Drug Ratings for TOPAMAXAverage Rating: 3.1 (1518 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR TOPAMAX | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 3 | prevent migraines | tingling, minor weight loss, hair loss, cognitive issues, ringing in ears | Dr. added 25mg Topamax daily to my regular 500mg daily of Depakote ER (which was later reduced to 250mg daily). I experienced tingling, minor weight loss, hair loss, lots of cognitive issues (losing train of thought in mid-sentence, can't think of words). After the incessant ringing in the ears was driving me crazy, I asked Dr. to consider something else. Dr. changed me to 250mg daily of Keppra; didn't help ringing. I still suffer from the cognitive issues and the ringing ears! Now on 250mg daily of Depakote ER and 7.5 mg daily of Deplin (for high blood levels of homocysteine). Migraines have subsided, but probably mostly due to onset of menopause. | F | 55 | 2 years | 6/10/2009 | 3 | migraine headache | tingling in the arms, feet, and face especially upper lip area. | So far the only thing that bothers me is the tingling all the time. It's annoying. I really like the curbing of the appetite. It's been about 2.5 weeks since I am on topamax and I am sleeping better at night. | F | 46 | 2.5 weeks | 6/10/2009 | 3 | Mood Stabilizer | Tingling in hands, feet and face. Funny taste in mouth. Fatigue. Soda tastes flat. Fast Heart rate at night. Headaches. Severe Depression which leads to anger. | I can not say I am really satisfied with taking this yet I have only been on it for about 2 1/2 weeks, with all of the side effects that im experiencing its more of a project to take the topamax than anything. But im trying to give it the benefit of the doubt. My dr. says that it will really help with my moods. So far I feel it has made my mood worse. But if after a month of taking it and I do not see a change I am going to get off of it, because I won't be able to deal with the side effects anymore. My dr. has reassured me that the side effects will ease and I will see a great difference in my moods. So we'll see. | F | 22 | 3 weeks | 6/8/2009 | 5 | mood stabilizer | parastesia, difficulty word finding, poor spelling, cocky attitude if that is a side effect. | This stuff is a double edge sword. It destroyed inhibition. Crushed my ability to spell. My hands tingle. I lost abot 20 pounds a plus for me. Umm there is no magic pill but despite the negitives this stuff has been an absolute wonder drug for me. Im a drunk and beer absolutly tastes like shit and the euphoric effects are minimized. I have always let people walk all over me and now I have the courage to confront them and express myself in a correct way rather than letting things build then exploding in rage. I've tried many other meds and this has been the best thing i have been on. I will deal with poor grammer to continue to grow and experience new things and hobbies I wound have attempted before out of fear and poor self esteem. i GIVE IT 2 THUMBS UP. | M | 31 | 1 years | 6/7/2009 | 2 | Migraines | I have been on Topamax now for nine months. Yes, it stopped the headaches, but I cannot handle the side effects. The short-term memory loss is severe. It happened gradually, but now I am realizing I have a severe problem at age 52 (I was a smart lady, retired CPA, Realtor). I literally cannot remember events as short as 30 minutes ago, this is scary and I am getting off this drug. I also have fibromyalgia and the only other medication I take is Cymbalta. | F | 52 | 9 months | 6/6/2009 | 4 | Migraines | I had persistent migraines of every type, cluster, blackouts, disabilitating. They would last for days. I was on FMLA loosing time off work. I am on a blood pressure med, beta blocker, Zomig, Topomax, Pamelor and Naproxyn. ( A couple of these meds are new) I have experienced several side effects. Numb extremeties, hands arms fingers legs feet and toes. Weight loss of 55 pounds ( I am 4'11" I got to a point I had to watch myself) I have confusion and dizzines, sever ear pressure / hearing loss, neck pain and stiffness, plus a loss for words and thoughts. Feel very disoriented at times. Struggling at my job, to perform adequately. Though through all these side effects, since starting the Topomax and increasing my dose to 100mg 2x daily, I am finally not suffering any migraines. I think I have had only one in the last 18 months. Though I have been seeking out medical help for the side effects, not even considering they could have been from Topomax until logging into this site. | F | 46 | 9 years | 6/3/2009 | 2 | loss of memory, cognitive impairment, word finding issues, mood swings would cry easy and some angry outbursts, numbness in lower legs and pain is starting in my L eye. | I was started on Topamax 12/06 at 50mg twice a day. I started to complaint about memory loss, word finding issues and cognitive impairment by 3/07. But since I suffered with migraines since I have been 12 yrs old the doctor said the side effects were worth the issues I was experiencing. As the dosage increased the side effects increased. I didn't notice them all at once but my work suffered and I tried harder and I did not get the resutls I expected. At 62 and will be 63 in August my job in on the line and I am facing going out on a disablity