Answer/Reply:

I have been on Topamax for 1 year now. I am surprised, as you are, not to see hair loss as a side effect listed. I have a great deal of hair loss since taking topamax...so much so, me being a 34 year old woman, I am truly starting to favor my grandfather's hairline (or lack thereof). I no longer have the "new hair" growth around the forehead that has always been so bothersome (wouldn't bother me now); my hair comes out by the handfuls in the shower or whole brushing my hair. I have spoken to my neurologist to ask if thi could be a side effect and he sorta blows it off and says, "Even if it is a side effect, the medicine is working and the good far outweigh the bad." I tell him that I would rather not be bald in 1-2 years.

I currently take 50mg of Topamax (decreased from 200mg/day for the past 10 months) to help control pain levels d/t Pseudotumor Cerebri.

This was the first time I had posted on here, but I saw your posting and wanted to respond. Thanks for sharing your battles with this medication as well. Good luck.

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-18 14:32:25

Answer/Reply:

how long have you had psuedotumor cerebri? I was diagnosed in 1/06? I have yet to talk to anyone else with the condition

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-19 14:04:07

Answer/Reply:

I am on topamax and do have hair loss but i'm not sure if it is from the topamax because I also am on synthroid for my thyroid i'm going to see an endocarnologist in 2 weeks i'll keep you posted with what he says. I take 200 mg of the topamax 2 times a day though i am really tired of finding my hair shedding all over the place granted my hair is really thick and long so its not like i'm going bald or anything it just aggravating wake up in the morning and all you see on the sheets are all these strands of hair on the sheets so i want to know where it is coming from

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-28 12:00:29

Answer/Reply:

I took Topamax for a little over a year back in 2006. My headaches were blinding, I had trouble even closing my eyes and the worst was when I would get the mirgraine while driving my car on the highway and losing my peripheral vision. Sure we all know how that is!

When I stopped taking the medicine - I got depressed beyond mild depression. My Dr was clueless and diagnosed me with PTSD. I had trouble sleeping, eating and just functioning. He put me on Ambien and Celexa. I couldn't believe that after weening myself off one medication I ended up taking two more. BUT it helped and within a few months I was able to function with out any medication. There is hope! You must talk to your doctor about any side effects even if you feel they are minimal! This medication is dangerous....hair loss, depression, weight gain/loss, and more.

I am currently migraine free.....my doctor has been scratching his head over this for a while. But I feel that my stress was diminished by the celexa and my sleep deprivation was cured by the ambien. I also changed my life style by exercising at the gym, loosing some weight and eating healthier.

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-26 09:29:56

Answer/Reply:

I am a 41yr female that has been on Topamax for 2yrs now.When I first started on it I had almost every side effect they posted the worst one was weight lost. I had the blurred vison really bad, it does get better with time. In my case I can't take the full 100mg. I only take 75mg. My Dr. cut my dosage from 100mg to 50mg,but my migranes came back so we tried 75mg and that is what works the best for me. I take the generic brand now. Hopefully this helps.

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-05 16:49:31

Answer/Reply:

I'm not sure if this is too late, but my doctor warned me that if I had any eye problems such as pain or swelling that it would probably be the rare Glaucoma. Once you get this, it is permanent. If you are having any problems still, that means this medication is not safe for you. My doctor said it was rare, and I'm not diagnosing anything, but have an eye doctor check it out at least.

25 year old Female

Posted: 2009-11-18 01:16:40

Answer/Reply:

I was put on Topamax 25mg in the a.m. & 25 mg in the p.m. for migraines. This has worked wonderfully for me for that purpose. Then it was raised to 50mg in the a.m. & p.m. to make sure that they would stay gone. I was having them 4-5 times a week. About 2 months into taking this however I started with eye twitches/spasms, (noticable to others not just myself). For about the last 5-6 weeks however I have been having severe legs cramps. It starts in my hips. The pain is sometimes truely unbearable, and then it shoots down my legs. I am only 34 years old, and 3 of my 4 children are young. We normally walk alot in the summer and with this happening I sometimes have all I can do 2 walk 2 blocks to the store.
As for my arms going numb, I have been having that problem for about 8 or 9 months now and they cant seem to figure out what is wrong. I went to the Dr on Monday, she said the muscle aches/tingling could be a side effect of the Topamax, so she wants me to stop taking it til I go back to see her next week. So far no migraines, but the pain is still ungodly, and its more painful in my left leg/hip than my right-there is no equal amount of pain. She took 5 vials of blood, she wants to rule out lupus, fibroid myalgia, ms, and any other auto immune def. I will let you know what I find out when I go back on Wedneday. Good luck to u!

