance just standing. It worked quite well for the pain for 2 months and very suddenly stopped working regardless of the dosage.
There is/was a website called "crazy drugs" and Topamax was listed in it. I really want to caution you about it.
It also makes the food and for some reason diet sodas taste weird, It is why it is sometimes used off label as a diet medication. So the main advantage is that you loose weight while many other anti-convulsants make you gain weight.
I just don't get it when a doctor says he does not believe in PN. Sorry for the sarcasm that but has he dissected cadavers to reach that conclusion?

[GraceUnderFire]

Thanks for sharing your experience Ezer! My gut was telling me not to go near this med and now I don't feel like I am just being silly. Well, my "pain management" doctor is a joke. I have been on Neurontin & Imipramine since I first saw him. Occasionally, he will throw in a valium or tramadol; but he is kind of like a robot who spends only enough time to write the scripts with me. He didn't even look at the copy of the 3T MRI I brought him. I am looking for someone else who might actually try to help me

Best of luck in your healing!!!
Grace

[gracie]

Hi Grace,
My pain mgmt guy is a super guy who actually was the one who thought PN was my problem. He did all the injections and nerve blocks. After my surgery, he still prescribed meds for me. I know he wants to help me but I am his first patient with PN and I think he is sort of running out of ideas for me. I changed obgyn doctors though because my OBGYN doctor didn't even pay the least amount of attention to me when I told him about the PN. He did not want me to have the surgery. The new OBGYN doctor was very compassionate about my pain and did not pretend to know anything about it. He did however offer to try to help. He wanted me to see a physiatrist. I had never heard of this type of doctor before, but from what I understand they are doctors that have to go to school longer then a regular doctor and they cover the whole body as far as addressing pain issues. I have an appt Oct 25th. The first appt is for me to just hear what their approach is to pain mgmt. Then if I'm interested I can make an appt to see one of the Doctors. I don't have alot of options in my area and have no idea if this type of Doctor will be of any help. I will let you know how it goes if you're interested.
Wishing us all well,
Gracie

[GraceUnderFire]

Thanks, Gracie. Unfortunately, my pain doctor is a physiatrist. I am not slamming physiatrists in general, I just have a bad apple I hope you get some help with your appointment. Keep us posted

Grace

[ezer]

I think the problem with the pain doctors I've met so far is that they have not very much to offer for nerve pain. The usual anti-depressants and anti convulsants and if that does not work they can put you on opioid. They usually will gladly refer you to other specialists or PTs.