The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.
Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: This medication worked for me for a while, however, my body became accustomed to it, and it stopped working. I also experienced the majority of side effects. Mainly weight loss, but also decreased cognition and spelling abilities. I discontinued this medication specifically because losing my ability to think and communicate was horrible. Before I started this medication, my migraines were never affected by food (caffeine, sugar, etc), however, since discontinuing the medication I can no longer drink coffee/soda and have sugary desserts and foods. I also feel like my speech and communication skills (verbal) have been affected.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: I've been taking Topamax for two months and the weight loss is great, but that's because everything taste's gross. I'm tired a lot and have to work hard to focus. But I can finally sleep at night and feel rested. After reading some of the other comments I now understand why my fingertips sometimes feel numb or weird. I'm still not sure if the weight loss, better sleep are worth the disgusting taste in my mouth and the feeling sometimes that I just want to burst into tears (although that could be just because I work so hard and I'm still broke).
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I am 42 and have suffered with migraines since I was a teenager. When Imitex came out I thought that was a lifesaver and it was, I used to get a migraine and have to go home and hide under the covers for a day or two but Imitex isn't a preventive like Topamax. The only side effects were in the first 2 weeks with subtle numbness and tingles and loss of short term memory. The longer side effect has been the weight loss but I had been overweight by 20 lbs anyway so this has been a blessing! I look great and have only had a few minimal headaches since June.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: Best medication for me yet- I have my life back. Give it time and be patient. Let your body adjust to the drug slowly and be sure to stay hydrated and eat enough even though you might not feel hungry. Drinking smoothies helps. Get enough potassium and you wont feel tingly. I can finally go back to being a student and ballet dancer without seizures! Trust me- this medication can give you your life back.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Diabetic Nerve Damage: Topamax has helped my diabetic nerve damage more than any other drug that my doctor has prescribed for me, and it does not have all the other nasty side effects, including the weight gain. I get enough of that from the insulin. I love taking the Topamax. I'm on a low dose (25 mg) but it sure has helped me.
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topiramate for Migraine Prevention: I found that topiramate was reasonably effective in preventing my migraines, however it completely rid me of any and all appetite. Within the first week I lost about 7 lbs, and within 3 weeks I had lost a total of 20 lbs. I'm not a big guy (5'6", 160 lbs) so it was a very significant weight loss. I became very weak and became ill from fatigue due to no appetite and weight loss. It did lessen my migraines, however I still had them about once a week or so. The weight loss, fatigue and overall effectiveness of the medication caused me to discontinue its usage.
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Topamax (topiramate) : This medication DID eventually help with the migraines BUT I started losing cognitive skills. I lost my ability to process thoughts, complete sentences, was even being lost in the place I lived for 35 years. I was very scared. My mind was clouded all the time. The Doctor thought I was possibly having a break down due to stress. At his same time I had been battling continual Urinary Tract Infections. The Doctor immediately took me off of this drug and everything is coming back to normal! I was told this is a VERY common side effect and eventually I would probably have had kidney stones also.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: HAVE BEEN ON TOPAMAX FOR MIGRAINE PREVENTION FOR MANY YEARS NOW. HAVE NOT HAD SIDE EFFECTS FROM IT. 100 LBS 5 FT. WORKS UP TO NOW FOR ME! LOVE IT!
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: I have been on Topamax for about 4 years. I have a brain tumor and migraines with seizures. I was on Divalproax and had gained weight (178lbs). I am 5'3". When my doctor put me on Topamax, my hands and feet tingled, everything tasted like metal, for about a month or so I also felt like I was on "speed". After the first month or so and some dosage alterations, I am very happy. No seizures, headaches gone, I am now a size 3, yeah, and will be very upset if someone takes my Topamax away.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: Topamax is the only medicine that works for me, I am willing to live with the side effects to keep from going up and down. The worst side effect for me has been trouble comprehending, and mild memory loss. When I lowered the dose from 400 to 100 I don't have comprehending or memory problems now. The great part about Topamax is weight loss, and not gaining weight.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: I have had extremely positive effects from this drug, but I do have to take Prozac with it as it causes mood swings or depression with me.