to see if my doctor can regulate my meds to see if Topamax and other drugs can save my mind but still control my migraines. As of today I have been on a reduced dose of Topamax for 1 week and I have had 4 migraines and I headache. Has anyone else experienced balancing Topamax with other drugs with success? Or has anyone gone out on disability because of this drug? | F | 62 | 3 years | 6/3/2009 | 2 | migraines/headaches | ANXIETY ATTACKS & CRYING ALLOT never felt like this before.. | The most diffecult side effect is the crazy anxiety feelings like im losing my mind and i need to crawl out of my own skin and run but there is noplace to get away from the feelings so ya and im a crying mess and im only on 25mg lol gota get off this stuff! asap! im only 20 yet this med makes me feel like im ganna die soon so freakn wierd! i just want my life back.. didnt work for me but it does work for some everyone is different! goodluck | F | 20 | 3 weeks | 6/1/2009 | 3 | Migraines | Tingling in fingers and feet; insomnia; shortness of breath; inability to focus; low sex drive | I have just finished my 3rd wk of 50mg and started my 2nd day of 100mgs. Just when I thought my side effects were starting to ease up, they restarted when the dosage increased. My headaches are not as freqeuent however, my hormonal migraines are not lessened. Using Maxalt for the breakthrough migraines. Have lost 10lbs so far, but still waiting for all of the magical weightloss that is promised. Was one of the side effects I was really looking forward to. Have been batteling my weight my entire life. How long does it take?? | F | 28 | 4 weeks | 5/31/2009 | 4 | Migraines | Loss appetite, carbinated drinks taste awful, change in menstrual cycle, and insomnia | Currently taking generic version of Topamax and doing a great job on relieving my migraines. I went from 9 a month to less then 1 a week. Started at 25 mg and worked up to 200 mg, once I reached 200 mg I no longer could sleep as well. Usually get about 4 hours of sleep a night. Melatonin is helping a little. Other side effects mentioned: tingling, sinus, etc went away after a few days with each increase dose. I did have to split the dose to 100 mg 2 times a day. I am thinking of changing the dose down to 150 mg and see if this still controls the migraines and allows me to sleep better. Wish me luck :) | F | 38 | 60 days | 5/30/2009 | 5 | bilateral vision loss migraine | initially: extreme tightness back of neck; considerable numbness/tingling fingertips; unbelievable mental confusion e.g. inability to retrieve words, recall affected, occassional 'disorientation', dizziness, nervousness; rapid weight loss of about 25 lbs, slight hair thinning. Now (18 mos later) have barely noticeable numbness in fingertips, and weight loss has maintained at 20 lbs, however I feel and am healthy. I still have mild problems with memory and word retrieval, recall, etc., but it's nothing like in the beginning. | At this point I consider topamax a life saver....just a bit frustrating when I "can't find that perfect word" during a conversation! If this is a trade off to my migraines, and the frightening experience of total vision loss, I am more than willing to do my best to tolerate these side effects. Every rose has its thorn as they say! | F | 61 | 18 months | 5/28/2009 | 5 | seizures | none on the Brand Topamax for nearly a year... then switched to the generic and I had immediate problems within 9 days...rapid heart beat, panic attacks, seizures and depression...have no idea why..but am going back on the brand name asap. | I tolerated this med( brand name) well....didn't have any weight loss ( darn). But also, no memory problems that I couldn't blame on age anyway..=) | F | 63 | 11 months | 5/27/2009 | 1 | Seizures | I would not recommend the generic form of Topamax (Topiramate) to anyone. I started the generic form a couple of days ago and recently started feeling shaky and like I am going to have a seizure. | I called my doctor and she called a prescription in to my pharmacy and indicated "Brand Necessary" | F | 33 | 2 days | 5/19/2009 | 4 | migrane | hairloss!!! has is anyone trying the generic form of topamax? topiramite?? I have noticed an increased in appetite? am I the exception to the rule here? everyone is talking about losing weight | F | 36 | 2 days | 5/14/2009 | 1 | GAD, depression | loss of appetite, auditory hallucinations, blurred vision, enhanced sense of smell, shaking, anxiety, depression, the spins, insomnia, night terrors | My psych prescribed this in combination with Pamelor. I had been on Klonopin and Xanax for several years, and was beginning to have depression along with my anxiety. It turns out, the depression was caused by too much Klonopin. Anyway, I had been taking the Pamelor for a few months before starting the Topamax, so these side effects are definitely from the latter. I tried to ride out the side effects, but after a week, I tapered off. It took 2 more weeks until the side effects completely subsided. Awful stuff! | F | 34 | 7 days | 5/10/2009 | 5 | Pain | When I began taking my Topamax and Tramadol mix I felt dizzy and light headed. I felt like I was watching someone else’s life happening. Very tingly hands, feet and face. Also very thirsty. No appetite at all. | I was prescribed Topamax (100 mg) and Tramadol (50 mg) after having three epidurals in my spine for pain. I have to say that after about 6 weeks I started to relax and the combination of the two drugs had done the trick. It was a rocky start. I have lost about 40 pounds in the last 8 months. I have also stopped the Tramadol as I do not need that any longer but still take the Topamax. Still occasionally have the tingly hands, feet and face. The new generic Topiramate causes very weird dreams so I may go back to Topamax and pay the higher fee myself. Not sure yet. | F | 52 | 8 months | 5/8/2009 | 1 | Nerve Pain & Migraines | Bad pins and needles in feet and hands,sickness,awful mood swings, tearful,depression,anxiety,fatigue, lethargy, unable to think straight and spell!, HAIRLOSS! | At first i started on 25mg and increased over a month to 100mg, i took topamax for neuropathic pain in my legs and also migraines. It helped considerably with the migraines only had 1 whilst on the meds although it never helped with the aches in my legs. Would not recommend this med at all, as soon as it kicked in which was a couple of days i felt very sick, dizzy, confused and generally unwell and constantly like i was having an out of body experience 24/7! I have been on this med for 6 weeks now and am dwindling of it i am now down to 50mg a day, i decided to come off it for a number of reasons but mainly because of the severe depression i have gone into, i am now on 20mg of prozac a day and feel that this med has had alot to do with my downward spiral! Also the other main reason is the constant Hairloss, its so scary...after a shower and have washed my hair, the amount of strands that fall out is unreal, after blow drying i am left with atleast 35 hairs on the bed, they are on my pillow in the morning, on my clothes through out the day and even on my plate at meal times!! This is so worrying as you can imagine, luckily i have long thick hair so its not really noticeable....YET!,but its nowhere near in the same glossy shiny condition as it was 6 weeks prior to taking Topamax. My advice would be to try other medications first before trying this, the side effects of weight loss all sounds nice in the beginning but hence to say i have only lost 3 pounds since being on it!!! | F | 30 | 6 weeks | 5/6/2009 | 3 | Migraines | Nausea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, coke and pepsi taste flat, my spelling could be better,severe gastrointestinal issues, almost to the point where I thought I would be better of dead. | My neurologist started me off at 25 mg and built me up to 250 mg BID, I have spent the past three weeks in bed, unable to move, unable to leave the house. | M | 46 | 6 months | 5/2/2009 | 4 | Migraine | Decreased appetite, weight loss, tingling in feet, cognitive side effects | Has anyone noticed a difference with the generic? I just started taking it and notice that it doesn't decrease my appetite as much. | F | 31 | 60 days | 4/30/2009 | 4 | migraines | tingling in hands and feet, awful taste if I try to drink soda, tongue feels like I burnt on hot coffee all the time, aggressive, weight loss | started at 25 mg and built up to 100mg. After 1st week headaches were gone. It was pretty amazing. Lost 13 lbs first 2 weeks. Some of the side effects are really frustrating but to go from constant, severe headaches to none for 3 weeks I can live with the side effects so far | F | 36 | 30 days | 4/30/2009 | 2 | Migraine with Aura | Initially depression, followed by Blurred Vision, Polyopia, tracers and trails in vision, constant lump in throat and gagging. | Started at 25 milligrams a day, and was increased in 25 mil increments until I reached 100. The depressed subsided at 75 milligrams - but when I reach 100 I developed severe polyopia (multiple vision) which is really prominent at night and upon awakening. It is very scary. I have tracers and trails in my vision, and I am unable to go out or drive at night. I also have developed a constant lump in my throat and have started to gag almost all day long. The side effects are terrible. My doc side the Topomax shouldn't be causing this, but I know it is. I have asked her to decrease my dosage to 75, but the side effects have not decreased. I want to wean off of it all together. And by the way, I have lost only 3 pounds, but didn't have a weight issue anyway. | F | 40 | 5 weeks | 4/25/2009 | 4 | Mood Stabilizer/Impulse Control | Hands but mostly severe feet tingling in the beginning, went away after a few weeks, even after the dosage was ^. Silly, mush brain in the beginning was worse, and still have it occasionally; like will drive pass my street, forget simple words etc. Wanted desperately for the WEIGHT LOSS s/e, but no such luck, infact, I've gained weight, but can't necessarily atttribute to Topamax. Never knew about the funny tasting diet soda, and luckily never experienced that! Never had a problem with the fatigue either, but sleep can be on and off at times. | I take 200mg BID, and I feel like I function really well. Nice and even keeled. I don't have severe mania or depression..my thing is impulse control. My psych did just add Abilify which I'm not too happy about, but we'll see. I just wish I could lose some weight!! | F | 46 | 7 months | 4/23/2009 | 5 | OCD | slight tingling in