I was on Topomax from the middle of 2004 until March of 2006. I now have no memory of 2005. Short term memory loss is very scary. Topomax did nothing for my seizures. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone, epilepsy or migrains.

I was put on Topomax in 2/08 for bipolar illness, mood swings.  I began having episodic diarrhea, could not eat anything, it became worse and I went to ER and to my GP who treated me for sinus infections as I was having intense throbbing behind my eyes, migraines, nausea and cold sweats.  Finally, I ended up in the hospital a week ago and my blood was tested, I was given a CT Scan and Ultrasound.  The doctors first thought I had Pancreatitis as my enzyme levels were high but lowered in one day and they could not diagnose my illness.  I had been also given a shot of cortisone due to allergies which the doctors at my GP felt were causing the headaches so my metabolism is all screwed up.  I stopped taking the Topomax as I tried to remember what had changed when these episodes began and that was all I could remember was being put on Topomax. I have contacted the Dr. who put me on it and he will not return my calls, The GP told me I was lucky to figure it out!  I cannot get any of these doctors to assist me in ensuring no damage has been done to my organs such as glaucoma which runs in my family and I have liver disease and I read that you should not take Topomax if you have liver disease.  I have been in pain, to doctors who did not help me and suffered financial and emotional and physical pain.  I thought you should know.

Sincerely,

marigraves@hotmail.com

I just quit taking Topomax after 4 years and have switched to Trileptal.  Within a year and a half of taking Topomax, I got my first attack of Pancreatitis and was hospitalized for 2 1/2 weeks.  I kept getting attacks of pancreatitis almost every 6 months.  I was told by doctors that pancreatitis was caused by heavy drinking, but I kept telling them I only seldom dring. Finally after getting a new doctor with Kaiser did he go over all my medications and find that topomax has be causing pancreatitis in some people.  He and my neurologist decided it would be best to get me off the topomax and on something else.  I't taken me about 6 months to do this medication change and I'm still having abdominal and back pain flare ups (actually as I'm writing this), but they do seem to be getting a little bit better...at least I'm staying out of the hospital.  I have had 5 bouts of pancreatitis in the last 4 years and let me tell you, this is NO FUN!!! If you take topomax and have unexplained abdominal and back pain frequently, I urge you to talk to your doctor about changing medications. It could become pancreatitis, and you dont want to mess with this!!!! IT SUCKS!!!

Miss Lynda Boston, Ma.

Dr. Jason, Here's some info: I'm alergic to it! I had just learned how to curb the behavioral side effects, then showed my neurologist the rash on my torso. He almost jumped out of his chair. That's a potantially fatal allergy. He took me off it, obviously. Now I'm on Keppra, and have been for a few years. I take seroquel for the modd swings the Keppra caused me to have. Anyway, check out my blog, and please share! http://lyndamcguirk.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Lynda