Topiramate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Mar...
• February 17, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I take topiramate and phentermine together and it works great. I lost 50 pounds in 5 months taking them in the morning. I have no appetite all day and night. I have to force myself to eat, and I eat what I want but not a lot of it. My side effect is dry mouth. I was on Qsymia, which is those two drugs combined but very expensive and the insurance won't cover it."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2009

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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 used 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 revisiting 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."

• Nom...
• November 10, 2014

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I started taking Topamax about 3 years ago. Began at 25mg a day for a week. The second week I was supposed to move up to 50, the third week to 75mg, and then finally to 100mg on the fourth week. I never really had to move past 25mg. My migraines all but stopped after a month of being on the medication and at the lowest dose. I had all the side effects - tingling, weight loss (very happy about it too), forgetting certain words, and the nasty taste of soda. That was okay because I only drink it very rarely anyway. I was getting 1-2 migraines a week and now, I may have 1-2 a year. Most of the side effects seemed to have faded with time as well. Very, very pleased with this medication."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 13, 2014

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Topamax for mood disorder for the past six months along with my antidepressant and anxiety meds, and I think it's GREAT! It's improved my mood so much with no side effects. I recommend it to anyone."

• Pig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2019

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed Topamax for migraines. At first, it was amazing, my migraines stopped. But as my dose increased, I began having loss of memory, confusion, and severe panic attacks. These problems persisted for a whole year after stopping the drug. One plus — I have not had a migraine since. This drug changes your brain chemistry. Be really careful."

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2012

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I started this medication for weight loss, bipolar, migraines. Seems like it may just be perfect...hopefully. I just finished my first week and lost 3 pounds! I workout 5-6 days a week, but due to antidepressants making me gain so much weight, regardless of my diet and exercise, I am fat. So today stepping on that scale and seeing 3 POUNDS LIGHTER! I am a very moody person, but the medicine seems to be making it right, moods seem to be very level. And haven't had one migraine! No side effects other than weight loss and loss of appetite... can't complain about that!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ever since I gave birth to my son, I haven’t been able to lose the weight I gained during the pregnancy. I got pregnant at about 125 pounds and had him around 185/190. I then got down to 155 lb, and now I am currently 188. I finally decided to try to lose the weight and had no luck. I tried every diet, drink, and exercise program. I work out, diet, and eat clean. I’m 5’5” and 22 years old. I was always a small person, so this is pretty difficult for me. I’ve been on Topamax for a few days now. I take 100 mg twice a day, once in the evening and once in the morning. It makes things pretty foggy, I don’t feel comfortable driving. I get full very quickly and don’t want to eat really. I’m constantly thirsty, and my mouth is really tingly, as well as my fingers and feet. I’m assuming most side effects will calm down in a few weeks. I’m willing to take it till the weight comes off. My doctor expects to see a minimum of 20 pounds gone in three months. I’ll update in a month."

• mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My Dr. has just prescribed me Topamax for weight loss. I'm the biggest I've ever been at 223 lb. I have always had the tendency to be heavy as I have fought my weight my entire life but now it's becoming threatening to my health. My doctor said the 'foggy' head side effects and kidney stones, etc., are so rare that it's worth trying. He said that the tingling of hands and feet are the most common side effect and they tend to subside. Is this true? Reading some of these reviews has me scared now but my Dr. seems like it should be fine. I'm confused. HELP"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 16, 2014

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "Was put on Topamax for migraines a year and a half ago. I have had maybe one or two headaches since being on this medicine compared to the weekly migraines I was having before the Topamax, and I am down 80 pounds. I only take 100mg a day. I was just diagnosed with bipolar 1, and after reading this forum, I am going to talk to my doctor and see if upping my dose will help with that, since I've seen that it is helping all of you. I am feeling quite confident that this could be my medicine of choice for multiple ailments. Good luck to all in your search."

