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Can Topiramate Be Taken For Migraine Prevention?
Question: Hello - I have just been prescribed Topiramate to help manage migraines however looking at all side effects I would have to say I am a little apprehensive in commencing this drug. What are your thoughts on this drug?
Brief Answer:
It is a commonly used first choice drug.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully an I understand your concern.
There are several drugs which are used for migraine prevention. Decision first involves whether prevention is indicated which depends on frequency. If migraine attacks are more than twice a month generally prevention is indicated.
As I said many options, some first line some only if other choices fail. There are anticonvulsants, antidepressants and antihypertensive groups. Topiramate is an anticonvulsant. Guidelines do put it as a first line medication. So its choice by your doctor is perfectly justified and in accordance with current recommendations.
It is true it can have side effects, but they appear only in a percentage of patients, many are not affected. If you look at other first line choices (valproic acid, amitriptyline, propranolol etc) they have their potential of side effects as well.
So I would start the drug. If you notice side effects which bother your quality of life, it can then be switched by your doctor to another medication, there is no certain way to know which drug will cause which side effect in which patient (if there will be any side effect at all that is).
Hopefully you'll have no side effects and get the desired relief.
It is a commonly used first choice drug.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully an I understand your concern.
There are several drugs which are used for migraine prevention. Decision first involves whether prevention is indicated which depends on frequency. If migraine attacks are more than twice a month generally prevention is indicated.
As I said many options, some first line some only if other choices fail. There are anticonvulsants, antidepressants and antihypertensive groups. Topiramate is an anticonvulsant. Guidelines do put it as a first line medication. So its choice by your doctor is perfectly justified and in accordance with current recommendations.
It is true it can have side effects, but they appear only in a percentage of patients, many are not affected. If you look at other first line choices (valproic acid, amitriptyline, propranolol etc) they have their potential of side effects as well.
So I would start the drug. If you notice side effects which bother your quality of life, it can then be switched by your doctor to another medication, there is no certain way to know which drug will cause which side effect in which patient (if there will be any side effect at all that is).
Hopefully you'll have no side effects and get the desired relief.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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