[tamend]

What is behind the 'serious side effect' of eye pain listed on the topomax warning label?? I felt like I had eye pain this morning and I was going to my eye doctor to pick up a new contact anyway. He told me not to worry about it. He couldn't give me specifics but I also didn't have an appt. I am just curious about why it is listed under 'serious side effects'; what causes it; and what will happen to you if you don't 'seek help immediately'. I seem to be OK now.
Thank you!!

[Rastopop]

Topamax has been linked to a certain type of glaucoma (a buildup of pressure that causes nerve damage).

It should go away when you stop using Topamax. But, if you let it go too long, it can lead to permament damage.

I'm guessing that the reason your doc was dismissive is that:

1. The number of people who were affected *while* taking Topamax (not necessarily *from* Topamax) was so small that it was just barely relevant. At the time the FDA issued its warning, something like 850,000 people had been given Topamax, of which 23 developed the condition.

2. The condition seems to go away when the drug is discontinued.

In other words:

1. You aren't likely to get it.

2. If it seems like you *are*, the drug can be withdrawn.

I don't know how much you're taking (the drug is used for a number of conditions, with different dosages and different frequencies of administration), and even *that* information might not be relevant.

In short, if it bugs you, and if you really think it's serious, then be very firm about wanting to get checked out. You're probably fine since, as you said, you "seem to be OK now," but if it comes back, then schedule an appointment with the doc and get checked out.

That's my advice, anyway...

[MamaCheese]

I've never had any eye pain w/ topamax but have experienced memory loss and slower thinking all of which eased up after getting used to it. I also take ginkoa to help counteract that! I did however have an increase in respiratory problems when my dosage was increased. My cholesterol also went up although nothing else had changed. Has anyone else experienced that? My doctor says they are not related but nothing changed except the increase in topamax. My asthma symptoms are finally under control again but it has been an ordeal. But the topamax does prevent the migraines!