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Global Patient Feedback for Topamax (Topiramate) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I take 100mg of Topamax a day for migraines and now suffer from breathlessness and sometimes mild chest pain, has anyone else come across this type of side effect?
41 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-29 11:57:50
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
yes, even breast pain along with many other symptoms which most stoped when I got off of it.
Posted: 2008-10-30 16:45:51
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
topamax can br hard on the heart and cause palpatations or in other words making the heart speed up off and on so if you have heart problems don't take female age 61
Posted: 2008-11-11 09:40:56
Answer/Reply:
i have had same side effect that my dr. lowered my dose from 75mg to only 25mg. do you suffer from asthma? if you do you should lower your dose if possible. it got to the point that i could not breathe at all. i have not had a problem on 25 mg
28 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-23 18:26:15
Question/Comment:
I suffer from debilitating migraines and took topamax for the past year and a half. Due to losing my job I had to weine myself off because it is too expensive, it turned out to be the best thing to happen! while taking it I still got headaches and more of them just not debilitating. I was not one of the lucky ones to lose weight, instead I am still losing hair after being done for two months. Other side effects: tingling in hands, arms, and face - vision problems - memory and thought and speach problems - fatigue - my head heats up - and altered taste. I read in one of these that it helped with other pain for them well not for me, I have degenerative arthritis through out the body and some times get pain of unknown source that this does nothing for and others meds do not mix with this. God Bless for those it helps but for me it was one of the worst ever, I was only on it for a year and a half because the doctor insisted.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-27 19:52:01
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Allot of the symptoms you have I have experienced as well, however I have not heard of speach problems. I sound as if I am drunk. I have no idea why? Has anyone experienced the same thing. I am on 200 2x a day and synthroid medication for my thyroid. It is very frustrating.
I am a 40 year old female and I have been experiencing migrance since the pesian gulf war in 91 and I have been on Tompomax for 7 months
Posted: 2009-01-06 19:07:23
Question/Comment:
Topamax has been sort of a blessing and a curse for me......been taking it for almost five years, way before it was used for migraines.... I was a guinea pig for migraine relief...and it worked....but the side effects are horrific. I stopped a year ago when I got pregnant and miscarried and when I started again the side effects are worse than ever.....numbness, memory loss, psychotic mood swings (my boyfriend can't breathe right lol), weight loss (not complaining), discharge, skin swelling in areas I don't even want to discuss, sexual indifference, hair loss, teeth and gum issues, balance problems, and what I call either "The Terminator" or "Ghost Rider" skull.....I feel like my skull is turning to steel.....sounds strange I know but I swear...I am having to increase the dose and I know the effects get worse before they ebb off, but it is like boot camp and I don't I know if I can make it through all the crap before I feel semi normal again. It is either that, or I suffer from migraines, three days long, three to four times a month.
41 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-22 21:46:55
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have been on Topamax for almost 2 years. I now take 150 mg a day and that is doing great for me. The only problems I am too having are the gum issues and the sexual indifferences. I feel very uncomfortable talking to my doctor about the sexual indifferences. I think I really need to because things are just not "great" anymore. Other than that Topamax has almost completely taken my headaches away. I don't want to go off Topamax and I surely do not want to experiment with anymore drugs... that is horrifying.
Posted: 2008-11-03 16:20:57
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have been on Topamax for almost 2 years. I now take 150 mg a day and that is doing great for me. The only problems I am too having are the gum issues and the sexual indifferences. I feel very uncomfortable talking to my doctor about the sexual indifferences. I think I really need to because things are just not "great" anymore. Other than that Topamax has almost completely taken my headaches away. I don't want to go off Topamax and I surely do not want to experiment with anymore drugs... that is horrifying.
39
female
Posted: 2008-11-03 16:23:24
Question/Comment:
I have not had the change in taste of food. I take topamax for my bi-polar and I too have lost weight on this medication which has been as wonderful bonus. I have some slight tingling in my fingers once in awhile, but it is not bothersome. I have been taking it for a year now and I am quite happy with this medication compared to other medicatons that I have been on for my bi-polar that have had much worse side-effects and have caused weight gain. I will stay on Topamax for as long as I can. I am glad that It helped me lose the weight that the other drugs caused me to gain. I am back to my normal weight again and feeling better about myself which is good for someone who is suffering from bi-polar. I would recommend this medication to people to try for what ever reason their doctor is suggestioning it. Especially if you need to lose some weight it works great for that reason alone.
