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.

Alpha Hoydroxy 10 percent glycolic aha review

So I keep hearing over and over again that you really need to being using an alpha hydroxy product with your regular moisturizer to get the maximum benefits. I read this recommendation in all the beauty magazines and recently saw this on Dr.Oz as well. The problem is for some people including myself they can be very hard for your skin to tolerate. I usually do well in the beginning and after about a week my skin becomes dried out and itchy so I stop using the product. The point of using these products is basically to rough up your skin so that your moisturizer can penetrate more, if I'm understanding correctly. The problem is if they are so irritating that you are forced to stop using than they are no good to you. I found this Alpha Hydroxy product with 10 percent glycoic aha on amazon and it had awesome reviews so I gave it a shot. I have now been using it daily for about three months and my skin can tolerate it. It took a little getting used to but it isn't as harsh as many I have tried. I like this product and I do feel like it has been beneficial to my skin and I will definitely continue to use it. It was also inexpensive at $10.89, cant beat that. If you have an aha that works real well let me know.

Yoplait Greek yogurt Coconut review

OK so it is no secret that I love all things coconut, I may be borderline obsessed. However it does not mean just because someone adds coconut that I will like the product. I was really excited when I came across Yoplaits new greek yogurt in coconut flavor, for some reason coconut seems to be overlooked in yogurts or it is mixed with pineapple which isn't the same. Well I couldn't wait to get home and try my new find. I have to say I have really tried to like the greek yogurts but I just haven't found one I love, they almost have a bit of a bitter bite to me. Well for me this was love at first spoonful, I love everything about this yogurt. I especially love that it is loaded with real coconut and not just flavoring, for me it is the texture that I really like about coconut. This stuff has 11 g of protein and is like a desert for me. The only downside for me is that it has 150 calories which is a bit high but I think it is worth the indulgence if you feel like you are getting a treat, this stuff is that good. I'm a huge fan Yoplait!

Fenway Park Tour review

Ok so I'm not into sports or baseball at all, however I recently did take a tour of Fenway with my family and I think even a non sport person would enjoy this. It lasts about an hour and it was 16 for the adults and 12 for the kids, so its reasonable enough. They begin by taking you in the stadium and showing you the locker room which is used by the visiting teams. From there you go out to the bleachers and they give you some history about Fenway and memorable moments. They also talk about how it is meticulously cared for by an army of people, (what a cool job). They take you to all the best seats in the house so you can see how amazing it looks from all the different heights. They also took us in to the press box where the media sits which was pretty cool. I really liked the tour and found it quite informative. Like I said I'm not into sports but there is something magical about Fenway that is worth experiencing.http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp

Boston Duck Tour review

I recently had the opportunity to go on the Boston Duck tour with my husband and two kids,(ages six and nine). I would absolutely recommend this to all families or couples looking for something fun to do in Boston for a reasonable price. Basically they have these crazy cool colorful vehicles which take you on a tour of Boston while telling you all sorts of history about the different sights. We had an amazing driver that was a talent all on his own, this guy should be doing stand up. I have a strong feeling all the drivers have fairly magnetic personalities. Our driver was named Will Shakespeare and it was non stop laughs for the entire ninety minutes. So the coolest part of the tour,(and also why it is called the duck tour), is that this very cool vehicle goes from land to water so one minute you are on land and within seconds you are enjoying Boston from the water. I will also mention that they offer to let a child drive the vehicle once the vehicle is in the water. Unfortunately my child didn't raise his hand fast enough but for the little girl who did get to I am sure she will remember that the rest of her life. I'm not a big history buff or anything but I actually learned a lot and found it quite interesting. We paid 34 for the adults and 23 for the kids, which I thought was reasonable.If this sounds like something you would like to do I would strongly suggest you reserve tickets online in advavnce as they book it well in advance. I would highly recommend this to anyone in the Boston area. http://www.bostonducktours.com/tickets.aspx

Burts Bees coconut foot creme review

I love anything that smells like coconut, so when I saw Burts Bees coconut foot crème I knew I must try it. Let me say I go to the beach a lot and you would think walking in sand would exfoliate your feet but it leaves mine rough and cracked. Basically you are supposed to put this crème on your feet and then put socks on so it soaks in. It is very thick and goopy but it smells amazing if you are a coconut fan. I decided to put it on before I went to work and see how my feet looked after six hours on my feet. Well I was amazed when I took the socks off, they were completely smooth. Yes this product does what it claims, I'm a fan! It is inexpensive at about eight dollars and really easy to use. Try it if your feet need some love.

