Posted by John B (216.85.128.119) on August 07, 2000 at 15:27:53:
Barbara and I were surprised to learn how many people at the convention had never heard of Topamax. This is an anti-siezure medication that has been shown to be effective as a preventative medication for cluster headaches. The effective dose seems to be between 200mg and 400mg per day. At 200mg, it is taken in one dose at night. Above that dosage, an additional 100 or 200mg are taken in the morning. I take verapamil in addition to the Topamax; Barbara does not. We are both having very good success with this drug, although we are aware that there are other CH'ers out there that have not had success with it.
If you have not tried Topamax, you may want to ask your doctor if it is appropriate for you to try it. It is the first preventative medication I have used in over 11 years of chronic CH that was very effective and had no side effects, after becoming accustomed to the drug.
LYG
John Bown