• car...
• March 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just started 25 mg topiramate for weight loss and nighttime binge eating. I am a 64-year-old former social worker who has struggled with weight loss since age 16. History of depression for which I take 30 mg Prozac. My lowest weight was 120 lb, and highest was 173 lb. Currently, I am 167 lb. Unlike many people, topiramate keeps me awake at night, plus early morning awakening. It has been 16 days, and still no relief with the insomnia. I take the pill at 4:00 PM but tried taking it at noontime today. On the positive side, it has decreased my cravings and appetite. I can sit and watch TV at night and not run back and forth into the kitchen - wow - what a novel experience. So this is what it feels like to be normal with food? Still get up and eat at night, tend to eat healthy, although last night I got into the cookies. First time in 16 days. Not bad. I'm going to keep waiting and hope I can sleep at some point. Anyone else with insomnia and did it go away over time?"

• jse...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on day 4 now, and I am pretty spacey. I feel like I have smoked weed, honestly. However, I started at 277, and I am at 272 this morning. I am taking 50 mg twice a day. So I think what I will do since I have to work is cut them in half and do half in the morning, half at lunch, half at dinner, and half at bedtime so it's not so crazy. Lol. It does cause slight memory loss and a little tingly feeling, but it's not unbearable. I have noticed I do not want any sweets. I crave fruit and veggies, or nothing. I had 36 cookies on my desk Friday and didn't eat one of them... This is very worth it. And the side effects do wear off after a while. That's how I know it's time to take another half. I will update later. Yay, I'm extremely happy!!"

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2012

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "Started taking this about a month ago to level out my moods. I noticed difficulty focusing at first but it stopped. I'm also having tingling hands, feet, and face occasionally but with the way this medicine works it's worth it. Since I've been on it I'm like a new person, this medicine is a Godsend. Try it."

• Anonymous
• February 15, 2011

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Topamax combined with Melatonin have prevented me from waking up and eating in the middle of the night. It has allowed me to diet and make progress. However, side effects have been challenging, mental fog and reduced sex drive are just a few."

• Kyl...
• October 10, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have taken Topamax 200mg 2x daily since 2006. I tried several meds for rapid cycling bipolar and side effects were awful. My experience is Topamax works great for bipolar. I will not change. You must not vary. If I miss or forget, I feel immediately sensitive and emotional and will be prone to depressive behavior or worse, manic with depressive moods and all over the place. For myself, the side effects improved over time after you make it through the tingling toes and fingers in the first month. And also, that brain fog and searching for the right word. I've learned how to stimulate my brain and not feel like I'm always reaching for an adjective I used to know. For me, my body adjusted. And it is so worth it compared to other drugs' side effects like muscle jerking, or gaining 40 lbs, or being a zombie and feeling nothing. My first episode is something I never want to happen again. I will never switch to another med. 13 years on it and I'm great. My therapist says I'm the highest functioning bipolar patient she has ever met!"

• rog...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 21, 2013

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "This is for the Newbies out there. I started this medication when I was 15. Had my first seizure a few days before my 15th birthday. The first side effect you will experience is sleepiness, don't fight it. Let your body get a nap between 1-3, which I found to be the best time. I sleep for 1 hour and still can fall asleep at night. I am 21 now. Some advice to you: whenever you don't feel like eating, I found that sweet tea gets me hungry, find that X factor in you. The weight loss is insane. I lost 40 pounds in 6 months just by breathing. Now, sleep patterns are important. If the average person needs 8 hours, you and I need 9-10 MINIMUM. Also, try to take the dose at the same time every day, you will fall asleep faster. Hang out to see sunrise."

• myb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I actually requested to be put on topiramate to help lose weight knowing it was a side effect and to prevent my horrible migraines. I can say it has worked for both. I started out on 50mg a night on Dec. 21, 2014, and at that time, I weighed in at 227 lbs per Doc scales. At my last check-up on March 31st, I weighed 203. And my migraines were reduced greatly. The thing was my body was starting to get used to the medication, so they did have to up the dosage to help my migraines; I'm now on 100mg a night. The side effects subsided after about two months of taking the medication (slightly tingling in the fingers and feet from time to time, little foggy/forgetful). I cannot taste and have not had one carbonated beverage since the 21st of December."