46 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-28 08:05:57
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Topamax for a year and a half for progressive neuropathy. I also have Crohn's Disease and it has helped with the pain from that as well. I did loose weight in the beginning, but with Crohn's it fluctuates anyway. I can't drink carbonated beverages, have trouble focusing my eyes at times and suffer from what I call "twisted tongue" syndrome - I say things like soulfin (instead of cellphone) or veletision - my grandchildren think it's cute and giggle up a storm at me, but I don't even realize I've done it, which is kind of scary. The upside is that I can walk without being in extreme, sharp excrutiating pain. I no longer have fights with my closet in the morning trying to find a pair of shoes that I can wear that don't cause me to cry with pain. I can sleep for more than 2-3 hours with the pain of my feet and hands waking me up, so the side effects, although irritating, are not debilitating. So, when you write them down next to each other, the good outweigh the bad, so Topamax has my vote and I will continue to take it regardless of the side-effects.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-28 00:18:37
Question/Comment:
I have been on Topamax for about 3 years now. Having suffered from migraines for over 10 years it has been a god send for me. I had tried many other medications, but those did not work like this one has. I have only had a couple headaches since being on this medication. My only side effect was the weight loss which was about 25-30 pounds and I could stand to loose that anyway.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-26 14:32:26
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have been on Topamax for several years for migraines. I also have lost weight while taking this med. but that is not necessarily a bad side effect. I do, at times, get light headed and nauseated, the tingling in the hands and feet have subsided. One thing I wish I would have known before taking this med is that you can form kidney stones. My suggestion is to do what is mentioned and drink tons of water. 2 yrs ago I had a kidney stone attack and was in severe pain. I continue to take the Topamax because I enjoy NOT having a migraine 2-3 times a week.
Posted: 2008-10-05 19:59:23
Answer/Reply:
I recently started taking Topamax for my Migraines. I am just wondering about the weight loss side effect. Did you loose weight because you didn't want to eat and ended up eating less or you at as you normally did and still lost the weight while on the drug?
28 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-25 21:44:51
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Topamax for about 1 1/2 years. Started out taking large dose of over 100 mg a day, but now down to 50 mg day for debilitating migraine headaches (thankfully have not had a migraine headache in about a year). I started out with a weight of about 120 - 125 lbs and at that time was watching what I ate to keep myself at that weight. Since taking Topamax I have dropped down to 100 - 108 lbs which I fluxuate between and I eat like a horse now and eat anything and everything I want just to keep my weight above 100 lbs. When I aked the doctor about the weight loss he advised me that this drug is sold on the black market as a diet drug...so therefore I believe it is actually the drug that keeps the weight off.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-26 14:38:12
Answer/Reply:
how long were you on topamax and at what mg were you at before you started to see the weight loss.
I take 50mg in the morning and 50 mg at night and have been on it for about two months.
It has stoped my head achs but i have really not seen any weight loss yet!!
just wondered how long it took befor you started see the weight come off.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-11 14:21:41
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I've been on Topomax (100mg in the morning and 200mg at night) for about 5 years now for my lifelong, disabling migraines. Its the only thing in over 30 years that's even touched them. After going through 7 neurologists and countless other doctors, having the same tests forced on me over and over, I was having daily migraines for several years, when I was eventually given SS Disability at age 37 and sent to Pain Management. In the 5 years I've been on Topamax, I've gone from 240 lbs to 140 lbs. and have to force myself to eat. I've also been hospitalized for kidney stones, and have had a lot of trouble with hair loss. Its been a lifesaver for the migraines, and turned the clock back on my diabetes diagnosis of 6 years ago, by helping me get the weight off, but the memory problems, tingling, hair loss, libido issues, etc. are another story..