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-29 01:48:44

Answer/Reply:

I have taken topamax for 2 years now and my doctor manages it by how I feel and my headache count. Meaning/ I only take 25 mg in morn. and 50 mg at night and I only have about 2 to 3 headaches a month that are very light and treatable with relpax within 15 min. So maybe you could take a lighter dose and see how you feel overall befor going off it. Also, when I first starting taking this med, it took about 3 to 4 months for the side effects to blow over.

Keri ( 37 female)

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-02 21:54:22

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking Topomax for 4 years and just recently have had leg cramps with low potassium levels. Have not determined if related to the Topomax or not, but I take OTC potassium and eat 1/2 to 1 whole banana each day which keeps the leg cramps to a minimum. So far no tremors, but I do have some facial nerve sensations such as tingling in my lips and twitching of my eyelids at times. When I don't have a migraine I think the meds are worth it, but when I have a headache I want to find another doctor and find some other "cure". It's a horrible way to live, but there seems to be no real answer for those of us who suffer with these headaches. I have about 3 to 4 a week now, but I used to have one every day, so I guess the meds have helped.
56 year old female

57 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-02 20:58:43

Answer/Reply:

Hmm, my cardiologist told me from the get go that Topamax would probably make me lose some weight which was a plus for me anyways. He was right, I did lose about 8 pounds on Topamax alone and when they added Wellbutrin SR it increased to almost 30 pounds in just 4 months. They never said anything about it having a side effect of weight gain.

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-16 16:34:28

Answer/Reply:

I too take Topamax for my migraine headaches I take 150MG qhs (every hour of sleep); I have been on this Rx for at least 4 years now, or more. I too take many other medications. I'm over half way though with my RN and I've learned quite a bit. I'm definitely no MD or PhD but I do know my medication and the pros / cons. And with Both of your medications you posted of course there are going to be side effects; just are they indeed the good side effects or not so good side effects or are they life threatening side effects. But there will always be some sort of in deed and if they are not the desirable ones we need or can handle, then we do need to contact our physicians ASAP. But with the whole weight gain / weight loss perspective; both of your medications have risk of weight loss. Which means it's an appetite suppressant and tends to make you just down right not hungry or think about food.. period. But if you are on other drug / medication/s and they have the opposite effect possibly, then it can cause another effect and cause you to crave certain foods and so on. The body is very tricky and when we mix medications it becomes even trickier.. SO all in all it's the food that makes us gain or lose weight not the medication. They are just the appetite suppressants or vise verse.
I hope this all makes sense to you and helps some how some way.. and I hope you and your health is getting the proper care that you deserve. Never be afraid to ask the Doctor or Pharmacist the questions you may have... That's what they are there for... And FYI.. CVS 24hours.. you can call and speak to a phamacist and ask them anything and they are truly wonderful about answering your questions.. THIS IS YOUR LIFE! So take control ;)

31 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 18:26:56

Answer/Reply:

Your comment about Topamax being a appetitie suppressant is inaccurate. I have been an ER nurse for almost 10 yrs now and also take Topamax. Please be careful about the information you post. I read that you are in school to be a RN so you might not have taken pharmacology yet but the class will be helpful. Your suggestion to speak with a pharmacist is always the best advice, however I find myself sometime explaining medications to them.