feet/hands that disappeared over time. I might get it on occassion but I don't think its often enough for me to notice it bothering me | It has helped me VERY much. I originally took it for migraines, but I noticed that I didn't have the OCD issues anymore. At first it took away my appetite, but I quickly adjusted and that wasn't a side effect,unfortunately. I think its been wonderful for me. Recently my RX plan had me switch to generic and I had to switch back even though it cost me more because I was not getting the proper effects from the generic drug. | M | 53 | 2 years | 4/22/2009 | 4 | migraines | Forgetfulness, angry outbursts, fatigue, loss of desire to get out and do anything, spelling problems, loss for words | After suffering for ten years with migraines of at least once a week and all kinds of meds to treat symptoms that didn't work, this is the first med that has given me ANY relief whatsoever, so I'm willing to try to deal with the side effects and hope I can work through them; maybe after time they'll dissapate. However, my job as administrator is suffering somewhat in two ways: I HAVE to be able to think on my feet quickly, this drug definitely hinders that ability. In addition, the out of nowhere, angry outburst can be a real problem......not very professional, so be careful and aware of this. Learn to see the signs of an onset, lest you make a complete fool of yourself in front of your coworkers like I have a couple of times. Additionally, I cussed out my best friend in front of someone else over a Tupperware dish, which really hurt our relationship (and strangely enough, I barely remember the conversation). I'm working hard to mend the damage that was done there but don't know if it's repairable yet. The first couple of weeks were the worst as far as forgetfulness is concerned........got lost for a short time on the way home for work twice, which was really scary. Don't know if I can hang on to Topomax but will try for a little longer because of relief of horrible migraines. Feel free to email me if you have questions, I'd be happy to discuss. | F | 48 | 7 weeks | 4/20/2009 | 1 | Intercranial Hypertension Headaches | Terrible pins and needles,made my moods very bad,felt like harming my loved ones!Turned me in a zombie,sickness and stomache pains. | Was put on these after taking Diamox for IIH,Diamox is a bad drug as well but had got rid of the tingles ages ago,after 3 days my hands and feet felt like I could shoot electric out of them,I was like a zombie and I felt angry all the time,added to that I couldn`t eat anything as I`d eat and then throw up within a few hours.It did help my daily headaches down from a 8 to about 4 but the side effects are not worth it,I thought Diamox was a bad drug until my neuro tried me on these,oh and I can`t spell or talk properly thanks to these,they should be banned! | M | 42 | 5 months | 4/20/2009 | 4 | Migraines | Tingling in fingers, feet and face. Lethargic for a few days when I first increase my dosage. | I have always had tension type headaches and headaches in general and have dealt with them with OTC meds, however, I have never had migraines until about three months ago and I am 42 years old. They struck me with a vengence and were occurring every 2-3 days and incapacatating me and I am normally a very upbeat and active person. Treximet helped some when I got them, but made me look and act like I was in la-la land. I then switched to Maxalt which also helps an active one some, but does not space me out. However, I was still continuing to get them frequently and was having to leave work, miss my daughter's soccer games and was just not able to be me. My regular doc didnt have a clue, so I asked to be referred to a neurologist and he did so. I saw a PA at a local neurologist and she was awesome and spent time with me asking about triggers and etc. She is the one who started me on Topamax and I thank God for that! I have only been on it for two weeks, but in those two weeks I have not had one single migrraine. Yes, soft drinks taste a lil flat and I have some tingling in my extremities, but compared to a migraine that made me curl up in a fetal position and literall wish I was dead...does seem like much of a trade off to me! It stinks that it did not work for some people, but as for me, it was a lifesaver! | F | 42 | 1 months | 4/17/2009 | 1 | Migraines | taste change with soft drinks, dizziness, tingling in hands and forearms, SHORTNESS OF BREATH | I was only on Topamax for 7 days and had to stop because of the breathless feeling. It's been 6 days since my last dose and I'm still struggling to fill my lungs with air. Does anyone know how long side effects persist after treatment has ended? | F | 38 | 7 days | 4/16/2009 | 2 | Hand and feet tingling all the time. Instant total joint and muscle pain over entire body. I thought I was going to die. Eye twitching. | I went on Tomamax 50 mg 10 days ago for Migraine and tension headaches. Within two days, my entire body hurt with muscle and joint pain. I could barely walk. Having painted for 21 hours the weekend before, I thought it was leftover pain from painting. I finally realized it was the topamax and stopped taking it 2 nights ago. The headache got worse immediately the next morning and I am still in terrible pain