Are Topamax side effects that bad??

As with any medication, you pick and choose. There are benefits and drawbacks to everything. For some people the side effects may be unnoticable and others they are unbearable, at the same time we do not all react to medication in the same way. I'm currently on 300mg of topamax, 200 in the AM and 100 in the PM. The pros. It's helped me get control of my seizures. (I'm having breakthoughs now, but I think it's due to stress or environment) I've lost a mad amount of weight, 200 to 150 :). I have a ton of energy. It's helped me cut out the soda cause it tastes funny. It keeps my blood pressure low. The cons. There is a tingly feeling in my hands feet and face, but not all the time. Weird side effect - my hair won't hold hair coloring. I've had to learn a way around quick word recall. Now people think I put more effort into what I say and how I say things because I am less likey to respond off cuff. Sometimes I do forget where I put things. For me the pros of this medication out weigh the cons. After being on Lamictal and Depakote, Topamax seems a dream come true. So look into the drug information and talk with your dr about it. It is a step therapy drug, so it is something you have to walk up and down with. You shouldn't just jump to a high dose or come off of it all at once. Good luck

The neurologist I'm leaving for a new one put me up to 400mg. of Topomax. Haven't had really any memory problems or tingling but for me, and not to sound grousome, it's caused constipation and stomach pain, and still hasn't done the job. The only "good" out of Topomax is weight loss. I'm hoping to either go back down or off of it.

From my perspective: YES!! Was on it for two years, nausea was the least of my worries. It made me dumb as a box of cat liter, my doctor put me on exelon (what htey give people w/ Alzheimer's) to counteract that effect. She was so adamant about keeping me on the topamax even though I got severe panic attacks (So she put me on lorazapam). I had vision problems, constant corneal abrasians, depression, leg cramps, severe insomnia (was up once for 3 days). It was hell, hell, hell! I'm so glad to be off it. I thank god I never got kidney stones or glaucoma which are known side effects. That said, some people are fine on it. No problems, whatsoever. It's a dream drug for them.