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 19:02:35

Answer/Reply:

I am a 42 year old woman who lost 24 lbs on the generic form of topomax in 5 months. I have severe herniated discs in my neck that cause severe migraines and I have tries all sorts of meds for migraines and this is the only medication that has kept them at bay. I take 75 mg in the am , they tried me at 100mg but it made me feel really out of sorts and they put me back on the 75mg. I am also on percocet, soma and morphine at bedtime. Yes I am a pharmacy but I am feeling much better.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 18:58:29

Answer/Reply:

I wish I had your doctor, after suffering with migranes most of my life and being on every meds possible, I to have been on topamax for 6 yrs and with mixters you wouldn't believe from anti-depressants to actupunture, things work for a while then my body becomes acustom to it and well the pain comes back, then I thought I found a doc who cared that I was in pain and she was nice enough to start me on Norco (hydrocodone) and it worked with the topamax no more migranes and if one came it was just a headache (and for those that suffer knows there is a differance between a headache and a migrane) I can deal with that, BUT after 3 months doc decided that he didn't want me to get addicted to it and decided not to refill anymore, my world has come crashing down again, I have tried tramadol-soma-flexiol ultram nothing works, so I have decided in my next life I'm going to become a doc and I hope I get ALL my doc as patiences that I have had and hope they are in a great deal of pain.

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-21 04:19:31

Answer/Reply:

It took me years (.... and I mean years, 20 to be exact) to find a DR who was Willing to take the time to Listen to me and Really UNDERSTAND the fact that I was in Real Pain, and addiction/tolerance are two different things. When your care is managed well, followed closely... it makes the difference. I suggest a Pain Clinic with a well researched DR. I've been to numerous Physicians, Neurologists, Chiropractors, etc... to no avail. I suffer from Migraines and a type of HA from bulging disks, (1 ruptured I just had removed), in my neck constantly. Topamax and pain medications help the Migraines, a procedure where they shock the nerves in my neck helps my other HAs which hurt as bad if not worse as my MGs.

So, I understand the pain. I understand the frustration with the DR... oh I do. Please seek a good DR through a pain clinic after seeing a neuro. to rule-out anything first. It made a huge difference for me.

~Good luck and God Bless~

Oh, and FYI - I've lose 40lbs in 3-4months on Topamax! :o)

39 year old female

39 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-30 23:02:16

Answer/Reply:

I too took Topamax and have never lost any weight but yes I have put on some pounds. I am not sure if this could be the reason but I thank you for the input.

53 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-25 06:36:07

Answer/Reply:

Be EXTREMELY careful with topiramate (Topamax is the brand name). I took this medication for 2 years for my fibromyalgia. It worked great until it built up in my system. Then it started causing my fingers and toes to go numb. It also caused me to have tremors. I was slowly taken off it and put on amitryptillin which is working just as well and has the plus of helping with some of my back pain and also helping with sleep.
In the end it all comes down to the right combination of medications for each individual. NEVER get used to the combination you are on because eventually they will have to change. The human body simply needs a change at times. Medications that build up in the system and change how they work is a sign to the body that they need to speak to their doctor.

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 18:12:49

Answer/Reply:

I've been having some numbness/tingling in my right hand and leg only. It comes and goes. In addition, my right knee is really week and has been giving out on me. I've been to the ER, had blood work and a CT scan and they can find nothing wrong. I'm going to see a neurologist today. I was switched from Topamax to Topiramate about a month ago, about 2 weeks after that is when all of this started. Does anyone think this may be side effects from Topiramate? I'm really scared!

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-04 11:46:52

Answer/Reply:

I believe Topiramate is the generic version of Topamax. I have been on it myself after a couple of months after the pharmacy switched me over and I have not seen any change.

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-05 13:43:36

Answer/Reply:

The insurance company switched me to Topiramate, the genertic version of Topamax. I had a serious reaction. My body felt like a racing car engine all the time and I could not get more than an hour of sleep at a time, if at all, for over two weeks. Once I went back to Topamax those symptoms went away and my body is still trying to get back to normal.

51 year old female

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-07 18:39:52

Answer/Reply:

Topiramate is the same exact thing as topamax. Topiramate is just the generic. Watch for the same side effects. You can also go to www.drugdigest.com and look medications up and find the side effects of each medication.

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 18:15:49

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking Topamax since 1996 and now Topirimate, the generic, since it was available this year. I started at 100mg twice a day for mood disorder and for some reason was bumped to 3x/day, possibly weight gain. I was also diagnosed for Essential (Familial) Tremors before I started Topamax. I was treated with Tranxene and Valium until they found that Inderal helped with tremors. It did and I have been on and off of the Inderal. Why? Because I gain about 30 to 40 lbs and 6" around the waist within a month of taking the Inderal without changing my diet. I can't afford to keep buying new wardrobes', so keep a jambed closet of various sized pants and jeans. I still need to prn Valium because the Inderal doesn't complete the job, especially in anxious situations (reunions, etc.).

Now, there IS a difference between TOPAMAX and TOPIRAMATE! Topamax had a coating that made it dissolve more slowly into the bloodsteam. I noticed the change as soon as I took my first Topirimate. There is no coating on the generic. It hits you with a clabber all at once. It was disturbing right after I took it the first time, hopped into the car to drive to the store. I started feeling dizzy, blurred vision and a bit nausious. I pulled over to the side of the road, called my pharmacist and asked him if my suspicion could be correct. He confirmed. I now only take Topirimate with food or at least a glass of milk now.

56 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-21 00:42:29

Answer/Reply:

My question is why were you on the medication to begin with, and what has replaced it.
Your side effects a dramatic.

53 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 13:19:09

Answer/Reply:

HI EVERONE. I AM SITTING HERE READING ALL THE POSTS ON TOPAMAX AND THE GENERIC WHIC I HAVE NOW BEEN TAKING FOR 6 MONTHS. I STARTED ALSO WITH 25 MGS FOR A MONTH AND HAVE BEEN ON 50 FOR 5 MONTHS. I DONT UNDERSTAND. I NEVER GOT ANY HRRIBLE SIDE EFFECTS, NOTHING. I AM READING ABOUT THE HAIR LOSS, WHAT HAIR LOSS? I HAVE THICK HAIR TO BEGIN WITH AND IF ANYTHING MY HAIR GOT THICKER!

I LOST 30 POUNDS. I WAS PUT ON IT FOR WEIGHT LOSS. I HAVE 2 REFILLS LEFT AND WILL BE COMMING OF IT SOON. THE DOCTOR TOLD ME I COULD JUST STOP TAKING IT AND WILL NOT HAVE ANY WITHDRAWLS. OR I COULD REDUCE TO 25 MGS AND THEN STOP. ANYONE EVER COME OFF TOPAMAX AND HOW DID THEY DO IT FROM 50 MGS. THANKS TAMMY ^j^

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-21 21:24:12

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Some people do not experience side effects when taking Topamax. Topamax is not FDA approved for weight loss and the safety and effectiveness for weight loss has not been evaluated by the FDA. However, some doctors are prescribing it for weight loss. Topamax is more commonly used to prevent seizures and migraines.

Topamax should always be tapered down slowly when you plan to stop taking it whether it is being taken for seizures or some other reason. Typically the taper occurs slowly over the period of a few weeks. You should ask your doctor to recommend a taper schedule to reduce your dose slowly. Do not suddenly stop taking Topamax.

Posted: 2009-09-24 22:21:45

Answer/Reply:

One of the side effects of topamax is weght loss and it can be extreme. You are bipolar. I have never heard of a psychiatrist putting a patient on this medication for your problems because of the many side effects. I take Topamax for seizures. You are at an extremely high dosage. If I were you I would speak to my doctor about other alternatives and if you get no reply from that , please get a second opinion for your own safety.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-30 13:25:47

Answer/Reply:

I am a 53yr old female who has bi-polar disorder. My psychiatrist put me on Topamax 4yrs ago (200mg 2xd) to help with my meloncoly. I cannot take anti-depressants because I have become suicidal more than once. The topamax actually gave me a "purpose" to live. So I can say this drug saves my life daily. I also take Lamictal (200mg 2xd) this helps me in getting me up and moving. I had a lot of trouble with clinical depression. I also take Lithium and Seroquel so the regime is tedious but I am able to live a "normal" life and my doctor tells me these medications are widely used in the treatment of bi-polar disorder and I am living proof that it can work for some.

53 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-21 23:12:24

Answer/Reply:

I to am a 55year old female and I took topamax and guess what I landed in the hospital with pancreatist. what a painful experence,the doctor said I had to stop taking it.
I also got the tingling in fingers and toes every day. I stopped taking it and boy I am a much happier person. I now take Amitriptylin my mood has improved alot and not forgetting things.
Audrey H.
From Maine

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 09:30:21

Answer/Reply:

I believe that topamax is an antidepressant. I took it for migraine headaches. Unfortunately, it did not cause me to lose weight. It can also cause carbonated beverages to taste strange.