but I believe it is getting better. The side effects are far worse than the migrains that are 3 times a week and the tension headache that is constant. | F | 46 | 10 days | 4/15/2009 | 4 | bipolar II | UPDATE: Previously reported prolonged bleeding during period; retracting this. Still experiencing word-dropping/misspellings, soda still tastes flat; no more cramps & diarrhea or dry mouth; appetite still quashed: LOST A SOLID 14 POUNDS!! Accidentally skipped one dose, moderate flu-like body aches occurred 12 hours later, but I cannot honestly attribute this to the Topamax. | Couldn't be happier about the weight loss! If this trend keeps up, my 60lb weight loss goal will be realistically reached very early next year, if not a bit sooner. No longer on antidepressants due to horrifying experience with overlapping of getting off Cymbalta and getting on Wellbutrin (Cymbalta more than likely the culprit). Currently sticking with my long time love Lamictal and low dose Topamax (50mg). Keeping my fingers crossed that I do not slide into a deep depression - so I can keep losing weight! | F | 40 | 56 days | 4/14/2009 | 4 | Migraines | Fatigue, Memory loss, Tingling in hands and feet, flat tastes in sodas, dry mouth, upset stomach, loss of appetite | Had about 3 migraines a week and now down to about 2-3 a month. I will continue dealing with the side effects over the migraines. Started out with 25mg now currently taking 100 mg. | F | 34 | 1 months | 4/13/2009 | 4 | Migraines | Tingling in the hands and feet, memory loss, change in taste buds | I've been on Topamax for over a year now and I've gone from having 5 migraines a week down to 1-2 a month. I went from 100 mg down to 75 to try and lower the side effects and I'm back to drinking Coke and it tastes fine now. I had been sleeping better than I have in years but this last week or so they came out with the generic and I wonder if it is causing strange dreams and paranoia. I have to say I feel different than I did previously. My dreams have been crazy since switching. I'll give it a few more days but if it doesn't get better, I won't be taking the generic anymore. | F | 38 | 1 years | 4/11/2009 | 5 | Bipolar II - Weight loss | Weight loss, severe tingling toes, loss for words, fatigue in begining, carbonated beverages taste flat | I am taking 200 mg a day and I am taking it since February 2008. My doctor prefered trying on me Topamax over Lithium since I was already overweight and had a binge eating problem. At first, I was only taking Topamax and experienced a mild depression period. Since then, I am taking Wellbutrin with it and it is working great ! Now, every side effects have are gone (be patient and don't worry, the fatigue and the memory loss won't be permanent) but I am keeping the weight that I have loss (50 pound in 1 year) and no more binge eating ! As for the tingling... the solution is to take a supplement of potassium and I garantee that you will be free of it ! | F | 36 | 13 months | 4/8/2009 | 5 | Migraines | Weight loss, tingling, cognative functioning diminished at first, loss of appetite | TAKE VITAMIN B SUPPLEMENTS. Specifically FOLIC ACID. Topamirate depletes folic acid, & if you look up symptoms of low folic acid they are nearly identical to Topamax - fatigue, tingling, congative problems. But the weight loss is still a side effect even if you take B. Once I upped my folic acid intake, I eliminated most of the negative side effects. I went from 3 migraignes a week to at most 3 a month. Love it. | F | 27 | 3 years | 4/8/2009 | 3 | Migraines | Numb and Tingling fingers | I've just begun taking Topamax & find that I have numb and tingly fingers, my temper seems to be raging and I have to control it, it's really strange. I did notice that I started to get a migraine, but it never became full blown today, it actually went away before it became full blown which I was thankful for. I have noticed some nausea and not a great appetite..which is fine, I have lost about 5 lbs in 7 days, which I am also not complaining about. I hope it works for my headaches, but the tingly fingers are really annoying. | F | 41 | 7 days | 4/7/2009 | 3 | migraines | eye twitching, pins and needles/numbness in extremities, minor weight loss, weird vision things | i have been on and off of topamax for the last few years. i truly suffer from terrible migraines and am at a loss for what to do. i am giving it one more shot. in the past i've had similar side effects, but more weight loss and never the eye twitching issue before. has anyone had migraine success with topamax? has anything helped the side effects? potassium supplements used to help with the tingling, so i'm hoping it helps again with the twitching. please contact me art2ucc@gmail.com if you have any insight. | F | 25 | 30 days | 4/2/2009 | 5 | tension headaches, migraines | tingles, weight loss, some loss of train of thought in begining, fatigue in begining | Has really helped with my headaches. The weight loss was a nice side effect, but could be bad if too thin. I need to keep an eye on it. Currently at 200mgs. If you experience hair loss you need to take a GOOD multi vitamin with selenium and zinc! You can even add those onto you multi! Add omega 3's in as well! Hair loss on this drug is due to selenium and zinc deficiency. | F | 32 | 8 months | 3/28/2009 | 4 | seizure | at first i was extremely tired, all i wanted to do was sleep, weightloss(9lbs), loss of appetite, foods taste mildly different, and i actually think my hair feels thicker | i'm on a switch from a large dose of depakote, which i have been on for a long time and my body just isn't responding to effectively any longer... i have been on seizure medication most of my life, i have tried topomax previously but it was at a time when they found other more "effective" drugs for me, i am very happy with the weightloss so far i hope i lose more depakote has put alot of weight on me through the yrs. currently i am only on a small dose of topomax 100mg/day i am very happy so far but i am always afraid when i switch medicine, i have read about many ppl having more energy, i say "give it to me!", as far as weightloss goes, "i can afford to lose another 60lbs.", as far as distaste for carbonated beverages, "i dont like them anyway" wanting healthier foods, "artichokes and spinach are my 2 favorite foods!" so i think if those are the problems that people have with topomax gimme the problem!, and if i have a dopey moment oh well i know how to laugh at myself! i have been on disability for my seizures for about 10yrs now, i am tired of it, i want to be able to get out and do what i want in life! and if topomax gives me the energy then i say i am glad i am switching to topomax! i still have 1 more month until i am at my dose amount of 200mg at which time i will decrease my depakote, and stay on my dilantin with my topomax. | F | 35 | 1 months | 3/26/2009 | 3 | Migraine | Nausea, anxiety, exhaustion, but cant sleep! Also, everything carbonated tastes funny and some foods taste like soap. | I just started the medication so I am not giving up. I have tried just abot everything for migraines and nothing has worked. I was on elavil before which i went off to try topomax. I am not sure if i am anxious because of the stopping of elavil or the starting of topamax. Elavil made me hungry all of the time. I am a small person, but I still do not want to gain weight. Now, i feel so sick all of the time on Topamax. I just want to know if it gets better. | F | 30 | 14 days | 3/25/2009 | 4 | migraines | tingling in hands/fingers, weight loss, soda tastes weird, some word-loss on occasion, extreme fatigue--(extreme when i overwork myself, manageable as long as i remember to get extra sleep, pack a real breakfast and not just stop at starbucks, etc.) | After being misdiagnosed with sinus problems for years, i finally saw a neurologist who put me on topamax. i'm currently @50mg/day. Although it does make me very tired, the constant ache is gone and my severe attacks have decreased from 3-4 times a week to 4-5 times a MONTH. The side effects SOUND scary, and for some they are. but for me, they are worth getting rid of the headaches. Now I can function, i'm not missing out on things, so I'm not depressed, and i feel healthy! If you are a migraine sufferer and your DR. recommends it, it is definitely worth a try. | F | 26 | 3 months | 3/19/2009 | 2 | weight loss, mood stabilizer | tingling in hands and feet, flu like symptoms, carbonation tasted horrible, some appetite loss(yahoo) extreme fatigue, weakness, forgetting words, stupomax and dopomax qualities | This is my second time taking dopomax, I mean topomax. My new doctor prescribed it to help with weight loss and to help my antidepressant work better (cymbalta). She initially started me on 100mg a day which I think is way too high and I struggled with these nasty symptoms for a few weeks thinking I had a virus until, in a brief moment of brilliance over the foggy stupidity I had been swimming in, I looked up side effects of this drug. I am now weaning off of this drug. Can't really handle the side effects. and weight loss has been minimal for me | F | 48 | 30 days | 3/18/2009 | 3 | Migraines 2-3/week for past 10 yrs | extreme pins and needles sensation in feet, minor weight loss, spelling problems, left eye seems to have developed a bit of a pulsing twitch- has been going on for about 13 days now. | have been on and off this drug for a period of ten years now. I have experienced weight loss in the past, but not this time around as I have been back on for about three months now. I have tried many types, but Topamax seems to be one of the few preventative that has made a difference for me, however, within the past three weeks, my migraines are back in full force. I'm not sure if i have become immune to the medicine or what, but I suppose I will be looking to a new alternative if it doesn't get better soon. | F | 24 | 3 months | 3/15/2009 | 4 | migraines | numbness/tingling, loss of appetite, sodas taste disgusting, HEAVY menstrual bleeding and severe cramps | My daughter is taking this for migraines. So far, it works! It's the only thing so far that has worked. HOWEVER, menstruation is a nightmare for her- hemorrhaging, severe painful cramps, really impairing for a high school kid. With a family clotting disorder this seriously exaccerbates it, but we will work with an OB/GYN to fight that since the topomax is helping with the headaches. | F | 19 | 4 weeks | 3/7/2009 | 5 | Migraine prevention | occasional tingling in feet, carbonation tastes horrible, decreased