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Can Topamax Cause Headache?

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Posted on Wed, 14 Jun 2017
Question: I am on day five of Topamax 25mg - I am taking it for a mood disorder. I am having really debilitating headaches. I've felt an improvement already in my mental health so am quite reluctant to go off it. However I have read many posts of other people reporting terrible headaches and finally giving up after five weeks. My question is - If I'm getting serious headaches at this stage, will they likely be permanent? Should I stop now at day 5 before I take them any more, when it's easy to withdraw rather than carry on for weeks then have to worry about withdrawal issues later on?

I have been on Topamax for five days 25mg for mood disorder. I'm getting very bad headaches and feel heavily sedated. I have read of many other people getting headaches while starting Topamax only to give up after five weeks. Should I stop now while there would be no withdrawal complication. Are the headaches likely to stop do you think or will this side-affect be permanent?

Medical History
chronic muscuoskeletal disorder with sensitization

Current Medications
Gabapentin 1200mg daily, paroxetine 25mg daily, oxynorm 15mg daily, oxycontin 15mg morning and night.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
No they are not permanent

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

In my experience none of the person developing headache due to use of topamax continued to have headache after discontinuation of medication. In fact many of the patients reported decreased severity of headaches when the topamax was started for related disorder.

I like to conclude that it is not going to cause permanent headaches. However if you feel that there are intolerable side effects in form of headache considering other options for mood disorder is warranted.

I hope this answers you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

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Can Topamax Cause Headache?

Brief Answer: No they are not permanent Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. In my experience none of the person developing headache due to use of topamax continued to have headache after discontinuation of medication. In fact many of the patients reported decreased severity of headaches when the topamax was started for related disorder. I like to conclude that it is not going to cause permanent headaches. However if you feel that there are intolerable side effects in form of headache considering other options for mood disorder is warranted. I hope this answers you. If you have more questions feel free to write back to me. Thanks and regards.