I also have other pain issues, Fibromyalgia, Degenerative Disk Disease, blown and torn disks, and spurs;
Good luck to all in the future. 48 F
Posted: 2009-01-20 20:46:20
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I just starting eating less. I wasn't as hungry . Food tasted the same.
Hope this helps. I take 25 mg twice a day. The biggest draw back is the price. My insurance doesn't cover it
Posted: 2008-11-13 14:24:16
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My appetite decreased and I ate less.
Posted: 2008-11-16 16:21:15
Question/Comment:
I have been on Topamax for approx. 2 yrs. I have had a little tingling in my arms and fingers but dont know if thats from reoccurring carpal tunnel or from Topamax. I have always got migraines ever since I can remember,but since I have been taking this, they have gotten better. I also lost almost 100 lbs. being on it, because I have a very bad back, so that was a great thing in itself. Things like food tastes different to me sometimes, so my appetite has changed. But that is the only thing about it I have seen, I dont have a problem with it, and its better than all those terrible migraines all the time. It works differently for everyone!
45 yr old female
46 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-25 16:51:17
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Topamax for about 2 months now....I have lost 10 pounds and everything smells like chemicals....tomatoes taste awful and I am paranoid because I feel the chemical smells are seeming out of my body...i can't tell if t is me and I stink or if it is just everything around me that stinks....have you heard of this problem. So far no migraines...but if I stink how I think I am smelling, I am gonna have to get off of he stuff. Thanks a bunch!
46 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-18 00:55:09
Question/Comment:
I have also been on Topomax for about 4 years. I take it in conjunction with Prozac, which I have taken for the past 6 years. I am a bipolar-II patient, and feel very confident that this combination works for me. The prozac is controlling the depression, while the topomax controls the ocd, and both work together beautifully for me. I realize I may not be text book, but I think the benefits for me far outweigh the risks. Both prescriptions doses have been fine tuned over the years, but working in conjunction with my psychiatrist, I feel more confident than I ever have that I am now finally in control of my life.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-25 11:20:11
Question/Comment:
Topamax is great for migraines. I have taken it - at varying dosages for several years now, over 5. Tingling and numbness depend on the person and other medications taken. Also what you wash the medication down with. Topamax in the a.m. does seem to cause more dizziness and memory problems, etc, than when only taken at night. Age and time of month also affect for women. Starting with 25 mg for 2-3 weeks and building at +25 mg every 2-3 weeks as tolerated seems to work best. Some doctors want to build faster and that is too hard on your mind and body. When I first started on it, I lost 40 pounds over the first year of taking it. Unfortunately, due to the addition of another medicine (Toprol) 2 years later, all the weight has come back. Zoloft causes dizziness, lightheadedness, memory problems, depression, etc. - I took it for a short time many years ago - it was bad news for me.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-24 18:02:14
Question/Comment:
I have been living with HIV for 20 yrs., so I have had my share of drugs and their nasty side effects, but Topamax is really freaking me out.My counts are all good and I am considered undetectable, so that is cool. I take Norvir, Didanosine, Epizicom, Lexiva and they seem to be working well.I have been taking Topamax for seizures related to Toxo lesions for about three years, 50 ml 2x's a day after having used dilantin for several years which caused bone loss and one other drug whose name I can not remember that caused my hair to fall out and also caused major depression. My big problem with Topamax is the memory loss. I feel like an idiot. I will meet a person and within a matter of minutes I cannot remember their name, or worse yet, I will be with relatives and suddenly cannot recall their names! I am only 48 yrs. old and this is driving me crazy! I go to the store and can not remember what I went for and will drive past my turn off on the way back home!
I am (or was) a singer in a rock band but have had to give that up because I can't remember the words to the songs that I wrote and recorded. I am so depressed and have become very agoraphobic, only going out to go to my crappy part time job that I have been able to hold for the past 2 yrs. luckily the co-workers wear name tags because after 2 years I still have major trouble with their names. Before Topamax I was an outgoing person, popular, well liked, active and able to function as a graphic designer, now I can barely remember the names of the programs I once taught people to use. I recenty started taking Prisiq to see if that might help with the depression. I am at wits end. Are there any anti-seizure meds out there that don't have such devastating side effects? Or are their any drugs to help with my memory?