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topiramate for Bulimia: As I type this it is hard to relay it understandably because of the Topamax. I researched Topamax and heard it suppressed eating and stabilized mood which I figured would helped my bulimia, which I have been getting help for and am in recovery for. The Topamax definitely suppresses the desire to eat and have cravings which is great. You do lose weight. However, it created other problems. I didn't realize it but I was increasingly having a harder time talking to people. I can't do homework, write papers, and my relationship with my boyfriend- we ended breaking up. My hair falls out. I had bad anxiety, I thought I was going insane. I then researched side effects of Topamax and now realized this is what I am experiencing. I'm getting off.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I am 59 now and have have had migranes and grand mals since I was a teenager. I was put on Inderal when I was in my twenties. Diagnosed with bipolar and depression by the time I was 30 and put on Prozac and Imitex. THANK GOD FOR IMITREX. That meant I didn't have to be taken to the emergency room 4 or 5 times a month. I was taken off of the Inderal many years ago when I was put on the Prozac. About 3 years ago my Doctor put me on Topamax 50mg twice a day and as long as I take it as directed I have only gone to the hospital 2 times since I have been on it. I still have have a migraine about once a month but the Imitrex takes care of it.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Obesity: I was not dealing with depression issues at the time of taking this, but after a week I had to quit because I had thoughts of suicide.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: Works wonders on rapid cycling. I really love this medicine. I know it is off label for bipolar, but wow! I take it with another mood stabilizer, antipsychotic and a when required antipsychotic and antidepressant, and it has stabilized my Ultradian cycling that is so hard to treat. I feel normal again. I take 150mg. Also can work in conjunction with other common weigh gainer medicines to cancel out the weigh gain effect - just a tip.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: I've been on this medication for 3 years now for my seizures (50mg/2 daily) and have not had any episodes since. At first I would get a tingling feeling in my fingers and toes (like soda fizz), but it went away once my body was used to the drug. Recently, my pharmacy switched me to the generic version and I hated it. Immediately that first day, I would get crazy headaches, feel dizzy, sick to my stomach and I couldn't concentrate on anything. I went back to my neurologist and got a new prescription for brand name only and have not had any problems since. I was also still using the drug during my recent pregnancy and am happy to report no problems or side effects what-so-ever.
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topiramate for Migraine Prevention: I was prescribed Topamax for chronic migraines 25mg 2xday for 5 days and then 50mg 2xday. Within 2 days, I had no pain at all, a more "stable" appetite with no carbohydrates/sweet cravings, and I had a lot more energy. The only side effects so far were frequent urination, mild leg pain/numbness, and eye sensitivity. By the third day, my eyes were so sensitive, I was constantly squinting and felt like I needed to wear sunglasses indoors. My vision has always been great and now I was having a hard time seeing clearly. In all the reviews I had seen, I never read about anyone having vision problems after taking this. I just want people to be aware of this happening. It did work wonders for my migraines.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: Was taking this medication for a seizure disorder. I was on it for a about 4 0r 5 months, but had to go off of it because of all the side effects. I was extremely depressed, crying at least 7 or 8 times a day. Memory loss, could not sleep, tingling in feet and hands. The only good thing about it was I lost 32 lbs in about 6 weeks.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Diabetic Nerve Damage: After having developed neuropathy post surgery I was suffering daily. I had tried Neurontin with little relief and was prescribed Topamax initially at 25mg. Over the last 6 years I've been titrated up to 300 mg and can tell you that this drug has helped tremendously. Initially I had common side effects, difficulty finding words, I lost weight about 20 pounds, and found that I had some tingling in my hands and feet. These issues generally resolved in time or I have just grown accustomed to them. For anyone who initially has issues with the side effects try and stick with the medicine for a little bit unless totally intolerable, it gets better.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been on Topamax for eight months. Prior to that I was having clusters of migraines (5 to 7 per month). I have had two total migraines since starting the medication. Recently my doctor increased my dosage to decrease the breakthrough migraines. I do have the tingling in my hands/feet, and have lost 35 pounds (but needed to). I also was a soda drinker prior to taking the medicine, but have not drank soda since starting Topamax. I do struggle with memory and finding words. Although the side effects are problematic, they do not outweigh the benefits of not having migraines.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: I started taking this medicine several weeks ago with a combination of Celexa for my depression. The side effects are unwelcome and welcome all in the same time. I have memory loss and can't find the the right words when I'm speaking to people. I feel tired during the day, but at night I'm wide awake. My nails have become thinner, so has my waist line. I've struggled with my weight since I was young, [I'm 17 and I started these pills at 260lbs. I'm now at 231lbs]. These pills make me feel like food is the enemy. I'm also having decreased sensitivity during sex.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: Have been on it for two weeks now, lost 20 lbs, had two episodes. Have short term memory loss, can't think of words, tired all the time, feel like I can't function at work. On 50 mg in the morning and at night (100 mg a day), going up to 150 a day, increasing to 100mg at night. Having problems sleeping at night. I'm getting used to the side effects though. They get better with time, I guess just hang in there. The weight loss is a big plus, I have no appetite at all, I have to make myself eat. Confusion is a big problem, I'm not driving now.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Obesity: I've been on Topamax since March 2009. I've lost 75 of the 110 pounds I need to lose. The side effects are annoying and, in the beginning I really wanted to quit the medication. But as I've lost the weight, I've actually been able to decrease the dosage so a lot of the side effects have decreased as well. Some of them are easier to live with than others. The paresthesia has mostly subsided, but I do still struggle with memory lapses. I quit drinking all carbonated beverages because I do not like the way they taste. That has probably helped with the weight loss anyway. Overall, I am quite pleased. I am also pleased to read that others have been able to maintain their weight on this drug.
