Is anyone taking Topamax for pain? My PCP added it to my mix since I am off the MTX.
I am currently on pred. 10mg, Prozac 40mg, Enbrel, Immuran 150mg, now the topamax I use Vicodin at times but am worried I am going to get hooked..
I have RA. Lupus, Fibromyagia, Depression
ANy input would be great, I have not had a good nights sleep is months. and my pain level is over the roof.
Thanks
Cher
Cher,
There have been studies done showing that use of narcotic pain killers as treatment for chronic pain generally do no lead to addiction. WebMd has a great article on it. I don't have the link but if you seach WebMd for pain management you'll find plenty of articles about it. One spoke of these types of studies. In personal experience in speaking with a substance abuse counselor, she agreed that unless you already have addictive tendancies, if you properly use narcotics as pain control you are not likely to become addicted. Having said that, I've never had a rheumy prescribe a narcotic for me. I've been given them for other pain and aside from feeling more pain relief from them than from ultram, I never felt a high or any euphorich reaction. For some reason many doctors are reluctant to adequately control pain. And for many the common stated reason is addiction. I look at it this way do people stigmatize diabetics for needing insulin? Do people think patients who have had organ transplants are addicted to their anti-rejection meds? No. But pain meds have a stigma. There will always be those who improperly use pain meds and get addicted, which gives those of us with legitimate need for pain control a bad name in society. I know this has turned into a bit of a rant but it was all meant to say that if you haven't been sleeping and your pain levels are high, do what you have to do to feel better!
I agree with wayney. Life is too short to be in pain. Talk to your docs, see what they can do. Beg if you have to. With todays technologies, noone should be in pain! I have been having to take some pain pills lately and I am sure it is due to the crazy weather we have been having. 7 degrees one day 65 the next. Good luck and I wish you lots of pain free days!Hi angelstarr--I have been on topamax for pain, neuropathy and control of migraines for over a year. We just increased the daily doseage to 150mg. I love this medication. It has made a big difference in my life. It did take awhile for me to get used to it though. I had sedation, fogginess and a funny buzzing sensation in my face and head. Now that we have increased the dose I am sleeping through the night for the first time in forever. I also use about 200mg tramadol a day for pain and occasional percocet. I hope you find relief from the topamax. I want to encourage you to stick with it if you have some weird side effects in the beginning. It took me awhile to adjust, but now I wouldn't stop it for the world. Best of luck to you and I hope you get much relief soon. Steph