Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Topamax - what's it like?

Tue, 05/09/2006 - 08:19
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

I don't know if anyone will

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 2015-03-07 - 20:27
I don't know if anyone will read this on a 7 year old thread.  However, after 7 years of being on Topamax I have only  had 1 seizure. Minimal tingling in the hands and feet. I do get the memory loss but a daily dose of COQ10 really helps with that.  I did not get any weightloss side effects. I take 100mg a day. 

Re: Topamax - what's it like?

Submitted by WendyBendy on Tue, 2006-05-09 - 10:26
I had a HORRIBLE experience with Topamax. My new neurologist wants me to get off of Dilantin because of the long term effects of it. He started me on it and within a week felt horrible! It made me feel like I just almost could not move! All I had energy enough to do was lay in bed. It really messed up my nerves, too. Since then I have been put on Prozac and an anti-anxiety medicine. My husband almost left me because of the way it made me. I was so ill and angry. I have heard people who like the medicine, but personally it was not a good choice for me. Good luck to you.

Re: Re: Topamax - what's it like?

Submitted by hummingbird-hummingbird on Tue, 2007-02-20 - 15:13
hummingbird I was on topamax for 1 year and a half for bipolar disorder. I did have weight loss, it did stablize the bipolar. But a memory that was for not. If it wasn't for the fact it worked well for the bipolar...I would have stopped it sooner.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.