• Les...
• August 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been obese all my life. Weighed 385 lbs, 5'5'' tall. 30 years old, no kids, divorced. Made an appointment with a new psychiatrist for antidepressants. Uterine cancer diagnosis a year ago, dark times. Oncologist won't perform my major surgery because of my weight and complications during prior surgery (had trouble breathing on the table). Doctor prescribed me Cymbalta for pain and depression, and Topamax 25mg at night to help with weight loss. I lost 10 lbs in 10 days. Keep in mind I had started working out 3-4 times a week for 9 weeks before our appointment. I spend 20 minutes straight on the elliptical and 20 minutes on free weights, cardio, low weight high reps. Soda and coffee taste like crap to me now, and I was addicted to both. I stop eating when I'm full. I feel hungry a lot less."

• Rln...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2020

Topiramate for Fibromyalgia "I have been taking Topamax a long time. I was taking 200 mg, but I was having memory issues, so I asked my doctor if I could try 175 mg, and she agreed. It has worked much better. I was taking it all in the morning, and I was so tired in the day. I read on here that someone suggested taking half in the am and half in the afternoon. I started that 2 weeks ago, and it has made a huge difference in my energy level. I used to stay in bed most of the day. Now I bake and do crafts with my kids."

• sha...
• April 20, 2023

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Topamax was the worst thing that I have ever taken, and I wish I were exaggerating. Everyone is different, but Topamax has messed me up so badly mentally and physically and has not helped with migraines. I have never been suicidal, but I became fearful of what I might do to myself while I was on this medication. I do not recommend this medicine to anyone."

• Vic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I started Topamax on August 18th, and my life has changed! Today is September 2nd, two weeks without a migraine is a miracle. I’m on 50mg. At first, I was having a hard time at work. Brain fog is an understatement. But I would say it’s gone now. Within the first week, my sensitivity to light disappeared. I actually started crying tears of joy while driving because I could finally see in the daytime without a migraine. And the same thing at night. I don’t have to turn the mirror up anymore. I can see! I occasionally get some tingling in my hands and feet, but not bad at all. I will update again on my progress/side effects in a month or two. Good luck to everyone. This has been such a blessing for me."

• Tur...
• June 2, 2016

Topiramate for Fibromyalgia "I love this medicine. My doctor originally gave it to me for weight loss, but it got rid of all my joint pains. I had pain everywhere. It was a miracle drug for me. I am noticing some memory loss and difficulty concentrating, but I'm 52, so it could be age. I'm going to cut back on the dosage and see if I notice changes."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2009

Topiramate for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "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."

• Jes...
• August 20, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I was afraid to take this medication. I went online and looked it up, and read so many bad things about it: hair loss, memory loss, etc. I am so glad I went ahead and gave it a try for myself. I think it's a miracle drug! It's helped stabilize my mood, taken away my migraines, and even helped me lose a few pounds! I haven't had any negative side effects at all from it! I know its effects everyone differently, and for me personally, it's been great. I love it!"

• Cas...
• June 10, 2016

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok, so I am going on my third week of Topamax. I have seizures, uncontrollable migraines, and obesity, so let me begin with saying this. I have noticed a significant change in my body as far as the weight loss goes - 6 pounds since I have been on it and still losing. However, I have lost my appetite, I have no desire to eat. I may eat only once a day, that's the only downside I have noticed. I have noticed a change in carbonated drinks, they don't taste the same anymore. I am currently coming off Tegretol, which was only treating my seizures, and I was gaining so much weight. So, I'm thankful that Topamax is working for me, and I only have to take one pill a day to treat all my ailments."

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started ten days ago. First night, I passed out. Very tired. Next few days in a deep fog and a bit disconnected. I no longer have those side effects. