I have been taking 100 mg of topiramate daily for about a decade I think. I can't remember how long because my memory is terrible but it has been a very long time. About a year ago I had to begin ditropan XL 10 mg daily for my incontinence issue. I had to pee about fifteen times a day and there were times I didn't make it to the toilet. At night I had become a bedwetter. The ditropan has helped with all of that. I have my suspicions that the Topamax may be the reason for the kidney problems. But then it may just be old age. All input will be appreciated.
Does Topamax cause bladder control problems?
Question posted by Vicki_June on 25 Sep 2013
Last updated on 22 September 2024 by Gonzaga10
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12 Answers
I am a Pharmacist and have been on Topamax for more than 10 years for severe migraines. I am willing to put up with a lot of side effects because I’ve had these headaches since I was three years old and Topamax is the first thing that really made a difference. HOWEVER, I have had dysuria, or painful bladder syndrome off and on all the while I’ve been taking it. I usually take OTC AZO when it’s bothering me but for the past month it came on with a vengeance and nothing will calm the pain. I was on 200mg a day and I backed down to 150mg/day a year ago successfully. I read from someone’s post here about Desert Harvest Aloe Vera Caps so I am very anxious and hopeful to try these. Otherwise my next step will be to decrease my dose further. Yes, in answer to some other questions from people with similar issues or kidney stones this is all reversible if you stop Topamax. I too have had several kidney stones over the years but those I could battle through. This is never letting up and very wearing. Already went to ER and this issue is not a kidney stone.
Im so sorry to hear about the bladder issues so many people are having while on topamax. I myself have been urinating more frequently however i attribute it to all the water I have been drinking as topamax gives me an insatiable thirst. There are times that I go to pee and very little comes out and its surprising since I drink gallons of water. I notice people have mentioned bladder infections. Have any women noticed yeast infections that might be caused by topamax? I have been taking 100mg daily for 1 month for weight loss. I've lost 15 pounds so I'm ecstatic about that but I haven't had a yeast infection in over 20 years so I wonder if there is a connection.
I have been using Topamax for years and was diagnosed with Bladder Pain syndrome. I found out it was due to the Topamax. when I went off the Topamax I was fine. But If I stay on Topamax I have to take a supplement called Desert Harvest Super Strength freeze Dried Aloe Vera. 3 caps 3 times a day to heal my bladder. My Urologist told me about this instead of the harmful medication for bladder pain syndrome.
I've been diagnosed with Painful bladder syndrome too. My urologist never said anything about me being on topiramate (it's name here) and I was on a high dose( 375mg a day) but me and google decided to approach my normal doc about it who said there is a vague relation to it and I am giving it a try going down to 200mg a day. I noticed some improvement so far so your comment helps. I'm on elmiron for the pain of IC which helps.
I have been taking 100 mg a day for 26 months now. I am having a lot of pain and pressure like I need to pee really bad but I can’t pee the majority of the time. Very painful and uncomfortable. Has anyone who has had these issues from Topiramate stop taking the topiramate? If so, did you get better after discontinuing the medication?
I just started taking Topamax and it is the cause of frequent bathroom issues. I am also having problems sleeping. So every one seems to be having them same problems with this medication, yes it works well. But it causes a lot of issues. I’m going to asks my Dr. for something else for my migraine. God bless guys.
Absolutely messes with your bladder. I feel like I have to go every 1/2 hour with lots of urgency and then very little comes out. But, if I don't get up when I feel the pressure, I have bladder leakage. My urine is so dark, almost gold color and this has all been since taking Topamax. I also seem to wake up every hour on the hour. I'm taking it for severe leg cramps at night, but I'm not sure these side effects are worth it. Now, I'm afraid to venture out without wearing a Poise.
Hi! I am not a dr or health professional
This is only my own experience. I’ve had bladder problems since being on
Topamax with frequent urination. I went to a urologist for testing and she did confirm that topamax can cause frequent urination however i would defiantly talk to your doctor about this. It’s worth getting checked out just to be sure
I Kno this is a old Post but I'm having the same problem. I suffer from severe migraines, and they just changed my does from 50 mg to 150 mg, and now I'm constantly in the bathroom every 20-30 mins and I'm waking up all through out the night to go as well. I don't Kno what to do. I'm to the point I'm need to get ahold of my doctor and tell them the dose is just to high for me. Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks!!!
Did you stop taking topiramate?
I started Topamax 3 weeks ago for nerve pain. The pain went away immediately, but now I’m a slave to the bathroom. My bladder hurts like I have to go even when I just finish going. I haven’t been able to sleep for the last week. I’m going to have to go off. I hate it, because nothing else has controlled my trigiminal nerve pain so completely.
Im so sorry. Im in the same boat as you can tell. I have a family event and am traveling so when I get home I’m tapering getting off as well- didn’t want taper while I was away from home traveling.
If you would let me know how it goes? Was your doctor aware of the bladder connection? Mine was not
Old thread I know but im on a 100mg of topamax 50 mg twice daily and am having an issue all of a sudden with frequent urination. No uti and working with my PC dr in regards to next steps. Is this a side effect of topamax. I see it listed on several sights as one. Would like some updates feedback please. Thank you!! Of course will take dr direction
I just started having issues this pass year! I ran out of my prescription for a week and started back this week. I am back to going to the bathroom every 20 mins! This has to be it.
It must be. I’ve never had a issue with UTI or urgency or frequency and now since being on topamax it’s become an issue. Topamax is otherwise working for me. I’m working with my PC and will be following up with Physc Dr but yes this must have something to do with it I would think? But only my opinion
I was wondering what happened to you. I just saw your post. I have been taking 100mg for about 12 years and have been experiencing bladder pain/ uti's for six years now. It has been awful. I have been unable to get any answers. For some reason I googled topamax and bladder today and saw a connection! Was that yours? I am so upset that this could have been it all along. I am also terrified that I may gain the 25 lbs back I lost on the medication if I stop.
Hello Vicki Jane
You are correct Topamax can cause frequent urination. It is one of the rarer side effects of this medication.
Take care.
Thanks Emeraldgirl. I have decided to get off the dopomax because I knew it was messing with my memory. Now that I know it is messing with my kidneys too, it is out of here. I have an appointment with my pdoc tomorrow. I am wondering if there is irreversible damage done or if I will return to normal and be able to get off of my bladder control med. Have a blessed day.
Hello Vicki Jane
From my understanding it has not damaged your kidneys it just make you produce more urine. However feel free to ask your doctor if this is the case. There are many alternatives to Topamax.
Take care and have a blessed day also
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