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Eyesight problems on Topamax

Mon, 12/22/2008 - 15:29

I have been on Topamax for a few months and have developed "after-images". My eyes will hang on to an image and it will stay in my vision for a few seconds until it fades even though I'm looking somewhere else.

I also have trailing images from moving objects. I've also got awful double vision (from about 10+ feet away) but my neurologist seemed to doubt that it was true double vision as it was still present when he covered one of my eyes. It made me feel as though I was making it up!

Anyone else got this problem? I'm presuming it is the Topamax causing this as it is constant so I know its not a seizure.

I hope I have explained the "after-image" thing ok, not an easy thing to explain.

Comments

Re: Eyesight problems on Topamax

Submitted by link7881 on Tue, 2008-12-23 - 09:24

Hi there. I would just like to share something about Topamax. Topamax is a seizure medication, also called an anticonvulsant. Topamax is used alone or in combination with other medications to prevent seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Seek emergency medical attention if you have a sudden change in vision and pain around or behind the eyes. These may be early signs of a serious side effect of Topamax. Do not stop taking Topamax without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.

Before taking Topamax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

  • kidney disease or a history of kidney stones
  • liver disease
  • glaucoma

  • asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis

  • if you have recently had surgery.


Tempe Doctors

 

Hi there. I would just like to share something about Topamax. Topamax is a seizure medication, also called an anticonvulsant. Topamax is used alone or in combination with other medications to prevent seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Seek emergency medical attention if you have a sudden change in vision and pain around or behind the eyes. These may be early signs of a serious side effect of Topamax. Do not stop taking Topamax without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.

Before taking Topamax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

  • kidney disease or a history of kidney stones
  • liver disease
  • glaucoma

  • asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis

  • if you have recently had surgery.


Tempe Doctors

 

Re: Eyesight problems on Topamax

Submitted by seakats on Tue, 2008-12-23 - 23:51
I have problems focusing and have been to the eye doc for it.  They put prisms in my glasses to correct the problem I was having (crosseyed...my eyes weren't focusing together).  This has corrected the problem.  However, this may not be due to the topamax (I take 200 mg 2x a day) but due to the traumatic brain injury I received 8 years ago due to a motor vehicle accident.  I regularly see the eye doc just because it is possible that this med could cause glaucoma and other problems due to the eye.  Make sure you are seeing an eye doctor regularly.  I hope this helps, and Merry Christmas!

Re: Eyesight problems on Topamax

Submitted by Chilli on Wed, 2008-12-24 - 05:25
Thanks for the helpful reply. See my post below re my eyes condition, had my eyes checked and they are fine....must be a brain thing but it is interesting to hear about your prism glasses correcting the problem. I'm due for another check in a couple of months so I will raise this to see if it could be something that could help me too.

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