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Topamax - what's it like?
Tue, 05/09/2006 - 08:19Topic: Medication Issues
Hi
I am taking tegretol retard and keppra at the moment.
Yesterday when I saw my doctor, he has prescribed me to go on topamax and when on the full dosage, I can then come off the keppra gradually.
I dont know much about topamax.
My doctor said there are 3 types of side effects some people get when taking topamax:
1. tingling in hands and feet
2. weight loss
3. memory loss
Has anyone had any of these experiences with this drug?
Please let me know what this drug is like, I dont want to end up with memory loss and weight loss.
My doctor said that when people hear weight loss might happen they are delighted but it can be fatal if the drug is taken still even after noticing weight loss because you keep loosing the weight and is not good for you.
Any comments on this, please feel free.
I'm a bit anxious about taking it.
Many thanks in advance,
Quirky
Comments
Re: Re: Topamax - what's it like?
Submitted by quirky on Fri, 2006-05-12 - 09:11
Hi
Thank you for your comments on this.
I have been told to try this drug out for 4 months and see if it's beneficial or not. If not, then come off it and stay on keppra.
I heard lots of fluid is to be taken so I will make sure i do that, thanks for the tip.
Does the short term memory bother you though?
When you are at work, can this be a major problem? I want to be able to still function as I do now in work.
Of course I would like to be seizure free so can you tell me just how bad it can get with memory loss please?
Many thanks in advance,
Quirky
Re: Re: Re: Topamax - what's it like?
Submitted by lilseizures on Sat, 2006-05-13 - 19:47
Hey Quirky, to be blunt, the memory loss can be pretty bad for some. I have to really concentrate just to type this comment. I stay home right now due to the unstable seizures. Topamax is a powerful medicine with strong side effects. Check out this website: (crazymeds.org/topamax.html). This should provide you with a humorous, laymans look at the drug itself. It really helped me. You have to be prepared, maybe start the meds when you are off work a couple of days to see how it affects you would be best. I have kids so I started on a Friday night when I didn't have to worry with school and I'm glad I did. God Bless you. E-mail if you need me, Brenda
Re: Topamax - what's it like?
Submitted by lilseizures on Wed, 2006-05-10 - 10:23
Hi Quirky, I have been on Topamax a.k.a. Dopamax for only about a month now and though there are a lot of side effects, it is a great medicine. The effects seem to lessen the longer you take the medicine. Please do your reasearch though and drink plenty of water since Topamax is known to cause kidney stones. My short term memory is also shot to hell when it comes to typing, remembering names, etc. All these things are better than the constant seizures I was having before Topamax. Good Luck an take care. "BEING DISABLED IS IN YOUR MIND.... IF YOU DON'T MIND, YOU'RE NOT DISABLED!"