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topiramate after a TBI?

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jfrei

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I Don't think I should have agreed to this. I really feel like Im starting all over again, cant even keep a thought, without losing a thought a.

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1 hour ago, jfrei said:

I Don't think I should have agreed to this. I really feel like Im starting all over again, cant even keep a thought, without losing a thought a.

  It is called dopamax for a reason, I have been on it for over 10 years, like most things risk/benefit are things you have to weigh.  For me, its pros outweigh its cons and I only take 100 mg, which i started at 25 mg and still take 25 mg 4 times a day so that it doesn't mess me up even after 10 years.  I highly suggest you start very slowly on this medication 25 mg and go up very slowly.  I am highly sensitive to most medications and this is no exception.  The va does have 25 mg in their formulary :)  It will make you dopey if you are taking too much too fast or give you pins and needles type feelings in your hands and feet.  Also, it will really mess with your appetite, as in you will have none.....that is one of the worst side effects for me.  Talk to you doctor or pharmacist if it is causing you bad cognitive issues immediately.  That is not something you need to add to your list. 

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I started taking 25 mg 4 a day for 7 day a then she wants me to go 100mg  1tab twice a day. It's only been 4 days now the lightheadedness is going away now so hoping it gets better hoping no more side effects like hair loss or crazy anger I been reading...

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14 hours ago, jfrei said:

I started taking 25 mg 4 a day for 7 day a then she wants me to go 100mg  1tab twice a day. It's only been 4 days now the lightheadedness is going away now so hoping it gets better hoping no more side effects like hair loss or crazy anger I been reading...

topamax is one of those meds that some people just can't tolerate at higher doses, I would ask her to keep you on the 25 mg pills at let you increase at 25 mg increases until you as you tolerate.  That is just me, I could never tolerate 200mg in my lifetime, some people take 300mg and are fine.

 

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  • Content Curator/HadIt.com Elder

At the minimum dose, this medication caused me to completely lose my sense of taste and smell. I was not on it for very long.

"If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid."
- From Murphy's Laws of Combat

Disclaimer: I am not a legal expert, so use at own risk and/or consult a qualified professional representative. Please refer to existing VA laws, regulations, and policies for the most up to date information.

 

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Sorry to hear of that bud. I too have been on 200mg for the last year. Most of these meds now a days are pretty stout, especially at first. The light headed and dizzy spells have gotten worse for me over the last year, but I take 20 different medications currently. Just try to get thru it, if it helps you even 10%, that is what I have grown to accept as a success. Wish you the best and you take care of yourself bud. Good luck and God Bless.

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OEF/OIF VET     100% VA P&T, Post 911 Caregiver, SSDI

 

 

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i was thinking the same thing and had a three hour talk to my TBI team in Wilmington De today .

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