appetite. | I have only been on Topamax for 2 weeks now, & am only up to 75mg, but I love it. I went from having a migraine almost every day to just having occasional headaches. The change was immediate too. The few side effects I've had have been worth not having migraines. | F | 17 | 2 weeks | 3/3/2009 | 4 | epilepsy | weight loss, confusion, tingling in face, memory loss, spelling issues, fuzzy vision and it possibly messed up my mentrual cycle | i'm 5'1 and was around 100 lbs when i started taking it, in the 1st yr i droped to 83 lbs!...it really messes up ur appetite, ive been on 200 mg a day since then and have manged to sustain a heaithier weight, but still don't like the taste of food sometimes. as for the rest of the side effects, they are VERY ANNOYING!!! they make me feel stupid and dumb! i always forget what im saying inthe middle of a sentance, and simple things like the alphabet are a freaking challenge!!...all in all though once you are used to the drug everything is pretty minor. | F | 24 | 5 years | 3/2/2009 | 5 | Migraine prevention | Occasional tingling in fingers, weight loss, irritable. | The irritability may be the topamax or withdrawal of the other meds that were ineffective for migraine prevention. After being a guinea pig for migraine medications Topaamax is a miracle. I was having a migraine every day. Taking Zomig daily. They stopped after the first dose of Topamax. Nothing else worked, neurontin, cymbalta, depakote, Zonegran, pain killers, muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety, so many other anti-depressants and anti-convulsants I cannot remember them all. Topamax has the least side effects, too. I had lost all hope after 8 years, until now. | M | 48 | 60 days | 3/1/2009 | 4 | weight gain from lithium | tingling of toes and hands and feet, can't find the right words to describe things, forgetful a bit | I take 300 mg of lithium morning and 450 night. I also take 25mg topamax at night. I have a feeling this has to be raised. If anyone knows anything about this combination please email me, my doctopr is not too great in that department. | F | 19 | 2 months | 2/28/2009 | 1 | Migraine Headaches | . After two or three days I started having bizarre effects. I appeared to lose all of my higher reasoning skills. I was very "spacy". I would sit down and then look up ten minutes later having no idea where the time went. I was also extremely crabby. | When I spoke to my doctor he did not seem upset or surprised. He said topamax was known to make people "stupid". | F | 41 | 10 days | 2/27/2009 | 5 | migraines | Been on 25mg. for 3 years. side effects... couldn't think/ not hungry/ some tingling/ lost 20 pounds. Gained about 10 back - weight is stable and can eat whatever I want. Tingling is only occasional. Confusion is a friend, I've learned to work with it. After 2 years I thought I didn't need it and weaned myself off. In about 3 months the migraines were back with a vengeance! Went back on 25mg. and in 3 months -- no more headaches. I WOULD NOT WANT TO LIVE WITHOUT TOPAMAX! | F | 50 | 3 years | 2/25/2009 | 3 | bipolar II | SO FAR: Prolonged bleeding during period (someone mentioned that on this page); word-dropping/misspellings, soda tastes flat (overnight!); occasional, moderate cramps & diarrhea; dry mouth; decreased appetite | This is part of my new cocktail. The other med added at the same time was Wellbutrin, so I am not sure which side effects belong with which med. I have been on 300mg Lamictal forever; love it. Used Seroquel for sleep. The reason I am now taking Topamax is for the weight loss and/or libido increase benefits (same goes for the Wellbutrin). Dumped the Seroquel and halved the Cymbalta to 60mg as my weight hasn't moved in 4 months even tho' I eat like a rabbit. We'll see how this goes...so far, so good...one week down, and the side effects are not unbearable as yet. I definitely eat less, which is great! I do not care for the "dumbed down" feeling, however. | F | 40 | 9 days | 2/25/2009 | 3 | cluster headaches | inability to concentrate, fatigue, failure to find correct words when speaking, numbness in fingers, toes, lips. | M | 43 | 30 days | 2/25/2009 | 1 | tremors caused by mini strokes | EXTREME muscle pain over entire body, muscle fatigue, EXTREME joint pain, muscle spasms all day and night, rapid weight loss, emotional wreck, crying all the time, severe insomnia, complete confusion, memory loss, repeating myself all the time, unable to grasp words from my brain to speak, in a general fog all the time. | Since being put on Topomax a few months ago as a treatment for my hand tremors that were a wonderful gift of my mini strokes, I have had an excruciating amount of pain all over my entire body. I cannot sleep, and I have no appetite at all. I have had unexplained problems with my potassium level dropping to dangerous low levels which caused my entire body to contract and bend in half. The doctors at the emergency room could not explain why my potassium levels had dropped and when I followed up with my PCP, she was clueless too. Since that event, the pain in my body is unbearable. I have been to my neurologist who has run multiple labs on me as well as a nerve conduction test which came out fine. It has to be this drug. I am contacting my doctor