48 year old male
49 year old Male
Posted: 2008-09-24 15:57:55
Answer/Reply:
I also take Topamax, but I take it for migraines. If I don't take it my migraines will increase in number & in intensity. I completely empathize with the memory and concentration problem. I take 100mg at bedtime (I couldn't remember to take them twice a day..lol). I probably could stand to increase the dosage another 25-50mg but my neurologist thought my mental acuity was taxed enough. I also take pain medication and anti-depressants, which adds to my mental clarity problem. I have turned to carrying a daily planner & a palm cell phone. My problems included migraines, nerve and muscle disability in my neck, shoulders, upper back, right arm and hand. Yes, I am Rt handed. So I write things down when I can and just tell people the meds I take make me dumber than the stereo-typical blond (that I dye my hair like). The kids just take it in stride. Not only do I get the senior moments, I also get the taste change to carbonated beverages and other foods (I love to cook so I have to have someone taste test for me or I season by smell or "feel"), vision changes (mouse trails & double vision in low light conditions) to name a few. I don't have the pins & needles much any more...On the skin surface I am losing feeling "inside" it will feel like my fingers want to explode off my hand, nor am I losing weight. The anti-depressants are taking care of that. Check with your doctor to see if you can reduce the dosage of the medication a little to get some of the mental acuity back. I also suggest doing some mental exercises...puzzles or check with a neurologist or the web for some other ideas. They really do help. Also carry a notebook or a day planner with you ALL THE TIME to take notes. Even making light of it on occasion makes it easier to deal with especially knowing there are others out there/here suffering with you. the next time you miss your exit on your way home consider that God is sending you on a short adventure and there is something you would have missed had you not gone that way. I've had quite a few myself.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-02 00:24:06
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have been on Topemax for about 4 weeks now...It sounds like I have all the typical symptoms as everyone else on here does, except I have heard no one mention smells. It seems everything has a chemical type smell...Does anyone have this problem?? I am beginning to get paranoid thinking it might be me and the stuff is pouring out of my sweat glands.
Posted: 2008-10-14 21:40:53
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My husband suffers from seizures, and there are other medications out there, he takes Depakote for his seizures, but has been on Dilantin and others over the years. Talk to your neurologist... Tell them how it makes you feel, and if they won't listen, its time to get a new doctor!! I was on Topamax for 3 months for migraines... I did not have migraines, which was wonderful, but the side effects were terrible! I am a paralegal and I have to do research and think all day long. My job is very demanding and I could not function. Everyone talks about losing weight.... I gained 12 lbs. in 3 months. I am so exhausted by the time I get home in the evenings that I can't pry myself off the couch to exercise or even clean my house and cook dinner. I think its a wonderful drug for some people, but others can not tolerate it. My daughter is 14 and takes 100 mg. a day and does wonderful on the Topamax... I on the other hand am like you and just can't seem to tolerate it. Its just one of those medications that works wonders for some, and others can't tolerate it. Good luck to you!!
Posted: 2008-11-10 04:13:33
Question/Comment:
I have been takint Topamax for about 3-4 years for severe migraines. Since I have been taking the Topamax, I rarely have to take my Migraine medication. I used to get Migraines all the time and was just taking migraine pills for this. My doctor finally added the Topamax along with the migraine pills and this greatly reduced my migraines. I am currently taking a 50 mg pill once per day due to the headaches getting so bad at one point. Other than the tingling feeling I get in my arms sometimes (not very often) I have had great results with this medication.
40 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-21 20:44:59
Question/Comment:
Hello, I just starting taking Topamax last night, and I have tingling/numbness in my hands already. Is this normal, or do you think it can be from another issue? Thanks
33 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-16 09:51:24
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
you need to drink plenty of water with topamax or this will never go away.
Posted: 2008-09-16 15:13:01
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Definitely normal!
25/F
Ca.
Topamax/7mos.
Posted: 2008-11-10 21:50:24
Answer/Reply:
It's the Topamax. Some people suggest taking Vitamin C, or drinking orange juice....it's supposed to make the tingling stop. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to!
