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Are Topamax side effects that bad??
Wed, 07/26/2006 - 12:18Topic: Medication Issues
I'm on 1000mg Epilim/Valproic Acid at the moment, which doesnt seem to be working out too well. So my neuro is putting me on Lamictal/lamotrigine but I'm not liking the side effects (rash acne bla bla)
So I'd like to change Meds, BUT I want to go on a Med that doesnt cause weight gain (I'm already on 25mg Topamax during the day to help with the Valproic Acid appetite increase)
Ive been looking at a load of meds and Topamax seems to be my best bet (meaning it does not cause weight gain and acne)
But is it worth it? Because Ive heard the side effects are really bad... (nausea etc etc)
I'd really appreciate some help!!
Comments
Re: Re: Re: Re: Are Topamax side effects that bad??
Submitted by kcox1228 on Sat, 2006-07-29 - 03:17
I am on 200mg/day of topamax... I have only been on this medication for about 3 months, I was previously on tegretol xr for 4 yrs but I had gained alot of weight and wanted to to discontinue that trend!
I had a difficult time with topamax as my dose was initially increased 25mg per week but since I got to my 200mg (100mg 2x per day)my side effects have been much better!
I had alot of nausea when I was taking 8 - 25mg pills per day but taking 2 - 100mg pills has been much better for some reason... my weightloss has been great... 24 lbs so far... I have atleast 60 total to lose...
anyway, long story short, side effects to expect: memory problems (especially with words in the beginning but it gets better with time), tingling/numbness in fingers and toes, appetite loss (possible nausea from time to time), bad taste in mouth...
good luck!
Kristin
Re: Are Topamax side effects that bad??
Submitted by ccg107 on Sat, 2006-07-29 - 10:36
My husband has had so-so results with Topomax. Mainly, it seems to create issues with memory and word recall. His neuro lowered the amount he takes and we're waiting to see how this works.
I know it is supposed to help with weight loss, but he hasn't experienced that benefit at all. I guess everyone is different, though, and you have to find the right combination for your body.
Hope it works well for you.
carol g
Re: Re: Re: Are Topamax side effects that bad??
Submitted by quirky on Fri, 2006-07-28 - 07:17
Hi Catherine Your doctor should change your meds if you're not happy with them and their side effects on you. One of their jobs is to find the most suitable med for you that you are happy with and sems to be making improvement with your situation. You have to let him.her know what is going on. I'm on topamax at the moment along with Tegretol retard and keppra. I'm only taking 125mg a day of topamax. I was supposed to go up to 200mg but during my stages of dosing it up, I got a pregnancy scare so I stopped the dosage but when I found out I wasn't pregnant I was still having symptoms of back ache, abdominal pain, I got a really bad fever a couple of weeks ago too. I went to the GP and the doctor tested me for kidney infection and found I didn't have one. the doc had an ultrasound arranged for me to see if I had an ovarian cyst and I am waiting on the results on that next week. For all i know, these could be because of topamax. But I really dont know. As for my auras and seizures, topamax has greatly improved my life in this regard. It's a wonder drug in my opinion. But not everyone likes it. It has been fab for me so far. You should talk to your doctor though about other meds that areout there and suitable for your type of epilepsy too. Good luck! Quirky