I was recently prescribed Topamax (the generic, actually) for migraines but I am terrified because even at 25mg twice daily my memory seems affected. Will this go away? Will it get worse?
How significant is the risk of attention & memory loss with Topiramate?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by texnant
- Topics:
- topamax, topiramate
Details:
Responses (3)
Unfortunately slowed thinking, memory problems and trouble concentrating are some of the more common side effects associated with topiramate. These side effects are said to be dose related so technically the more you take, the more likely you are to have the problems.
Your dose at 25 mg twice daily is already at the lower end of the scale, so reducing the dose probably wouldn't be an option.
It is worth mentioning to your doctor. He/she may want to try you on some other medicine.
I have not had any memory loss with my use of Topamax. I have taken this med for over two years now. Just recently switched to the generic form. I currently take much larger dose. I do experience loss of energy with the highest dose (400 mg at bedtime). At times when using the high doses 300-400 mg, and still experiencing headaches, I will experience trouble holding concentration during periods following and preceding headaches. So I am unable to determine if side effect or function of the headache or headache recovery. Topamax has been the most effect medication in my drug treatment even given the side effect present and resolved. Hopefully this is helpful.
Hi. I've been getting migraines since I was 17 and have tried every drug out there. Topamax is really the first preventative that has worked for me. I've been taking Topamax for about 2 yrs now and switched to Topiramate the second it became available (as you know, Topamax was so expensive EVEN with insurance so I was ready for it!). I hate to say but in my opinion your effected memory loss won't go away. I take 100mg total per day and have been on that same dosage for over a year. This will sound silly but I had forgotten that the side effect was short-term memory loss and I was getting so frustrated that I was having trouble remembering things, not knowing why it was happening. I used to be an actress so my memory has never been an issue. Now, I will look at a simple object (anything - towel, toaster, picture frame) and not be able to identify what it is called. I have trouble with names of co-workers that I've worked with for almost 5 years as well. It's humiliating as I work in a professional environment where my memory is extremely ........(can't think of the word....). Needless to say I have word recall issues. What encouraged me to grab my computer and search blogs was I drove on the wrong side of the road last night in a town I should know not to do that. Granted, they have several one-way roads here and there so I am sure I was confused but I feel the Topiramate contributed to it. SO QUESTION TO ANYONE- I've noticed I have to think harder when driving and tell myself which side of the road is the correct side to drive on. Does that make sense or am I crazy????? I certainly feel like I'm getting stupider in my old age and I'm only 33. Sometimes I wonder if these side effects are worth the fact that I don't get as many migraines.
