Most people who take Topamax (topiramate) have little or no problem with side effects. Those with problems most often complain of:

• fatigue or drowsiness
• difficulty with concentration
• difficulty finding the right word (word retrieval)
• confusion
• dizziness
• unsteadiness
• a feeling of pins and needles, usually in the tips of the fingers and toes
• loss of appetite and weight loss

Most of these problems are mild to moderate. Many of them were more common when higher doses of Topamax were taken.

The side effect of decreased appetite and weight loss is now a focus of research on Topamax. Data show that at least 5-10% of patients will lose weight, and therefore it is sometimes used in combination with Depakote (valproate), Neurontin (gabapentin), or Tegretol (carbamazepine), which can cause weight gain in some patients. Weight loss can be a problem, however, especially in children and those who are already thin.

Some other side effects mentioned even less often were

• nervousness
• depression
• difficulty with memory

If you notice problems like any of these while you are taking Topamax, it's probably a good idea to discuss them with your doctor or nurse. A few people do experience psychiatric disorders when they take Topamax. You shouldn't stop taking Topamax or any other seizure medicine without your doctor's advice

Be sure to read about the serious side effects of Topamax. Even though very few people experience serious problems, everyone who takes Topamax should be aware of them.

Allergic reactions
A small percentage of people who take Topamax develop a skin rash within the first few weeks of taking it. If this happens, tell the doctor or nurse right away, to be sure that it's not the beginning of a serious problem. It's rare for the rash to be serious, but don't ignore it. It's often necessary to switch to a different seizure medicine.

Continue on to What are the most serious side effects of Topamax?