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topiramate for Seizure Prevention: I've only had a seizure once, but I take it for seizures and migraines. I am getting off it. I take 400mg a day. The side effects are too much for me. If this works for you and you are on a smaller dosage great. It's made me suffer the entire time I have been on it, granted I do take a higher dosage than probably most of you. I do have to admit, as far as migraines go, I haven't had as many and I normally do.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I'm a 19 year old female who has now been on Topamax for 6 weeks, 150mg daily. I have a daily headache that ranges from pain threshold of 1 to 5, plus nausea, with a haze over my brain which slows down capability and causes general fatigue. Every 3 weeks this works its way up until a major migraine attack of a 9. But with Topamax the daily headache so far has reduced to a 1/2.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: Overall, Topamax has been a very positive attribute to my daily "cocktail" of necessary medicines. It has assisted in stabilizing my mood, and thus helped me to resume a semi normal routine. As for side effects, I experience loss of memory that I am told is due to the Topamax, and is fairly common. Although, irritating at times, it is much more tolerable than my past existence.
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topiramate for Diabetic Nerve Damage: I was recently prescribed topiramate 25 MG tablet for neuropathy caused by type 2 diabetes. I can not find any other place on here where this drug was prescribed for neuropathy, but so far it appears to be helping.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: I was on Lithium Carbonate for 15 years and never felt like a "normal" human being. I felt like a zombie. When I was told by a new psychiatrist to pick out a new medicine for my bipolar illness, I chose Topamax even though it is an off-label treatment for bipolar disorder, it seemed to have the least amount of side affects and I feel WHOLE again. I have been on Topamax for 15 years (I think) and the only adverse effect I have is decreased sweating in hot weather.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I used Topamax for 3 months after working myself up to 150mg/day. It brought my migraines down from 3-4 a week to 2-3 a month, which is great, however after having been in and out of hospitals with horrific abdominal pain my doctor cycled me off of it. I had also lost 20lbs in a 3 week period, but had not noticed a change in my appetite. I am very fit and eat 5-6 times a day to keep up with my metabolism and workouts, so the weight loss was extremely irritating, considering it was nothing but lean tissue. I also could not drink carbonated beverages, and was extremely depressed and emotional (which is very out of character). I did not think the side effects I experienced were worth the benefit.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: Topamax is very good at helping me with keeping my seizures away. My main problem though, is sometimes anywhere between 3:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon I have a "nap crash". Meaning my eyes want to close because I feel drowsy no matter how much I try to fight it and within a few minutes after my eyes close I'm completely unconscious.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I used Topamax for less than a year. I loved it for the first 7 months because it got rid of my headaches and reduced my appetite. Then I began to notice side-effects that made me anxious to get off of it. My fingernails became really thin, I was depressed and my hair was really was falling. I was taking 600 mg of Topamax which sounds like more than a lot of people but I found out online that many other people experienced the same symptoms on lower doses. I had to ween myself off Topamax and am starting Elavil.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: The main issue I had with this is the side effects. It caused my hands and feet to tingle and feel numb for hours on end. It made me drowsy and extremely moody due to it. I'm not sure if it really worked because after two weeks I stopped taking Topamax because the side effects were so intense.