40 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 12:29:49

Answer/Reply:

Yes, topamax can be used/and is used for bi-polar. Abilify is also another for bi-polar, my daughter is on it and it really seems to help her.

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-29 02:31:58

Answer/Reply:

If the doctor that prescribed the medication for you did not tell you, Topamax contains a diuretic which causes loss of appetite and can cause extreme weight loss. I take topamax for seizures. I also see a psychiatrist. You are bipolar. I have never heard of Topamax being used for this reason. I do know that with the dosage you are at it will cause many side effects. The memory loss will only get worse. If you haven't asked your doctor for an alternative to the topamax problem I would. Their are many other medications for the use in bipolar problem.
Then the Topamax would not have to be so high for the migraines. Sometimes a second opinoin is needed. Best of luck

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-30 13:50:27

Answer/Reply:

That is a high dose. I am taking 200 mg daily for migraines; is that why you are taking it? That could be why you don't have an appetite; topamax is know for causing loss of appetite, but that usually subsides. You really need to discuss this with your doctor. I wish you the best.

53 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 13:28:20

Answer/Reply:

Just fyi - I have almost the same diagnosis as you. I'm a 34 year-old female and bi-polar, anorexia, but I also have a seizure disorder. I have been on Topamax for 7 years and take 600mgs. I, too, go through periods of time with issues of the lack of appetite, but I was warned about this side-effect and I know that even without the added chemical 'suppressant' I would have other issues with food. So, I work to take it one day at a time in that area. I have struggled greatly with fatigue and my doctor is working to address this right now - but mine is more due to chronic insomnia (non-drug related insomnia). I also take Cymbalta for my bi-polar FYI.

I think that if you feel uncomfortable on a medication you should always talk to your doctor about it. This is my $.02 opinion, but in the past 7 years of going on and off a LOT of various medications, I have always found that if I THINK something is not working, or causing me problems, it causing me anxiety and more problems. Sometimes just by talking about it, my doctor has been able to quell my concerns and I stick with it (and it works out great!), other times we make a switch. But either way, you need to have a open and honest line of communication with your doctor (or find one that you can talk to). If he/she dismisses your concerns or isn't willing to listen - find someone who does. Just having that professional ear can sometimes be enough.

Well, enough from me! I hope you are able to find something that works for you, truly.

All the best!

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 16:13:57

Answer/Reply:

I get migraines and take 50 mg of Topamax in the morning and another 50 at bedtime. It hasn't eliminated them completely but has cut them WAY back in severity and frequency. My sister, who IS BI-POLAR and also gets migraines was also prescribed Topamax but nothing nearly as high as you are on now! I think she may take 100 mg twice a day but she is not anorexic or binging type. I have rare tingling in hands and/or feet. I also take Lorazapam and have no problem with abnormal blood tests. I would definitely check about the combination and levels of the medications.I have been taking Topamax for many years!

53 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 19:42:51

Answer/Reply:

Topamax's used for migraines, seizure disorder & pain management. I've never heard it being used in a bi-polar and anorexic. It can reduce many patients' appetites. You're already anorexic. It doesn't seem Topamax would be right for you. What other meds are you on? The exhaustion/tired feeling can be from Topamax or from other meds. As others said, check with your Dr. if needed get a 2nd opinion. See a good neurologist, endocrinologist & psychologist. The 3 should get you feeling better.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-25 10:41:25

Answer/Reply:

Hi there! I also am on a very low dose of Topamax and am experiencing only subtle problems remembering some words, nothingelse. I've been told that as long as the dose is low that I may not have that many problems. You may not either.

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-30 18:19:45

Answer/Reply:

I take two .25 mg a night but every couple of months or so I get hit with a very bad panic attack. When that happens I will take one or two more during the day for a day or two.
I have worried about addiction as well but if it keeps the panic attacks under control then right now it is the right thing for me.
I forget words sometimes too but my duaghter tells me that is because of my topomax (she calls it dopomax). I take it to decrease the chances of migraines but it can make me feel a bit forgetful.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 20:13:00

Answer/Reply:

I take 50 mg for Essential Tremors. The Medco info sheet lists slowed thinking, memory problems, and trouble concentrating as some possible less serious side effects. However, I would caution against jumping to conclusions, especially at your low dosage. Also, avoid alcohol; it can increase some of the side effects. BTW: exercise is a good way to help your memory because it increases your circulation which in turn brings more blood to your brain.