Almay smart shade cc cream

OK, so I'm trying to figure out the difference between bb cream and cc cream. From what I just read when I did a search it seems as though the cc cream is to give more coverage and blend into skin better. I have tried the bb creams and I like them a lot. I just tried the Almay smart shade cc cream and I like it also. Funny thing is I don't think it gives as much coverage as the bb. I think if you need coverage you should stick with foundation. I think the bb and cc are really just a tinted moisturizer that offer a light coverage and an illuminating quality. I like the Almay smart shade cc cream, it goes on nicely and blends in easily. Almay also has a 35 SPF so you will be protected from the sun. The jury is out on which one I prefer, CC or BB. I like them both and think I would use the BB when I'm looking for more coverage.

Almay Lash care eye makeup remover pads

I love eye make up and for me it is the one item I don't like to leave the house without, however I hate trying to remove eye make up. I actually tend to not wear mascara because of this issue. I know this sounds super lazy but if I leave just a bit of eyeliner on at night I don't wake up looking like Alice Cooper, but forget to take off mascara and it isn't pretty. So I have found the answer to my problems, Almay lash care eye makeup remover pads are quick, easy, and inexpensive enough to make it easy to take it all off at the end of the day. They are small little round pads that you sweep over your eye and it is like a magic eraser. I was worried they might irritate my eyes but they didn't at all. I'm a fan and will continue to use.

Loreal Everstyle smooth and shine creme review

I have the type of hair that must be blown with a good smoothing product and good round brushes or my hair just looks nappy and frizzy. I'm always looking for a good smoothing product. I recently tried Loreal everstyle smooth and shine because I loved the way it smelled. Almost smells masculine to me but in a good sexy way. Well aside from a great smell it worked really well for my hair. You just apply a little bit to wet hair and style as you normally would. It left my hair as it states, smooth and shiny. I will continue to use for sure.

Loreal Youth Code day cream w spf 30 review

I'm in love with the Loreal Youth code line. So far I have tried the dark spot serum, the bb cream, and the latest is the day cream w spf 30. I'm sold on all three products. The day cream is very thick and creamy but blends into skin easily and leaves you with almost a radiant glow. I have also put the spf to the test and I wear this to the beach at eight hour stretches and I don't look like I have had sun so it is absolutely working. It is affordable at twenty dollars a jar and I think it could rival some of the more expensive ones. I can't wait to try more products from the youth code line, so far I'm a huge fan.

Loreal youth code bb cream review

So I'm a huge fan of bb cream. If you are looking for a nice light coverage that goes on like a moisturizer and gives you a glow I think they are perfect. That being said I had been using garniers bb for awhile and I liked it but I found I was too shiny with the regular version so I switched to the oil free version. I liked it but it is very liquidy and was difficult to work with. I would end up with more all over my sink than on my face. So I tried Loreal youth code and I think they got it right. It goes on like a lotion, blends into skin nicely, and leaves you with an illuminating glow. I have had many compliments on my skin since I started using. I'm a fan but I'm also dying to try their CC cream. I will review after I get it.

John Frida Blonde highlight activating conditioner review

I have been dying my hair blonde now for more years than I can remember. I now do very chunky highlights of blonde mixed with my real color which is dark, but primarily I'm a blonde at this point. I usually don't use any products to enhance the blonde as I feel like that's why I pay my hairdresser to get me to the right blonde. Well I recently purchase John Frieda's frizz ease serum and it was on sale buy one get one half off so I decided to also purchase his blonde highlight activating conditioner as well. On the bottle it says see difference after one use. Hmmmm......that always makes me leery like I'm sold a line of crap. Well I used this and I was pleasantly surprised, I did think it made my blondes blonder, however maybe I'm imagining things. Well when I went to work a co worker immediately said, "your hair looks good, did you just get it done?" Well I will be darned, it really works and I wasn't imagining it. Not only did it make my blondes blonder but it also conditioned really well. I'm a fan and will continue to use this product for sure. Try it out and let me know if you like it too.

Frizz Ease Serum review

So I have the type of hair that needs a smoothing product of some sort. If my hair dries naturally it has a slight curl and it looks frizzy. I also dry my hair with round brushes to get it straight. I'm not sure how Ive over looked frizz ease serum as it has been out for awhile but I think when I saw it had won an allure award I decided to give it another try. Well Im a fan. You do not need much, a little goes a long way. As with most smoothing products you apply to damp hair and comb through, the rest is history. I really liked it and my hair is smooth and has a killer shine. Im going to keep using this for sure.

Burts Bees tinted lip balm petunia review

I am a self proclaimed lip balm addict and you will notice I have reviewed other lip balms as well. For some reason Burts Bees tinted lip balm has snuck under my radar, until today. What an amazing product! So here is the thing, generally if you are a lip balm person you don't use lip stick. As a matter of fact I hate everything about lip stick, it leaves a funny taste, it gets on your teeth, you might get it on your clothes.....yuck! However I would like to have a little color on my lips. Burts Bees goes on like a nice smooth lip balm and has a very subtle amount of color that is absolutely perfect. The petunia shade is a very light natural pink that I just love. I'm a huge fan of this and I look forward to testing out some other shades. Let me know what you think of Burts Bees.