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I've been on Topamax for 2 weeks now after switching from Elavil. Now I'm seriously questioning that decision despite the problems Elavil caused me. The insomnia is outrageous. I have to set an alarm to take my morning dose at 5 a.m. so that my evening dose can be taken around 3 p.m. This way it's effects have kind have faded off by bedtime and with the help of some prescribed sleeping pills I'm lucky to get a tiny bit of sleep. Of course, along with that I have tingling, slight numbness (not enough to even complain about), dizziness, decreased appetite, taste aversion, and weight loss of course. I haven't had too many experiences with confusion yet. On a positive note, my migraines haven't returned.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I just took my first dose of Topamax last night and have already started to notice some of the side effects. I normally am ADDICTED to Red Bull. Now I can't even stand the taste, just after one dose. My mouth has also been tingling all day and I ate just one pop tart and got extremely full. Reading every one else's reviews is comforting. I am also still on propranolol because my migraines were coming back.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: I started on this medicine in 2004. It has been a roller-coaster ride. The first, and most immediate thing was I stopped smoking, and discontinued drinking anything carbonated. I rapidly lost about 30lbs, my nails became so thin I could not hold paper. I started taking supplements as the weight loss, caused nutrition loss. Tingling in hands and feet still persist, especially when I am cold. Around 2007 I entered into a psychotic break, there are other contributing factors here, so my doctor took down the dose from 200mg to 75mg where I am still at today. I have regained some weight, but that is due to another medicine that I now take with this.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I was on Topamax for 6 years and it worked very well until this past winter when I realized the migraines were starting to increase in frequency again, so my doctor has switched me to Bystolic and I'm tapering off the Topamax. But for a long time Topamax was wonderful. The first 3 months were hell and my boyfriend almost left me but I started taking a small amount of antidepressants and that seemed to calm me down. Or maybe it was a coincidence. Anyway all of the side effects did go away except for the difficulty remembering words. I am looking forward to not having to fumble for words any more, but it was a small price to pay for no migraines.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I too had migraine headaches since a teenager. I would leave work vomiting and have to stay in bed, pillow over the head for 3 days (monthly). Back then, nurses couldn't ask for medication for headaches we would be considered 'seekers'. Phenergan was a God send then. When Imitrex came out I thought I found the Holy Grail. Topamax has beat it. NO Headaches, I have my life back. Thank You Pharmacologists, Researchers, Chemical Engineers...
BETTER LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY!!
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bulimia: I have been suffering with bulimia for five years. I am 22 years old and a college student and I will take the memory loss, there is always spell check. I cannot describe the pain I go through, the guilt, the shame, and I never ever really thought it would get to this point, five years. I know someone's mom who is dying that has has several organ transplants and has been bulimic for over 30 years. I don't want that to be me. I can't stop. I never wanted it to get this far. With Topamax I am gaining weight. It works, it's like instant gratification.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Obesity: I have struggled with weight loss for years. Food cravings are one of my "symptoms." Topamax really did help with this, however my energy and memory are not what they use to be. Originally I thought it was a trade off I could adjust to but the fuzzy memory for me is frustrating. I sometimes say words that I am thinking about and don't even realize it. Then argue that I didn't say it, only to find out I did. Silly, but worth revisitng my physician about. I struggle with the same 10-20 lbs but won't give up. I would recommend trying it to people who are serious about weight loss. It helps you push your plate away and not obsess about food. That was an experience I had never had before, but I need my memory.