71 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-21 10:54:20

Answer/Reply:

Hi I am a 58 year old female and take Effexor Xr 150 twice a day, Topamax 100mg 2 tabs twice daily (400mg daily), and Zanaflex 8mg daily. I have had a back/neck injury since 1987. surgury on neck in 99.Surgury was an immense help for migraine type headaches. I sustained nerve damage from the injury and bone spurs that won't go away eg. constant pain. The meds help but it is not just you who has the memory probs. I thought I was getting senile for a while but realized if I forget to take meds on time or forget them for the day that my head is not as fuzzy and the spaceiness is not as bad. My mind and memory has been as sharp as a tack all my life and this med problem irritates me to no end. But it is one of the give and takes for the pain relief whether it be partial or all inclusive. Good luck.

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-26 17:08:42

Answer/Reply:

I have been on Topamax for over 8 years at 300 mg due to a brachial plexia injury. I have had 7 operations on my right arm/hand and will never regain full use of it. I was dragged 80 feet by a crew bus as I was stepping off it and my purse became stuck inside. My life as a 35 yr. flight attendant came to an abrupt halt. The side effects that I have seen recently is extreme fatigue, irritability, definite struggle finding the right words to use and/or memory loss. I tried several other drugs before this one and this is the only one that seems to work, but now I am going to talk to my surgeon about weaning me off of everything because I would rather try to get my memory back. The memory thing is getting worse and I turn 69 in December and only weigh about 120 lbs. I really advise you to be concerned and talk to your physician.

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-27 12:18:29

Answer/Reply:

I am taking 150 mg a day and been doing so for a few years. I do have some memory loss, but I started that prior to taking the Topamax, so I'm not sure it's related to the medication. Have you discussed it with your doctor? Sometimes anxiety can do that to you as well for short periods of time.

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-06 01:02:48

Answer/Reply:

i just started taking topiramate and have had nothing but problems. the neurologist gave it to me for migraine prevention and it causes numbness in my fingers and this dose on the side of my head. its aweful...i hope he can change this medication to something else. any suggestions.

18 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-27 02:05:51

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Migraine prevention and management can be a difficult thing to achieve as there are many different triggers to activating migraines. However, if the side effects you are experiencing from topiramate are not manageable then you should talk to your doctor about other available migraine therapies. You should not abruptly discontinue your topiramate without first speaking with your doctor.

Posted: 2009-07-28 22:56:49

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking Topamax for over a year and switched to topiramate just recently (wonder if the generic just came available?). While on the Topamax I had the numbness and awful stinging in fingertips, hands and toes. I had to literally stop whatever I was doing and shake my hands or feet for several minutes to make it stop and sometimes just give it up and let it run it's course. There were times I even had to pull over and stop driving because it was so bad. Once I switched over I now realize it hasn't been near as bad. Hmm, it's weird.

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-16 16:17:32

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Using Topamax and Bentyl together may increase the risk of dehydration, hyperthermia, and excessive sedation. As a result, the dose/treatment of Topamax and Bentyl should be regularly reviewed when these drugs are used together. Make sure your physician and your pharmacist both have a complete medical and medication history from you before you start or stop any medication. If you are taking these drugs together, please talk to your doctor if you experience excessive sweating, increased thirst, increased drowsiness, or dizziness.

Posted: 2009-07-21 00:11:35

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Topiramate is the generic name for Topamax. Topiramate and Topamax have both met the FDA's requirements for safety and efficacy. Most people see no difference when they switch from a brand to a generic product. Generally, the side effect profile and adverse reactions reported are the same between Topamax and topiramate. With that said, sometimes the inactive ingredients in brand name products and generic products are different which may explain why some people react differently when they switch to a generic product.

Posted: 2009-07-19 01:48:15

Answer/Reply:

Yes, I had the same problem with Topiramate, got my migraines back right away. Went back on Topamax and I am fine. I also have slight memory loss but nothing major, just forget a name or two., it is better than having the migraines everyday. I still have them once every other week but not too bad.

38 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-21 21:38:18

Answer/Reply:

My pharmacy gave me Topirimate instead of Topamax & now I am having Migraines all the time. I wake up with them every day & need to go to the Dr. for shots at least 2 x's a month. My gineric onset medicine for Imitrex isn't working either. My Dr. didn't change to the brand name Topamax, but I will have to tell her about this site & how other people were having problems too. Thanks to all who have posted!

