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Reviews for topiramate systemic to treat Migraine Prevention
kellie5585 said:
User Rating:
8.0
topiramate: This is one of the medicines I cycle through for my migraine control. My body gets "used" to them, so about every 4-6 months I have to change drugs. Fortunately I can rotate back after about a year off. This is one of my favorites, because the side effects don't interfere too much with my day-to-day life. Tingling in the hands and feet, decreased appetite, and a bit of increased anxiety (but manageable). For me, the benefits of having my migraines under control (ones that went on for days and weeks, 7-9 scale pain on a regular basis), far outweigh the cost of the side effects.
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Topamax (topiramate): If I had to base my rating on migraine prevention alone I would have to rate it a 10. My migraines were pretty much none existent while on Topamax. HOWEVER, I had extreme side effects: taste change, extreme mood & behavior change, tingling fingers/toes/lips, dizziness, vomiting, and increased eye pressure. I had to be taken off of it and put on Elavil. Like I said, as far as the migraine prevention it was perfect but it came with a price that my doctor and I thought was not worth it.
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Topamax (topiramate): 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): 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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topiramate: 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): 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): 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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topiramate: 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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: 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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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topiramate: 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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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kellie5585 said: 
nurseygurl said: 