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After suffering with migraines for over 10 years Topamax has been a life saver. I had tried several other medicines but they would only work for a while and then stop working for me all together. I have been on Topamax for over a year now and went from 4 or 5 migraines a month to one every couple of months. I am currently taking 200mg/day (100mg in the morning and evening). Side effects are minimal compared to the agony of having migraines all the time.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I'm 19 and have been suffering from migraines for the past couple years. I've been taking Topamax for 6 months now, went from 25 to 75 mg daily now, and have noticed some reduced frequency in my migraines. I'm also pretty thin to begin with and can't afford to lose any more weight. I've lost 15lbs already and noticed the 2 days I ran out of the medicines. I actually felt hungry and ate. I think it's time to consider some other options.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I've been taking Topamax for a little over a year. When I first started taking it I experienced terrible side effects for about three to six months. They killed me especially with my grades. I couldn't focus in school, but it worked wonders with my migraines. I will get one every once in a while but hardly ever, plus I lost like twenty pounds. Totally worth it to be migraine free.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: I have been taking Topamax now for ten years. I love it. It has controlled my seizures and the side effects are minimal. I still get tired but not as bad as the other drugs I have been on.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been migraine free for 6 months (previously I had 3-4 migraines per month). I also lost 25lbs and look great.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: Was taking 100mgs but was slow moving all day. Causes confusion and difficulty with short memory. Cut down to 50 mgs a day. Been on Topamax for a year. Still about the same side effects. Still get migraine every week too. Think time to ween off the pill popping.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I've been using Topamax for about a year now and have not really seen a difference in my pain threshold. I get very shaky when I take a dosage and still experience migraines.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: This medication has really helped my seizures plus my migraines. It is really convenient because I have both problems and I don't have to take two medications for both problems. Topamax is great.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: Only recently has the makers of Topamax been disclosing the potential risks of Acidosis, Renal Tubular Acidosis and bone disease. After being on this drug for 6 years or so, I developed kidney stones (another side effect) on five different occasions. My urine citrate levels dipped to 18. 550 and higher is normal. I had become so ill, I was close to renal failure. Calium and vitamine D levels were dangerously low. My bones developed osteomalasia, or softening of the bones.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I've been taking this medicine for 3 months. Before I got headaches nearly 3 to 4 times a day, not to mention I'm a full time mom. But being on this medicine I've noticed no pain. No hair loss but do have tingling in mouth.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: I have to take a very low dose or suffer from stomach problems and diarrhea. If I miss just one day can allow mild seizures to come through. Otherwise it works well.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I was just started on this medicine on February 13th, 2009. 25mg a day then after one week to increase to 50mg. Read some of the side effects here figured they must surely be on someone who is definitely on a higher dose. Anyway, I am a person who is highly addicted to drinking coca cola. I drink like a 2 liter bottle a day. Well, not any more. This medicine has cured me of that in 2 days. All carbonated beverages taste flat like Robitussin cough medicine. Good side is that'll help me lose weight and the better side is I have yet to have my headache.
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topiramate for Migraine Prevention: I've been on Topamax for 7months for migraines (3-12 per month) and almost daily headaches. Severity of migraines has lessened, but not frequency. No change whatsoever in daily headaches. Yes, all drugs have side effects. Just watch out for ones your doctor may not talk to you about (because they may not know about them). For instance, Topamax has been known to cause visual disturbances. I began experiencing severe palinopsia to the point it nauseated and disoriented me, and even after I presented him with the research my doctor told me he had never heard of any patients experiencing that. Do your own research, go with your gut, stick to your guns... you know your body. You'll know if the drug isn't for you.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: I have a daughter that was suffering severely with Bipolar Disorder (started at age two and was diagnosed at age 12), which included severe anger, depression and mania. We had tried her on nearly every other Bipolar medicine on the market, with no results. We took her completely off every other drug, and started her on Topamax as a solitary treatment and within 30 days she was a new person, and has been stable on Topamax now for over 5 years. We started at 25mg and worked our way up until we had the proper dose. At age 19 she takes 200 mg per day...100mg in the morning and 100mg in the evening.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: Once I got past the side effects while titrating up to my standard dosage, I love it! The side effects were rough, but you MUST start with a low dose and work up gradually, I would suggest not more than 50mg a week, until you reach your target dose. I loved that it took also away my over- stitmulated appitete and I was able to reduce my BMI to 24.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Tourette's Syndrome: I have MS and often shake. I have a full time job and often had to listen to people ask me "had a little to much coffee?" or "are you cold?". Since I started taking two doses of Topamax - one in the morning and one in the evening my shaking has greatly diminished.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: Topamax saved my life. I am 43 years old and have suffered from migraines since I was 18. I found Topamax this past June. Now it has been 7 months and life without migraines is wonderful. No more fear of when the Big One will hit. The weight loss (20lbs) was nice too. My worst side effect is the stumbling and grasping for words. My kids die laughing. So do I. My husband doesn't understand that part but it's ok. As long as the headaches don't come. I still have small, treatable headaches (part of another problem that I hope soon goes away). Topamax is my hero. Take away my car, my clothes, my house...but don't take away my Topamax.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: This medication has been working very well for me in preventing migraines with little side effects. The only thing is that it's really expensive.
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Topamax (topiramate) : After 25 years of suffering with migraines I've finally found something that works, bearing in mind I'm only 27. Although when my dose is increased I have really bad gastroenteritis and my taste has completely changed not to mention my weight loss, this is a really powerful drug. I believe it is working for me.
