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Topamax hallucinations

Wed, 06/01/2005 - 23:49

Topic: Medication Issues

My son was just changed from Depakote to Topamax and we are still stirating up to his max dosage; we are in week 4. I researched the med when prescribed and didn't like what I saw, but since side effects MIGHT not happen with him and he was so upset with the depakote (hair loss, he's 15), I thought we'd try.I didn't let him read the list of side effects so he would not be influenced.He is seeing lines connecting everything together; he describes it as a special effects, like in a movie or photo when the film is rushed together.Is this something normal for this med or to be reported to the DR?Will it go away?(can you tell I'm new here ? :-) thanks for your help......)

Comments

RE: Topamax hallucinations

Submitted by tjbus on Wed, 2005-06-01 - 12:02

I was on Topamax for a few months and hated it. Not only did I experience hallucinations and could not finish sentences I also had horrible numbness in my arms, and legs. At one point I was swimming and suddenly could not feel my arms and felt like I was going to drown. I was done at that point and had my Dr. change my medication.

RE: RE: Topamax hallucinations

Submitted by Godzilla on Wed, 2005-06-01 - 12:33

My son had problems finding words and finishing sentences in the first week but honestly, I dismissed it ! It didn't occur to me that it would be the meds cause I didn't think it had been in his system long enough; plus his temperment has changed entirely, constantly angry or frustrsted- a combo I chalked up to everything he's gone through and just being a teenager. The second week he was listless, lacked energy and was very introverted. (his sister got married that week and he just sat in the hotel room alone for two days-hungry, but would not venture out to find a restaurant).He complained that he couldn't feel his skin-like when he tried to scratch an itch , he couldn't feel himself scratching. Week three he seemed to have no short term memory, and now on week 4 he's seeing things but the word finding is getting better as is the memory. We are about to go up a notch in dosage and I am very concerned about the things he's seeing.I'm afraid he'll see somthing while on a skateboard ramp or just walking down the hall at school and hurt himself trying to avoid things.I've been unable to reach the Dr. directly and her interns won't make a decision and I know I shouldn't take him off of it abruptly or without supervision.

RE: RE: RE: Topamax hallucinations

Submitted by Kristi on Wed, 2005-06-01 - 14:57

Godzilla, From one mother to another I wouldn't up his meds until I got ahold of his doctor. I would tell the doctor my concerns. After taking Topamax my son still has so much trouble with word search and, it's been 7 yrs ago. So please be very careful like I know you will. My son was only going 2 days without a seizure and I started giving him Omega 3 Fatty Acids and B-complex. I don't know if it will work but he's on his 5th day and it's been a long time since that has happened. With this NO side effects. Topamaz is such a wicked drug. Good Luck and God Bless

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