Topamax for migraines/ topamax warning!!

I have had migraines my entire adult life, and over the past couple years I developed a left sided temple headache that just wont seem to go away. I have tried everything form accupuncture to massage to aspirin and every drug in between to try to stop this headache and nothing seems to help. My neurologist thought I should try Topamax along with another drug called Tizanadine which is a muscle relaxer. I really did not want to go on these drugs as I call it dancing with the devil. The drugs come with an array of side effects and consequences. I had taken Topamax briefly years ago and thought it made me a bit emotional and I had my reservations. They convinced me this was my best option, and I started on a journey that I would regret immensely. Topamax is an anti seizure drug and you take it in 25 mg tablets which you steadily increase until you get to where you need to be or are told to be.(as in my case) I would not go over 300 mg which was too much for me to be taking and I believe did great harm to me. At 300 mg I felt great anxiety, I had a very reduced appetite and I felt emotionally unstable. As I write this I am still taking 100 mg daily and still weaning off this drug. I have never felt depressed in my life until the last year of my life. I would describe the last year as almost unbearable. Not only has there been severe depression and mood swings but I have also suffered random unexplainable eye pain which felt like my retna was being torn. Topamax is associated with eye problems. Currently I have been suffering what feels like I have a constant UTI although two urine cultures show nothing. I believe this is also a side effect of the drug. The depression and mood swings have caused marital issues and a very unbalanced home life. I have lost all inerest in all the things that used to bring me joy and have a very hard time finding anything that really holds my interest at this point. I have very negative thoughts where I was extremely positive before. I have extreme memory loss, this is really concerning. It did bring me some short term relief from the headache, I cant tell you exactly how long because I cant remember but I know It wasn't worth it!! I caution you if you are thinking about taking this drug or maybe you are on it and want to get off, I think this stuff is poison and I only hope the effects arent long lasting. I am hoping I will get my life back when I get this out of my system completely. If you still have doubts google Topamax lawsuits and see what comes up. I am not the only horror story, please do your research before you take this drug.

Botox for migraines review

I have had migraines since I was sixteen years old. I have a lengthy relationship with headaches, neurologists, and the vast drugs used to treat migraines and the common headache. I consider myself somewhat of a headache expert and at the same time realize the complexity of the headache is so unique to each individual that I am not even sure the experts understand them. The headaches I began getting at sixteen were migraines that began with an aura which is basically like flashing lights or zig zag lines in your vision that increase in intensity. For me it lasts exactly for a half an hour every time, you can set your watch to it, and then the headache that follows is the feeling of having been hit in the head with a baseball bat. For me that pain last about twenty four hours, sometimes more. At sixteen I had no idea what was happening to me the first few times this occurred and it was very scary as I thought there was something wrong with my eyes every time. It also took time to realize that the headache followed. After all the pieces came together the journey began and I went to my first Neurologist. It was actually years later after suffering some time. In those years I realized I was also getting many headaches that didn't start with the aura as well, lucky me, I am just prone to headaches in general. I tried all the different medications that were specific to the migraine with and aura such as imitrex and I did not find relief from that type of drug. For me the greatest relief I have ever found for my migraine with an aura has been Fiorocet. If I take this when the aura begins I can pretty much bypass the pain at this point. I went through many drugs to to find that was what worked for me and everyone is different and I have talked to people it did not help. That being said in the past couple years I have been struggling with a new type of headache that I have not yet been successful in finding something that works that well. I have been struggling with a one sided temple headache which doesn't seem to respond to any over the counter medications such as tylenol or aleve, and of course then I went the Neurologist route where they started me on a steroid which didn't help. Then he thought it was an indomethacin marked headache in which it would respond to the drug indomehtacin, in which it did not. All the while this headache really doesnt go away so I would have it months at a time. At this point I was begging my neurologist to please try botox on me because I was beggining to feel desperate and out of options and I wanted to stop the drug merry go round, the problem is you have to be approved by your insurance and it is costly. I was convinced Botox was the answer because my temple actually felt sore like an over worked muscle and I thought if it was just numb maybe I wouldn't feel the pain. While they worked on getting approval through my insurance company they decided to try two more drugs, topamax and tizanidine. I had tried topamax in the past and although it does help with my headaches it does come with side effects. The tizanidine I had never tried, it is a short acting muscle relaxer. I gave the drugs a chance and they did help with the headache. In the meantime I was approved by my insurance and I felt like a child on Christmas when they told me I would be able to get the treatment. The day I went for the procedure I actually had a hell of a headache so I wondered if it would be like a magic bullet and I would feel instant relief, they told me it was not like that and that some people didnt actually get relief until the second treatment three months later,(are you freaking kidding me, do they realize how long I have been suffering for?) I was also told to stay on all medication. As far as the injections they were not bad or painful and I think it took under a minute for him to put all 30 injections in. They do them in your forehead and temples(I asked for extra in the temple and he said no, killjoy!)and neck. It has been three months since I had it done and it was not a magic bullet as I hoped it would be, I did not get instant relief that day nor have my headaches stopped all together. And I am still on medication to boot. I am hopeful after the next round I will have better news and I will at least be off all meds. Lastly if you are looking to get free botox keep this in mind, a neurologist is not a dermatologist and does not pay attention to details like a dermatologist does, they are there to relieve your headaches. I have had a funny eyebrow since getting my botox but I could live with that to get rid of the headache. Update 1/27/16 Still doing botox for the headaches and it has been over a year and I think I am on my fourth round as you get it every three months. I wish I could say it has cured my headaches or reduced them drastically but it hasnt. My neurologist chose to keep me on meds with the Botox as some people do both and at this point neither seems to be helping. It does help alot of people it just doent seem to be helping me. I have constant headache that is on my left side in my temple, that radiates often into my tooth at its worse. At this point I am seeking help from a headache specialist in Boston, fingers crossed he will be able to help. Also trying to get off all meds and go with a more natural approach if possible.

