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Duration before we can say if a medicine will work or won't work
Sun, 05/20/2007 - 02:32Hello,
How long does someone have to be on a certain medicine before we can determine if it is working or will not work.
Does it take a certain amount of time for the new medicine to settle down in your body? I have recently (last week) had Topomax introduced into my medicine regime and feeling really tired with it, but wondering if this is because my body is still getting used to it and I should continue to perservere, or if the medicine does not agree with me
Thanks
Comments
Re: Duration before we can say if a medicine will work or won't
Submitted by suebear on Mon, 2007-05-21 - 06:00
Hi Debbie,
I would give it a few months and your doctor would be the one to make the judgement on this. By no means should you remove yourself from the drug because you would be putting yourself in danger of possibly having serious side affects from it. If you're experiencing side affects already, contact your physician. Something else you may want to do is keep a daily journal with your increases so the next time you visit your doctor you can give it to him/her and they can see exactly what is going on.
The nice thing about doing that, you have everything already written down and it's easy for them to see it all in black and white. Make sense? I started keeping a log so now when anything occurs even if it's of minor issue that isn't quite normal, I'll make a note of it just so I have it written down and won't forget about it.
Back to taking the Topomax however, sometimes patients have a sensativity issue and need to eat when they take it and you may be one of those type of persons. What I can suggest is start eating something when you take your medication. A piece of fruit is usually efficient enough.
It is important to stay in touch with your doctor's office while you are on this increase. Your pharmacy should be able to supply you with a packet about Topomax or give you information regarding things to be aware of so if you are feeling any side affects you know to contact the doctor. You can certainly phone the doctor's office for further information about this as well but these are things that I have followed.
FWIW, I've been taking the drug for awhile and have not had any issues with it. It works differently with everyone. The biggest issue with drug regimines is time and patience as that is the only way to determine if something works.
Hope the little bit of info I gave you helps and you feel better soon!
Sue
Re: Re: Duration before we can say if a medicine will work or wo
Submitted by Rufus36 on Mon, 2007-05-21 - 08:15
Hi Debbie, I've just started taking Topomax too..about 6 weeks ago now, & been feeling pretty tired too. though its not nearly as bad now as it was to start with. Its always worse when you're still increasing. I think its a pretty normal side effect for this drug, I've spoken to a couple of others on the site who have the same problem. & when I last saw my Neurologist a few weeks ago, he said that it always takes time to get used to a new drug..& basically to be patient, finger crossed it will get better. the good thing is that the topomax does seem to be working for me, haven't had a grand mal szr for 2 months now.
I think if you can keep at it for a few months, its just a case of being a bit patient! All the best Debbie
Ruth
Re: Duration before we can say if a medicine will work or won't
Submitted by lisaltstheresa on Sun, 2007-05-20 - 08:08
It does take a few weeks to get used it. I personally try to deal with the side effects for at least a month and decide if it is worth staying on it and dealing with it. And if it is worth, taking the time to get off it too. But I have been an all the meds and dont have options anymore with meds. For I have to take what left and deal with the side effects. Unless it is very bad. take care Lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EpilepsyApproach1/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EpilepsyApproach/ http://www.sleep-safe.co.uk/id90.htm