31 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-22 09:15:20

Answer/Reply:

I was on Topamax until the generic came out, then my doctor upped my dosage from 50 to 100, and I haven't had the migraines at all. I still have the tingling every now and then, but the headaches are gone. I was worried when I had to switch.

42 year old female

42 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-05 14:03:51

Answer/Reply:

My pharmacy tried to issue me toprimate as well, because of my insurance, they will always want to pay for generics, before brand name. I have a wonderful pharmacy and all I needed to do was have my Neurologist write Brand name only on the script. That is all you have to do. I have many health issues and have tried many migraine scripts... so I hope I have helped. Topimax is very expensive, so have your Dr. write BRAND NAME ONLY, on your script.

49 year old Female

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 11:24:22

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Topamax can cause seizures if stopped drastically, which is one reason that it is recommended not to stop taking it without the knowledge of your physician. Other side effects reported after stopping Topamax include depression, insomnia, difficulty with memory, drowsiness, nerve tingling, slowed muscle movements, dizziness, and nausea. Without more specific information, it is difficult to determine if your twitching symptoms are related to the Topamax. It is best to make an appointment with your physician to discuss your new symptoms.

Posted: 2009-07-20 09:47:21

Answer/Reply:

But would it cause seizures in someone who had never before had seizures and was only taking it for migraine prevention?

42 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-31 05:25:24

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

The product labeling for Topamax states that Topamax should be gradually withdrawn in patients with or without a history of seizures or epilepsy in order to minimize the potential for seizures or increased seizure frequency.

Posted: 2009-08-05 22:44:13

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking Topamax 100 mg x2 a day and 2400 mg Neurontin a day for over a year now and the only side affect that i had was a little sleepiness when i first started. I think side affects will affect each person differently depending on the dosages and the other medications you are on.

42 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 09:10:38

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Side effects can occur at any time during treatment with Topamax, even once the Topamax has maintained a steady level in your body. The risk of side effects with Topamax also increase with higher doses. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor and report any symptoms relating to confusion, language difficulties or memory loss.

Posted: 2009-07-07 23:52:55

Answer/Reply:

I have had memory problems with this drug since I started taking it. Even at low doses. It causes confusion and I forget simple things like a word or a name of a building and I often can't spell when writing or typing. I don't find it affecting long or short term memory that way. (Not sure if this helps you or not)

31 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-17 15:04:07

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

The side effects with Topamax can occur once the drug stabilizes in your body. There are many patients who do not experience or report memory loss as a side effect at all. Every patient experience with a drug could be significantly different for many reasons. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor and also report any side effects that may start after your topamax doses.

Posted: 2009-07-07 23:59:46

Answer/Reply:

I've been on this med for 2 years with great success. I have not suffered any memory loss, nor have I gained any additional weight. The "good" effects have certainly outweighed the "bad" effects for me.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-08 09:46:51

Answer/Reply:

I have been on Topomax for about 3 years and have had no adverse reactions to it. I have however lost 83 pounds since starting it. I have been using Topomax along with Effexor and Welbutron and like I said, have had no side effects that I can complain about.


Female, 51

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-12 12:50:24

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Less than 1% of iGuard members report abdominal pain as a side effect of Topamax. It is possible that the Topamax is causing some of your stomach pain. Please make an appointment with your physician to discuss the severity of your pain as soon as possible as there may be other causes as well.

Posted: 2009-07-07 01:44:06

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of the gum tissue) and gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) are both reported as side effects of Topamax. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth decay. Please make an appointment with your physician to discuss your symptoms as soon as possible.

Posted: 2009-06-26 18:51:01

Answer/Reply:

I've only been on Topamax for 5 months and I've already had 4 filling fall out; had to get a Root Canal and a Crown as a result. My dentist thinks I have 3 more crowns coming...and I'm still having migraines and I can't stay focussed. And, when I used to be known for having a disgustingly good memory, now I can't even remember if I dont' even remember asking my boyfriend the same question 5 minutes ago that I just asked him. I'm getting very frustrated. I've been on 6 different migraine meds in the past 2 years

27 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-24 13:19:10