Garnier dark spot treatment mask

So I suffer from hyperpigmentation, better known as dark spots. I am fine if I stay out of sun and I am super careful about using sunscreen on my face but just a little sun can really bring out discoloration for me. I am always on the look out for anything that is for lightening dark spots but I will say what I have come to find for me the only thing that really works is staying out of the sun, really hard for a girl who loves the beach. I try to pamper my skin in the winter to undo that damage that is done in the summer. So anyway Garnier has a new product which is a mask for lightening and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this badboy. I love masks to begin with,(I think they are relaxing), and the fact it has a lightener is just gravy. So I think I paid about seventeen dollars for a package of six, which is a bargain in the world of skin care. So the mask is packaged like a wet wipe in that you just open it, unfold it and it put it on your face. It has eye and nose cut outs and is a one size fits all. It is cold and wet going on but feels great.It also has a nice light scent, not stong or over powering. You will look like somewhat of a character from a horror movie with it on as my seven year old voiced his dislike, but it actually feels great. It really couldn't be anymore convenient to use this product unless garnier came and applied it for me. The directions say to leave it on ten minutes and remove. The box claims that after one use you will have 24 hour hydration along with instant radiance and after two weeks skin is brighter and more even. When I do these masks I lie on my bed and I leave it on for about a half hour to 45 mins and when I am done I try to rub in what is left on my face and hands. I have to say I think this product is amazing and I see a huge difference in my skin. I feel like I have a radiant glow after doing this mask. It is hard to say if it has lightened dark spots as I really think that takes a commitment and patience but I do think it brightens and improves radiance instantly. I am a huge fan of this product and I think this one might be a game changer. Let me know if you like it as well.

Sarna lotion review

I have had eczema as long as I can remember. I tend to get it between my fingers and as a result I often don't wear my wedding rings for fear of the moisture getting trapped and setting it off. Besides the eczema I also get something I call itchy legs. and I only get it in the winter so I assume the cold sets it off. If you have never heard of the itchy leg thing let me explain, this is not just a little itchy, it is the type of itch where you will scratch until your legs bleed type of itch. I have talked to other people who have had this as well and they completely agree the itch will render you helpless. I have been to dermatologists for the legs and my eczema on my hands. I have tried steroid based creams and also vasoline type creams, I have never used anything that cures either situations. So I just came upon Sarna in the store and it caught my eye because it specifically says anti itch and for eczema. In the past I have been a loyal Lubiderm user as long as it is fragrance free. I also recently tried Eucerin eczema and I wasnt a fan at all, it is like applying glue it is so thick. So back to the Sarna, I really like this product and of everything I have tried and I think I have done it all, I like this product the best for my itchy legs. That being said I feel I must say nothing including the Sarna has made it stop completely. What I like about the Sarna is it is light and it goes on easily, where as most of the creams for eczema are so thick it is a process just to apply them, Sarna is not like that at all and so far it is my favorite, even over the lubiderm. It is pricey however I am sure they will come out with a store brand that will bring the price down. Let me know what you like the best or even if you have a really good home remedy.

