Topamax , or virus?

[sweet_jane]

SO, first of all I hope this is in the right place. I had Topamax added to my medi-go-round last week. I just started taking it around Monday. Since Wednesday, I've had no appetite which was not a huge surprise, so no real concerns there. The concern begins Thursday or Friday- since then I can't keep down any food. None- at- ALL. Fluids, I have a little luck with. What is concerning me, though, is the headache. I've had migraines on and off since I was about 15 (ouch- is that really 20 years now?!) and it's not a typical migraine for me, but similar. I can't really tolerate moving my head, or even moving my eyes from side to side. This kind of worries me because Topamax is, afterall, used for migraines.

If this hadn't corresponded to starting topamax, or I had a fever, I'dprobably be off to the E.R wondering if I had meningitis- that's the kind of headache it is (and I'm not a person who's particularly quick to hit up hospitals for service).

Anyway- anyone ever had any experience like this with starting topamax? I've looked pretty much everywhere. Searched search engines in three languages. I see frequent reports of nausea, but this seems a bit beyond nausea- this surpasses pregnancy nausea. In fact, this makes a hangover look pretty easy- I do wish my children would stop eating, the sight and smell is making me sick, but I can't turn my head away. They are really very rude tots.

if it matters, other meds are wellbutrin xl, xanax, trazadone, and ambien prn. But I've been on all those for a few months. Came off zoloft just as I went on topamax, because the zoloft made me ... off the wall and then some.

[Velvet Elvis]

I just felt stupid for six weeks after starting it. The reduced appetite thing is common. Some people take it for weight loss. Nausea and headached, not so much.

Since you just started it you can probably stop for a few days and if you still feel like crap you'll know it's a virus. Then start it again and see if the crappy feeling comes back. Then you'll know.

What dose are you starting at btw? You need to start pretty slow with that one to avoid side effects. I think I started at 25mgs.