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.

Are Topamax side effects that bad??

Wed, 07/26/2006 - 12:18
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: Are Topamax side effects that bad??

Submitted by SLJ on Wed, 2006-08-02 - 12:02
My doctor started me out on 500mg of topomax. I couldn't remember if I was up or down. I am presently on 175mg. It is the best med I have ever been on since I needed to loose the weight, but it is called the "stupid" medicine. I can't remember a person's name when they are introduced to me & other things but some of it may be the short term memory loss due to the head injury--after 30 years with epilepsy, I can't separate the med damage from the head injury. I have had to start wearing pads at night due to the increased loss of urine when I have seizures since I have been on topomax. I used to loose just a little bit of urine, but since I started topomax, I use a lot of urine when I sieze--do you find that? I did read that on the internet to be a side effect. Good luck on topomax--I have never had a more healthy feeling on any other med in 30 years, so I hope it will work for you. SLJ

Re: Re: Re: Are Topamax side effects that bad??

Submitted by herecomesthefloor on Sun, 2006-08-06 - 00:37
I take 150mg. of Topamax twice a day since April of 2003 (along with 200/300mg of Dilatin). I never experienced nausea, but I have terrible memory problems and my word recall has been destroyed. This is particularly distressing since writing is one of my greatest joys and I spend entirely too much time trying to summon words I know I know--or once knew. If the drug didn't work well otherwise (tingly upper lip aside--what is that about, anyway? I thought I was the only one), I would pass on it, taking the seizures just to get my old vocabulary back. That's how much damage it's done. That said, it beats how I felt on Tegretol, and Depakote (sp?)--for the short time I took it--made me deathly ill.

Re: Are Topamax side effects that bad??

Submitted by chlo on Tue, 2007-09-18 - 10:04
ive just come off of topamax,and the side effects were terrible,ended up in hospital for three weeks,i have been on rivitrol and teg retard for years.

Sign Up for Emails

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