37 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-12 15:13:32
Question/Comment:
I've been taking topomax for a few years now and zoloft; my gp recently (January I think) upped the dosage of both. I think the zoloft was helping but the topomax seemed to negate it when he upped the topomax more and more. Has anyone else had these problems? I can try to deal with the pain of the migraines; it's the depression I'm concerned about. Has anyone else experience this? I am very concerned as the memory, vision, nausea, appetite, tinglining in my hands, neck, should and arms and most importantly, depression symptoms which have significantly affected my life, including my job. I actually had one weekend where I just felt like sleeping and crying.
I have had a physical (such as the office check up the gp did was), an MRI (prescribed by the neurologist I see for the migraines), and an EEG (also prescribed by the neurologist) along with a full blood workup (from physical) and all came out clear.
When I called the GP in desperation his nurse called me back and upped the Zoloft to 200 mg and told me to keep taking the Topomax at 150 (100 at night and 50 in the am) well I won't take the 50 in the am because it makes me dizzy and I drive around 55 miles each way to work, but still.
I'm not suicidal, thank God. But, I can't continue like this. There must be a solution and I have to find it
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
Jannine
38 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-14 07:30:42
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yes, I've been on Zo for a number of years and have loved what I've been able to accomplish in my life with stable moods. I started the topomax less than four months ago. At first it was fine, but now all I want is off of it. I definitely feel like it is negating the zo and the nausea is there. I feel like I am moving backwards and I am losing the footing I've worked so hard for. I worked with my MD to decrease the Topo dosage, but it's not enough and I don't plan on increasing one med to combat the effects of another. The Topo is not worth it. I like the appetite suppressing effect, but at the same time I feel undernourished and don't even have the energy to work out. I'd rather eat more and exercise more. I hope this helps to validate some of what's going on with you.
P
Posted: 2008-09-18 01:06:47
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I was taking topamax for migraine and zoloft for anxiety. I think one does negate the other.I could hardly stay in my skin thougt I was going crazy. Had to reduce the topamax to a very low dose 15 MG a childs dosage but still had the side effects. Memory problems and anxiety. Finally weened myself off and feel much better since I am alsoweening off the zoloft slowly
Posted: 2008-09-19 15:21:17
Answer/Reply:
Janine you sound just lilke my sister 43 yrs of age who is very depressed & has been diagnosed with sever arthritis of her back she just wants to sleep & hide & cry all day we try to get her involved in outings in such buy refuses she mentioned zoloft it didnt seem to help her at all.. Sincerely feeling for you & prayers for your recovery Deborah
45 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-24 18:37:06
Answer/Reply:
You sound just like me. I haven't found the answer yet either. Hang in there. I have a high pressure stressful job and that is some of my problem. I have had to learn to not to let myself worry so much about work when I go home. It helps some. It's hard though. Especially when you do everything the doctors say, take all the tests they want you to, spend thousands of dollars, and then because the tests say everything is fine then there must not be anything wrong with you. Don't give up. You're not alone.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-27 06:20:16
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
ironically, if you research Topamax you will find it is also used as an anti-depressant in many cases and is now found also to be helpful in weight loss.
Posted: 2009-03-06 04:46:44
Question/Comment:
Did anyone have any experiences with Zoloft and Topomax. Please advise. Email JEZerres@hotmail.com Thanks.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-14 06:57:35
Question/Comment:
I take 25mg of Topamax 1 time daily. The other medicine I take daily is 150mg of Buproprion, 200mg of Trazadone, 0.5mg of Lorazepam. Are there any negative side effects combining these with the Topamax?
42 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-03 14:42:15
Question/Comment:
I am a 33 year old woman and I have got to tell you that Topamax has totally ruined my life. I know I am only the 23rd person out of thousands that Topamax has done this to but I ended up blind from Topamax for months and since then I still can barely see, I have had Yag laser surgery 3 times, and my right eye is still messed up so bad i am gonna haft to have glacoma surgery the pressure Topamax caused made my eyes swell up like golf balls, my pupils are so badely scared they swelled and scared to my eye so I cannot stand to go outside if it is at all bright, it caused me severe pain. I am messed up for the rest of my life, and I know it is not a common occurance but really think before you take this medicine it just might mess you up as bad as it has me, and now I cannot work, drive, watch tv, or go outside with me kids and play during the day. I even had to stay home while they went to the fireworks this year, and every time they went swimming I miss out on everything now that has to do with outside activities because of this medicine, I wish I had never taken, it has taken my life.