to be weened off of Topomax immediately. I will suffer with my tremors because the side effects of this drug are unbearable. | F | 59 | 4 months | 2/25/2009 | 4 | Migraine prevention | 15-20lb weight loss, tingling/stiffness in hands and feet, difficulty recalling words or spelling, slurred speech occasionally, facial paralysis | I have had chronically uncontrolled migraines since my early 20s. Topamax is a big factor in keeping them under control. Went from 5-6 a week to 1 a month. I'll take the side effects over the migraines. | F | 29 | 6 years | 2/24/2009 | 4 | severe migraine headaches | tingling in the arms and legs, forgetfulness, spelling problems, loss of hair, acting out temper problems (for the first time in my life) no longer happy all the time, pain in legs, sour feeling in stomach, decrease appetite | I know these side effects sound scary;however they did not occur all at once. The "tingling" happens if you do not drink enough water. Decrease appetite happens from too high a dose too fast and YOU WILL PUT THE WEIGHT BACK ON!!! AND MORE WHEN YOU COME OFF THE DRUG AND START TO EAT AGAIN! Take Vitamins. B's Zinc, Biotin and digestive enzymes so your body will absorb them this will stop your hair from falling out, and eat, even if you are not hungry. This med effects your thyroid gland not monitoring it and starving yourself to stay thin you will pay the same price as someone who suffers from thyroid problems. After 3 years, this drug took away a 20 yr hell I had with migraines, but I respect the power any med has--especially one as powerful as this. Taking the vitamins is a must as the drug interferes with the absorption of nutrients which is the cause for many of your symptoms. You esp. need B12 to stay mentally healthy. If you can't effort good vitamins get off the drug!!! | F | 50 | 3 years | 2/24/2009 | 3 | Migraine prevention | At first carbonated beverages taste flat but then this side effect goes away, brain fog when starting treatment, word finding and speaking problems, may cause drowsiness (good idea to take before bedtime) some tingling of hands and feet, This drug is not a good choice for anyone in public speaking, editors, lanquage professors, etc. | F | 56 | 3 years | 2/21/2009 | 4 | Migraines/Chronic Daily Headache | Extreme weight loss about 25 pounds (am 5'8 went from approx 145 to 120), loss of appetite, tingling of feet and around mouth, I think I'm having some minor memory loss and "what's the word" but I can't tell because I can't remember, drowsiness. | The topamax helped with the migraines a lot. I tried many different drugs. Before topamax I had headaches/migraines every day. Now the migraines are essentially gone. I still get headaches pretty often though. | F | 16 | 1 years | 2/20/2009 | 5 | Migraines | weight loss, dry mouth, skin and hair | I was experiencing migraines at least once a week and was having daily headaches. I took topamax for 18months and after the first 3 months they controlled my migraines to the point where I was getting about 1 a month. I was able to identify my triggers and now I'm off the medication and my migraines have not increased in frequency, still only 1 a month but I can now control it with regular analgesia. | F | 38 | 18 months | 2/18/2009 | 5 | valium withdrawal | absolutely none-maybe a bit of tingling in my hands, but that also could have been from the valium withdrawal | i was tapering off of valium and having a terrible time. my dr. prescribed topamax 25mg 3x a day. i began with 25mg 2x a day, and felt immediate relief the first day. i went up to 75mg on the third day. this drug has been a lifesaver for me. i have been at this dose for about 2 years now, and i am about to increase my dose. after reading some of the negative reports on here, i am now going to do it more cautiously. i have been off the valium for 18 months, but have a seizure disorder, and the topamax dose isn't high enough. however, i am very glad i have this medication. | F | 45 | 2 years | 2/18/2009 | 2 | Dizziness/vestibular problems | TERRIBLE heartburn after 2 days of taking it. Can't sleep from the heartburn. Food hurts to swallow. Also itching all over and depressive thoughts. Can't spell for crap!! Am calling today to ask for something different. There is no generic for Topamax (a nurse fiend told me it's known as "stupormax") so I had to pay $30 for that bottle!! | F | 47 | 3 days | 2/18/2009 | 3 | Bipolar II | Tingling in hands, fatigue, depression, decreased appitite | I've only gotten up to 50mg but so far I don't like how this medcine is making me feel. My depression has been worse since switching. I've been extremely tired and feeling really weak... I don't think these side effects are worth it. And it's not a very good mood stabilizer. | 25 | 3 months | 2/17/2009 | 3 | MIGRAINE | TINGLING IN FEET AND HANDS, LETHARGY, FOGGY THINKING, LACK OF MOTIVATION | I'M NOT SORRY I TOOK TOPAMAX. IT HELPED ME SOME, BUT THE SIDE EFFECTS WERE NOT WORTH IT AFTER 3 YRS OF ONLY SLIGHT RELIEF. WHEN I STOPPED TAKING TOPAMAX, I REALIZED THE TOLL IT HAD TAKEN ON MY LIFE. I COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH BETTER OVERALL I FELT WITHOUT IT. I AM NOW TAKING KEPPRA FOR MY MIGRAINES WITH MUCH BETTER RESULTS AND FEWER SIDE EFFECTS. | F | 57 | 3 years | 2/13/2009 |