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Topamax hallucinations

Wed, 06/01/2005 - 23:49
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: RE: RE: Topamax hallucinations

Submitted by crysta95 on Sun, 2005-06-05 - 13:55
Hi.We're in the process of attempting to wean our 7 year old off of topamax...AGAIN. The first time she was sick and it didn't go so well, so she went back on it. We're taking it even slower this time.She has had a terrible time with the topamax. She has lost her ability to sound words out if they are given to her verbally instead of written down. She doesn't seem to be able to remember the word that was spoken. She has trouble getting the right words out and her retention has become absolutely horrible. She alo complains about the 'itchies' a lot! :) We also suspect that it had made her break-throughs much, much worse. To the point that she was status and ended up in the ER once. This med was NOT a good choice for her. But, her 14 year old sister has a friend who takes it with no problems whatsoever. Just depends on the person. What works for one person, will not neceesarily work for the next!! :) It's all just trial and error...but I for one am getting tired of the trial!! As I'm sure she is, also!Good luck to your son!Crystal

RE: Topamax hallucinations

Submitted by tiffnugent on Wed, 2005-06-01 - 23:49
My son who is 9 years old has been taking Topamax for over a year and never had any side effects. He is still not well controlled and is takinf Lamictal like my 3 year old. Hang in there but if you are very concerned talk to his doctor. But go in armed with info, some docs only hear what they can see.

RE: Topamax hallucinations

Submitted by Tamra on Sun, 2005-06-05 - 15:36

I took topomax for a short time, and yes lamactil also.  I was told by my doctor that topomax dulls the mind- this for me was not good as I have ADHD also and get enough of that.  I did experience hallucinations that at the time i did not know were related to topomax- hearing things, (i thought i was going crazy :), this subsided after a month.  I have no idea why, perhaps the side effect is temporary- I would verify with your doctor.  I chose to stop topomax as it was only making me sluggish, i was having more dramatic memory issues, and as others have said- spoke "slowly"- meaning: I had trouble finishing sentences, thoughts, and in general felt 'slow minded", terrible focus and planning skills- worse than usual.

This was my experience however by Neurologist has stated that although this is a fairly new drug she has found it successful.

perhaps it was the mixing of the other ADHD meds... but watch this carefully.

Good luck- this is a constant battle; finding just the right combination with the least amount of side affects.

T.

I took topomax for a short time, and yes lamactil also.  I was told by my doctor that topomax dulls the mind- this for me was not good as I have ADHD also and get enough of that.  I did experience hallucinations that at the time i did not know were related to topomax- hearing things, (i thought i was going crazy :), this subsided after a month.  I have no idea why, perhaps the side effect is temporary- I would verify with your doctor.  I chose to stop topomax as it was only making me sluggish, i was having more dramatic memory issues, and as others have said- spoke "slowly"- meaning: I had trouble finishing sentences, thoughts, and in general felt 'slow minded", terrible focus and planning skills- worse than usual.

This was my experience however by Neurologist has stated that although this is a fairly new drug she has found it successful.

perhaps it was the mixing of the other ADHD meds... but watch this carefully.

Good luck- this is a constant battle; finding just the right combination with the least amount of side affects.

T.

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