34 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-03 07:14:14
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I too, have lost my sight to my right eye and about 40% of my left vision. i took 11 doses of 25 mg. each, of this medication . It has ruined my life also. I was told by quite a few people right hear in this area where i live that they have also had a reaction to this medication. and for 23 out of thousands , blow that figure out the window, because i can come up with at least 200 people right hear that has been afflicted by this medication. My opthamologist also said that this drug is becoming more unstable on the market as time passes. Anybody with neuro problems can be scuffed off as just the original problem they went to the doctor with, just getting worse , and not blame it on the drug. I tried to contact the FDA to report this problem 4 years ago and I got a virus on my computer from their website. Your not alone ,I hear your pain.
Posted: 2008-12-05 20:38:59
Question/Comment:
I take 100mg a day for my migraines and have been doing so for the past 3 months, but my concentration span has completely disappeared. I am a student and my memory is becoming really bad, I keep failing my exams as my memory and concentration is so bad, will this get better as I am in danger of being removed from my course. I am also experiencing pains in my legs that feel worse at night, like a restless legs kind of pain, do you think there is any connection?
41 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-27 13:03:40
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am a 26 year old female, and I have had the same issues. I do not remember anything. I cannot focus. I also cannot get the right words out of my mouth. I feel like my brain is racing and I cannot get it out.
It is for sure from the Topamax, bc that is the only medication I am on.
It also made me lose my hair. My migraines are so severve and this is the only medicine that works. I will stay on it.
Posted: 2008-09-30 12:13:03
Question/Comment:
I suffer from a moderate/severe concussion and brain injury I incurred last year. I've had migraines for years but now tracking them, have an average of 3+ a week. I've tried Topomax at 25mg x2 a day, then increased to 50mg x 2 a day. My vision was already blurred from the head injury and has improved a little although I now need glasses for clear vision. I didn't experience the numbness or tingly sensations described by others but it did affect my short term memory. I lost my short term memory for a while; most of which has returned but upon using Topomax, I found myself not being able to find certain words that I KNEW were in my brain and was on the tip of my tongue...we were looking at flowers at my Dad's funeral and I could not, for the life of me, remember the flower "daffodil"...it was extremely frustrating and so for now, my doctor is decreasing my dosage to take me off soon and will try another migraine preventative, hopefully with better results; although the Topomax did slow down the frequency of my migraines...To those of you that this drug works for, I'm so glad, as we all know how debilitating migraines can be.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-26 05:04:09
Question/Comment:
I have a question about the side-effects of Topamax. I am sometimes afraid to read the side-effects before I take the drug because then I anticipate them! Somone mentioned that they lost the feel/taste of carbonation on their tongue. I have also heard about the numbness and tingling of the feet. Do these side-effects go away after awhile? or do they stay they entire time you are taking the drug? Also---is this compatible with Wellbutrin? I take 400mg. of Wellbutrin daily for depression. Thanks!
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-14 21:03:22
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I was not aware that losing the taste of carbonation was a side effect of topamax. However after I began taking it, sure enough...I lost the taste for my beloved Diet Pepsi! I must say it hasn't been such a bad thing since I also seem to "crave" water! I also experienced the tingling in the fingers and what I called "tip of the tongue" syndrome. I would be talking and forget the names of ordinary objects or familiar people. The later two side effects completely subsided within about 3 weeks, although it was a bit frustrating. For me though the benefits of topamax have FAR out weighed the fact that I had to give up soda! I feel better than I have in a long time..and it has stopped my urges to "comfort eat" as well. Good Luck. My thoughts are with you, as I know what a struggle it can be!
