Topiramate

[Humptyfelldown]

I have suffered from awful migraines since 1997; really disabling, long attacks.

The only relief I've had from then have been when I've taken Epilim (for bipolar), or when pregnant (still get them, but not quite as frequently).

For years I've got them for three days at a time, for 2.5 weeks before menstruation. I get auras, and nausea as well.

I also get them in hot weather, for days at a time.

I've been prescribed Sumatriptan, which is brilliant, but comes in only 6 in a pack, which I get through in two weeks, and I've been refused more than one pack every two months.

So with my psychiatrist's approval, I've been allowed Topiramate. I started before Christmas on 25mg. It seemed to work slightly, but still had a headache, and had no affect on the aural symptoms, I upped it to 50mg, which worked a bit better, but meant I run out.

When I went to renew, I found the GP had not put in repeat. I spoke to them, and it was agreed to continue, and agreed that 50mg was reasonable. I collected the prescription, which contained enough for 2x 25mg daily, but stated one 25mg daily. I've taken two anyway, as that's what was agreed on the phone, but am worried as when these run out in a month, I can imagine I'll be refused, as the receptionists will think I've abused them.

I've also found it not as good right now, and according to the insert, the optimum dosage for migraine prophylaxis is 100mg, but my GP said to just take 50mg for 4 months, then my migraines should be gone forever.

Go back to the gp. I take 50mg a day to prevent migraine but was told people often need a higher dose - you find the dose that works and stick with that. I get a 3 month supply at a time. It’s not really a drug you can ‘abuse’

The dosage for topiramate should be titrated to the patient's needs and taking in to account any side effects (which can be unpleasant on topiramate). If the GP is unwilling or unable to adjust your medication suitably then I would suggest discussing a referral to an NHS neurologist who will be able to help.

Thank you both, will do. I hate to be thought of as a pain, or being thought of as unreasonable. I just can't really understand agreeing to start it, then saying (intially) that a one off month course should have got rid of them, then upping them more would be unthinkable.