Dr. Dennis Gross alpha beta peel extra strength review

So I kept hearing about these peels and how wonderful they are. I had seen it in different magazines and on the internet. They raved about the wonders they do for your skin. I could not wait to get my hands on these so I went to Sephora and purchased a 14 day supply for $45 dollars. I think that is a bit pricey and I definitely couldn't afford to use them everyday but every now and then it is sure cheaper than going in for a treatment. I also knew if I hated them or they were too harsh on my skin I could return the remainder to Sephora for a full refund. So the peels are a three step process which they make very simple by packaging steps one and two like wet naps that you open and apply. You apply step one which is a gentle wipe to your face and wait two minutes, then you do the same with step two which is a wipe and wait two minutes, and step three is the peel which is in a small bottle is the final step. You apply and then you can apply a moisturizer. I've used other peels in the past and they can feel like they are burning your skin which is always terrifying. This wasn't like that at all, I didn't feel anything and was almost worried that it couldn't possibly doing anything. Well I was wrong, they do work and they work well. My skin had a glow that I had not seen before, my husband also commented on my skin which was quite surprising. It didn't lighten any of my dark spots but then it didn't claim it would, I was just hoping. I think this is a good product and can see why it has gained the attention it has. I will definitely pick more of these up when I feel like my skin needs a little something. Let me know if you have tried these and if you like them.

L'Oreal Magic nude liquid powder review

So every once in awhile we come across one of those products which makes you say, "run, don't walk to go and get this product." L'Oreal has been on a roll for wowing me and I can say they did not disappoint with the new Magic nude liquid powder. I will start by saying there does seem to be magic in this bottle. Isn't liquid powder an oxymoron for god sake? Well this stuff comes out like a a very loose liquid but when you apply it to your skin it is like instantly a powder. It goes on easily and blends in like a dream. I will say if you are looking for major coverage this probably isn't for you. It is very light and offers minimal coverage but gives an even skin tone appearance when done. I almost felt like my skin looked air brushed which I thought was an amazing effect. I love love love this product! I have been on a BB cream kick but because they can be so creamy I feel shiny when I use, this product is completely different, it gives a powdered finished look. Please try this and let me know if you love it as much as me.

Murad rapid age spot and pigment lightening serum review

I first saw an advertisement for Murad rapid age spot and pigment lightening serum in More magazine, and the add boasts some big claims. The add says reduces appearance of age spots by 33 percent in one week, and even better if you called the 800 number you could get a free sample,(praise the lord and sign me up). I called the number and was informed that although they had run out of samples they could sell me some and I was offered a very pricey package of goods, it really irritated me as I hate when company's do stuff like that. I said no thank you and then I went online and ordered a sample size which came with cleanser and day cream for fifteen dollars. I was so excited to get this product as I spend a lot of time in sun and have the sun damaged skin to prove it and I am a hyperpigmenter. Well lets begin by saying I did not see a 33 percent reduction in one week or any difference for that matter. And after three weeks of using this product what I have noticed is my skin is a mess. I have had break outs which I don't usually get and it is almost like the product is burning my skin. It contains 2% hydroquinone, however I have used higher percentages before and not had a reaction like this. This is pretty expensive stuff at $60 for the regular size and I was seriously hoping it was a miracle in a bottle however I am not impressed. I actually found Loreals newest lightening serum far more effective and it was not expensive.(Check my earlier posts) But the real kicker was when I got a big box from Murad a couple weeks later because they enrolled me in some expensive club where they keep sending you products and you are charged right to your credit card. I am not a fan of companies that do things like this and I'm really disappointed in Murad and my entire experience. Let me know what skin lightener you think is worth trying.