Does Topamax work for daily headaches?
Does Topamax work for daily headaches?
Several randomized, controlled trials have shown that Topamax reduces the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks in adults. Topamax has been found to be a cost-effective treatment that helps improve the quality of life for people who live with migraine.
How do you feel on TOPAMAX?
Personality or mood changes. Topamax can sometimes cause personality changes that affect the way people behave, react, feel, or interact with others. For example, the drug may cause agitation, aggression, or other behavior problems. Topamax may also cause mood changes, such as anxiety, mood swings, and depression.
What is the average weight loss on TOPAMAX?
The mean dose of topiramate was 195 mg/day (range, 100–375 mg/day). All patients lost a substantial amount of weight on topiramate. The average weight loss was 22 lb (10 kg; range, 8–56 lb [4–25 kg]). No patient discontinued topiramate because of side effects.
How is Topamax used to treat migraines in adults?
Topiramate is indicated for the prevention of migraine in adults. It is taken by mouth as preventive therapy to reduce migraine frequency. For those with frequent migraine attacks, or migraine that do not respond to acute treatment, preventive medications can be important.
What’s the best medication for chronic migraines and headaches?
Some anti-seizure drugs seem to prevent migraines and might be used to prevent chronic daily headaches, as well. Options include topiramate (Topamax, Qudexy XR, others), divalproex sodium (Depakote) and gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise).
Are there any side effects to weaning off Topamax?
Because topiramate is an anti-seizure drug, migraine patients who try to wean off Topamax may suffer seizures as part of withdrawal symptoms; even migraine headache sufferers who have never experienced an epileptic seizure before may begin to experience seizures during the onset of the weaning program.
How often should you take topiramate for migraine?
The recommended total daily dose of Topiramate as treatment for prophylaxis of migraine is 100 mg administered in a divided dose. Some patients may experience a benefit at a total daily dose of 50 mg/day; while others have taken up to 200 mg/day.
How does Topamax work for migraines?
Topamax slows down those signals, helping to prevent seizures. The medication also works similarly for migraine headaches. It is thought that migraines may be triggered by nerve cells in the brain that are too easily excited. Topamax helps calm the nerve cells, working to prevent a migraine from ever starting.
What is the latest treatment for migraine?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a new drug that can significantly reduce migraine frequency. It’s called Ajovy (fremanezumab), and it’s made by Teva Pharmaceuticals .
What is the newest migraine medication?
CGRP: A new era for migraine treatment. Update: In early 2019, the FDA approved three CGRP monoclonal antibody drugs for the treatment of migraines. The medications are known by the brand names Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality.
How do you treat a headache?
The most common treatments for headaches are rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. These include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Always check the label when choosing an over-the-counter pain reliever.