Ok, I am now updating my review...I am now 37 years old and I still take the Topamax daily, 25 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night. It works for me really well. Maybe 1 migraine a month and it is very manageable with Relpax. I still get a little bit of tingling in my hands and feet, and my weight has stabilized. I love Topamax. The only complaint I have is the price.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been on Topamax for nearly a month now and love it. I have some of the side affects. I was on it a long time ago. My doctor put me back on it again. I only need to find out about the dosage. She has me on 50mg 2 times a day. I think I need to be on 25 mg twice a day.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I was put on topamax for about 3 weeks for excruciating migraines that I would get just about daily. While it was pretty effective at decreasing my headaches (I only had about one or two in the three weeks I was on it), I experienced side effects from it. I was taken off it for a few days and then put back on to see if I still had the same problems. A little bit of lip tingling but nothing major. When I upped the dose like I was supposed to my gums started hurting so my doctor took me off it and put me on Depakote.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder since I was 16 and now that I'm 25. I feel good to have found a medication that helps me. The only problem I have is the fatige. I could sleep alot on this medication. I guess thats still better than being depressed and irritable.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: After 25 years of suffering with migraines I've finally found something that works, bearing in mind I'm only 27. Although when my dose is increased I have really bad gastroenteritis and my taste has completely changed not to mention my weight loss, this is a really powerful drug. I believe it is working for me.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Obesity: I have never had the feeling of being full and have fought obesity since childhood. I had a successful gastric bypass in 1980 (but with serious lifelong medical complications) and lost 170lbs at after the operation. Over the years I've gained and lost up to 70lbs but never held a steady weight. I saw a psychiatrist 6 years ago (for other reasons) and shared this with him. He told me about Topamax and explained that it did not work in everyone, but had with some of his patients with true food disorders. He started me at 5mg/day and increased the dosage by 5mg/ week. When I reached 150mg/day I noticed that I consistently pushed my plate away or stopped eating when I was full. It has been a miracle, and my weight hasn't varied more than 5lbs in 7 years.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been using Topamax for 1 year and I have not had a migraine in a year. Before taking Topamax I was in bed for 9 months with a migraine headache.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been taking topamax for three years (75mg daily). I lost 25 lbs and I get maybe a few headaches a month. I also take Imitrex. I used to get fifteen headaches a month. I also take neurontin now for nerve pain and muscle pain and head pain. Topamax is worth trying for migraines. The side went away after a month.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: Like many of you, I've suffered since I was a teenager with migraines 3-5 times a week. Some would be so serious I would end up in the hospital a few times a year. I even lost a job because of my migraines. I had to plan my life around them. Now at 35, I've been on Topamax for 6 years and it's changed my world. It's given me a life back. I'll still get an occasional headache that requires me to break out the Imitrex, but nothing serious. I haven't had too many problems with side effects other then having a little less quick recall/memory, but not enough to really matter. Potassium seems to help with the side effects. My main side effect is getting rash/hives from overheating.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Vulvodynia: I was diagnosed with a condition called vulvadynia about 5 years ago. It's pain in and around the vaginal region. The doctor tried me on all types of medicines. Mostly antidepressents for nerve pain. I was on amitriptyline, effexor and so on. They all worked to some extent but now my pain doctor, who was the one who put me on the pills, has put me on Topomax, which is working real well for me. I have no pain but sometimes I do feel a little uncomfortable, and have bad days but not too often. If it's not working then she will try something else. My dosage is 100mg once a day before bedtime. I don't notice side effects because I take alot of different medicines.
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topiramate for Migraine Prevention: I have been using Topamax since February 2008 (this is August 2008) until recent stress reached an all time high Topamax had been working great. But with added stress of the death of my husband's father, my bipolar son going off to residental treatment, my other bipolar son having to come off of his Lithium due to his kidneys...well I am sure you can guess I have had several break through migranes.
Still, overall I have been pleased. I have lost about 40 pounds. I went from 228 down to 189. For a 39 year old, 5'3" woman. that'a a big difference.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have only been on this medicine for about a month and a half. I was having about 6-8 migraines a week. I cannot tell you how much difference Topamax has made in my life. I feel like a new person. Some side effects , little tingling, my tongue feels weird, but only a few mini migraines here and there now and well manageable. Love it.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have used Topamax off and on for the past 5 years. Off (due to pregnancies.) I am once again on and love the drug. Although the side effects are something to get used to, tingling in the hands, etc., those can be corrected with the correct dosage. The best side effect is the weight loss which certainly helps. My migraines have completely gone away. I have been a migraine sufferer since I was 5 years old (some 27 years). Topamax is a wonder drug!!