Posted: 2008-08-19 21:49:35
Answer/Reply:
I was not aware that losing the taste of carbonation was a side effect of topamax. However after I began taking it, sure enough...I lost the taste for my beloved Diet Pepsi! I must say it hasn't been such a bad thing since I also seem to "crave" water! I also experienced the tingling in the fingers and what I called "tip of the tongue" syndrome. I would be talking and forget the names of ordinary objects or familiar people. The later two side effects completely subsided within about 3 weeks, although it was a bit frustrating. For me though the benefits of topamax have FAR out weighed the fact that I had to give up soda! I feel better than I have in a long time..and it has stopped my urges to "comfort eat" as well. Good Luck. My thoughts are with you, as I know what a struggle it can be!
28 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-19 21:54:25
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
iGuard members reported both of these side effects you are concerned about - 10% reported an alter sense of taste and 10% reported numbness and tingling when using topiramate (Topamax). With that said, most people think the good things about Topamax outweigh the bad things.
No drug interactions were found between Topamax and Wellbutin in the iGuard system- however, please be sure to check for drug interactions for ALL of the medications by entering all of your medications you are currently taking into your iGuard medication profile.
Posted: 2008-08-27 11:27:50
Answer/Reply:
Yes, i also had these side effects. The tingling happens every so often, but rarely. Some carbonated beverages still taste weird, but one of my goals was also to give up caffeine, which is often a cause of headaches, so this made it much easier! I take Wellbutrin too. I don't think it has caused me any problems.
29 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-08 20:33:45
Answer/Reply:
I am so glad I found this website! I have been wondering why I have been having this wierd tingling sensation to my hands, arms, tongue, even to the roof of my mouth. And my Diet Coke now taste flat! My doctor prescribed topamax after I was taking Lyrica for about 6 months. Lyrica was great at taking away my arthritis and joint pain (fibromyalgia) but I gained 30 pounds so now we are trying Topamax to see if this will help. I also suffer from migraines so I know it will help with that. And I suffer from depression, I take Cymbalta for that, which is doing OK at the moment, well, it could be better, it always could be better!
42 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-26 16:12:20
Question/Comment:
What are the possibilities of taking 100mg of topomax with 40mg of Geodon and 200 mg of zoloft a day.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-10 07:33:54
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Topamax (topiramate) and Geodon (ziprasidone) used together may increase the risk of oligohidrosis (decreased sweating) and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), especially in children. When you use these two medications together you may have an inability to adjust to temperature changes, especially in hot weather. When you or someone you care for uses these medications together, monitor closely for signs of decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in warm or hot weather. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and during vigorous activities or exposure to warm temperatures. Contact your doctor immediately if you or the person you are caring for are not sweating as usual.
All three of these medications share similar side effects - which may be additively increased when taking them in combination, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. If you are going to use these three medications together, you should monitor for the following - increased drowsiness, dizziness, difficultly breathing, decreased mental alertness, and impairment of judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Notify your doctor if you experience excessive or prolonged side effects that interfere with your normal activities.
When taking any combination of these medications, it is also advised that you do not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided as it can increase the side effects of these medications.
Posted: 2008-08-11 17:24:39
Question/Comment:
What are the risks of 200 mg a day?
31 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-30 19:47:04
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Topiramate (Topamax) 200 mg is a common dose - patients usually take between 100 mg and 400 mg daily depending on the condition that is being treated.
iGuard members using topiramate (Topamax) reported the side effects of tingling or numbness, drowsiness/grogginess, altered taste, headache, tremor, weight dizziness, dry mouth, and memory/speech problems.
Posted: 2008-08-06 15:08:57
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I take 300mg and I am doing great!!!