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I've been using Topamax for about 4 months after suffering for about 20 years. The migraines had started to come every week and I couldn't function for days. This medicine allowed me to function again without having to worry about when the next big headache was going to come. Side effects haven't been too bad, some tingling, and I can no longer drink anything carbonated, but well worth it.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: Have used Topamax for over 2 years, in conjunction with Wellbutrin. Never knew that life was quite like this. I am now almost 53 years old. To think that I lived so many years never being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I am so happy that life is so wonderful because of Topamax. Only side effect has been weight loss but, that really is a good thing. It is wonderful to be back at my true weight because the bipolar disorder is now managed.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Trigeminal Neuralgia: I have taken it for 1 and 1/2 years for migraine. Also, after developing chronic lower back pain from degenerative discs it has really helped me cope with the pain.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: Love this. I have been on Seroquel and gained a tremendous amount of weight and turned into a zombie. I lost 20 lbs in 1 month and feel the best I have felt in a long time.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder: I have been off and on Topamax for about 5 years now and I must say that it works better for bipolar mood stabilization than any other one out there. The one thing I love the most about this medicine is that it is helping me lose weight. They need to put in the time to verify that this drug is in fact a mood stabilizer because it certainly does help with bipolar disorder.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been taking Topamax for about 6 years now. My current dosage is 200mg/day - the dosage was recently increased during a high-stress time. The main side-effects I notice are slight tingling in fingers, which only lasts a few moments. I have gone from 5-6 migraines a week to only 1 or 2 a month. Certainly worth it.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I highly recommend over many of the other medicines that are supposed to do the same thing. Does not cause weight gain either.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I delt with migraines for so many years that I can not even remember. Due to the cost of Topamax at one point I quit taking it. I am back on it now. It is a life saver for me. I have had some of the side effects, weight loss, tingling finger, cold feet, taste change, etc. but they are all worth it not to have the life stopping migraines anymore. Once the dosage is regulated it is wonderful. I have probably had 2 migraines in the past year and neither have been untolerable.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: I have been on this medicine for about a week now. I was on it before for about 3-4 years. After the inital side effects which lasted probably about a month the only one that lasted was that I had a lot of energy, which always isn't so bad. Everyone reacts to medicines differently though. I didn't have such a bad experience with this one.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Trigeminal Neuralgia: I suffered a stroke in '04 and my neurologist prescribed Neurontin to deal with the resulting numbness and tingling on the right side. A year later, and after emergency gall bladder surgery, he put me on a low dose of Topamax instead. It worked well, but I've had to eventually increase the dosage. The side effects were minimal; I needed to lose the 35 lbs I lost (and my wardrobe needed updating :0), and the additional tingling is nothing compared to what I feel when I don't take it. Expensive!
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been using Topamax for 7 months now and it has nearly eliminated my headaches. I read about the side effects prior to taking the drug and I was committed to taking the medication for at least a month to see what would happen. I had the typical side effects of tingling, change of taste but over the course of time all of these have pretty much gone away along with my headaches. The drug is expensive but it is well worth it for me.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: After suffering with migraines for over 10yrs Topamax has been a life saver. I had tried several other meds (Zomig, Imitrex, etc.) but they would only work for a while and then stop working for me all together. I have been on Topamax for over a yr now and went from 4 or 5 migraines a month to one every couple of months. I am currently taking 200mg/day (100mg in the morning and evening). Side effects are minimal compared to the agony of having migraines all the time.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been taking Topamax for about 2 full months now. I had a sudden onset of massive Migraine's.In one month alone I went 27 days with Migraine's, I was a nonfunctioning person. I ended up in the hospital for 2 days finally,I started taking this wonder drug!I have only had 2 bad Migraine's in 2 months.I am able to go to work and most of all function at home.I do find however that I have memory issues, and speech issues, ThankGod everyone around me is very understanding and we laugh about it.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: There are a few ways to get rid of one of the most annoying side effects, the tingling hands and feet. Potassium- I used to eat a banana or drink fruit juice high in potassium.
All of my side effects went away after 2 yrs on Topamax. It is hard to ween off of. I have not taken a pill for 2 mths and have far less headaches than before Topamax!!
Great drug! I lost almost 30lb but once we found the right dosage I leveled out and stayed that weight for a yr before weening off.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: WONDERDRUG!! Every drug has side effects people! The side effects from this one wore off for me after about 2 months..you gotta stick through it to get used to it, once you do it's totally worth it. I went from having almost daily headaches and weekly severe migraines to maybe 1 migraine every couple of months that even then it was very minimal. Totally worth trying!
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I've been taking Topamax for about a year and a half now and it has drastically cut down the frequency of my migraines and that is so worth the side effects I've noticed. Yes, I've had the tingles and some facial twitches, I've lost about 20 lbs. and have trouble with word retrieval & memory... but is it worth it? Absolutely! I currently take 250 mg/day -- all at night to help minimize the noticeability of the side effects. A good option, IMO.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I've had daily chronic migs for over 39 years now & have tried everything under the sun. Although Topamax doesn't get rid of my migs it allows them to be manageable. When they not, Imitrex is there. I LIVE on those two. Yes, Topamax has its side effects; I esp like the one where I forget words and objects. I've been on it for about 6 years now & although it doesn't work the best, it works better than anything else i've been on. I take 400 mgs daily. Have a pos outlook on life, it helps a lot!! :o)
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Topamax (topiramate) for Seizure Prevention: Topamax has really decreased my seisure activity, and as a bonus my headaches. However; I do still take a nap everyday after school. It is a must.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been taking Topamax 50 mg. 2 X daily for over a year now and found that it has helped me alot with a few exceptions. They are weight loss, kidney stones, tingling in hands & feet & frequent urination. I found that other medications din't help (Depakote). I also take this with Inderal(B/P Med) and Catapres TTS Patch(B/P Med) cause I also suffer high Blood Pressure and these two medications also are good migraine fighting meds. I do recommend the Topamx.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I love Topamax! I can finally sit through school without getting a migraine. It might make concentrating a little more difficult, but no harder than trying to concentrate with a migraine! The only side effect I can complain about is the tingling in my hands and feet, but that usually only lasts about 15 min. I haven't experienced any hair loss (thank god)and I also can't complain about the appetite loss.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I do not recommend Topamax as a solution to migranes. Although it did help keep the frequency of the headaches down at first, in the long run, I had just as many migranes as usual and there were too many side effects to make it worthwhile. My short term memory was practically shot, my hands would tremor and go numb as some points, and i experienced irregular heartbeat, trouble focusing, and sleep issues.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: After 8 years, five different doctors, and just about every possible prescription and home remedy, I finally found something that works. I have been taking Topamax for five months and love it. The only side effects have been a change in my taste buds and the tingling sensation. My doctor wanted to increase the dosage. However, after reading about the drug, I think the severities of the side effects are directly related to the dosages. My dosage is 25 mg twice daily and sometimes I only take it one a day. For those who are still suffering, I am sorry. Don’t give up hope. Something has to work and until then try the pain medication.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: Hi I have taken topamax for almost a year, not only is it expensive, my husband wanted me to stop taking it. He said I was acting like a witch, and I did not notice any change in my migraines just weight loss. I also had difficulty speaking and could not think of what I wanted to say. I no longer take it but I am still looking for something to help with my migraines.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I have been taking Topamax for about 10 months now for migraine prevention. I have had several undesirable side effects, including irregular heartbeat, shallow breathing, tingling extremities, memory loss, and even hair loss. It helped only during the first few months, but now I get just as many migraines as before.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: Topamax has been a life saver for me! I am living alone without fear for the first time in my life. I can go outside during the day and not feel like crying from the pain of 24/7 migraines. I can drive without fear of not being able to get myself home. The side effects I have had are weight loss (I needed it anyway). Some memory issues (I write thing down more) and last the big one. I have lost almost all my hair. It’s very traumatic, but after years of pain and fear I am free to live my life and if I have to live it in a wig so be it!
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I started topamax about 4 weeks ago for consistent, daily "addle-brained" headaches. Before that I was taking Depakote but I had gained a lot of weight. The topamax seems to be working well but I am doing very silly things, like throwing my wash in the trash and getting very emotional over the silliest things. Also, difficulty in speaking.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: I took Topamax for about 10 days to prevent migraines. I had several undesirable side effects (trouble focusing, problems with word retrieval, sleepiness). But the worst was feeling depressed. I stopped taking it.
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Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention: Two of my sisters have been taking Topamax for a couple years for migraines. Both have seen their appetites decrease thereby causing them to lose weight, which they both needed to do.
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CM11 said: 
Peeper Lady said: 