Posted: 2008-08-20 15:15:27
Answer/Reply:
I take 300mg of topamax in the am. and in the pm. and I am not having any troubles at all and I have been taking it for about 3 years. I take it for pain I do tend to forget sometimes, but its worth it to get releafe from the pain. I also take other things for pain but the topamax dose help me. I guess I am lucky I don't have all the side effects other people have. I do have a lot of other health problems, and take other meds. I also have good doctors that keep track of every thing I take.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-24 09:53:39
Question/Comment:
I'm currently on 25 mg twice a day for 6 months now. Had migraines on and off for 9 years but they grew to 3/week with Ice pick headaches (which uncharacteristically presented everywhere in my body except my head - the sensation of getting stabbed all over 20-30 times a day with pain lastin 2-3 minutes each time was not cool) in the last year, which had me out of commission from a lot of time with my young kids after work/weekends. The Topamax did stop the migraines right away and unexpectedly (blessedly!) also stopped the ice picks. Some of the headaches and light sensitivity are starting to come back, and only the occassional stab lasting a few seconds, but nothing disruptive yet.
On the other side of the scale, I also noticed a drastic mental change. There is some memory loss - it is just too much work to try to access some of the short term details so it is REALLY easy to misplace things and not be able to retrace your steps any more. The part that has really hit me hardest which I haven't seen posted here specifically is a different mental side effect - I've significantly lost my ability to do almost any sort of math at all. It gets worse the longer after a dose I am so I'm now very dependent on taking the meds. I have to ask my husband if we need to break a $20 before going home so we can pay the sitter because I can't figure out what we'll owe her for 3 hours... or if I'm playing poker with friends and bet $3 with a $10 chip and only take $2 back.I was very stong in math and generally enjoyed number puzzles so this has been a pretty sudden and striking side effect... it is hard to be corrected by my kid who has't started Kindergarten yet. It's harder to accept that I probably won't be able to help with that kind of homework now. One the speech side - I do lose words and type wrong more, but I was speaking worse with the migraines.
My crossroads - I probably have to go and talk with DR to get higher dose since pain is coming back - it's just hard to commit to losing such a big mental piece of ME and becoming so totally reliant on a drug. I get SO agitated and jumpy between doses it drives me batty.
37 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-18 07:10:33
Question/Comment:
My migraines came back with a vengeance after my neck surgery last year. The nerve pain I suffered as a result of the surgery was debilitating and I was miserable. My pcp suggested Topamax to quell the headaches and nerve pain. What a godsend! The headaches were relieved within a day, along with fioricet, and the nerve pain was greatly aleviated(sp?) within a day or two. The biggest side effects I have noticed are electrocution sensations in my hands and feet and sometimes lips. At first they were frequent, but they have subsided to a tolerable level, so am going to stay on the Topamax. I hate having to take drugs to function, so try to avoid taking anything but the Topamax and my blood pressure pills. I take the fioricet and soma when my pain levels are so great that I don't feel like a human being. The Topamax has made it possible for me to continue with my daily walking therapy.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-30 12:03:37
Question/Comment:
I suffered severe migraines since the age of 5. they were very debiitating. I dehydrated and have been hospitalized twice as a result of severe vomiting. I have been on Topamax for about 2 yrs and they have cut down on the incidences and severity of them. I was out of them and the druggest wasn't able to get in touch with the dr. for several days and they came right back. As soon as I started back on them I was fine. I also take Xanax and wellbutrin. ( for anxiety and bi-polar disorder) Always stay in touch with your physician and notice any changes you may feel.
Also I suffer from severe sinus headaches which are mainly seasonal which also leads to migraines, the tomapax has been a blessing for me. The only side effect for me was weight loss.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-12 07:01:50
Question/Comment:
What are the possible side effects of taking Topamax with Xanax or Celexa?
49 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-05 13:30:57
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have been on Topamax and Zanax (Alprazalom) for quite some time now. I suffer migraine headaches and found the incidences of migraines have decreased and aren't as severe. The biggest side effect I have found is weight loss which wasn't a problem for me. I don't feel that for me there has been any negative reaction with the 2 medications. I am also on wellbutrin, and am having success. Compared to where I was 7 years ago, I am 100% better
Posted: 2008-06-12 06:33:36
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Side effects may be increased in individuals who use Topamax, Xanax, or Celexa together in any combination since all three medications have similar side effects. Some of the shared side effects of these medications are drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, decreased mental alertness, and impairment of judgment, thinking, and motor skills.
When taking either of these medications, it is advised that you do not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided as it can increase the side effects of these medications.
Posted: 2008-06-18 15:10:11
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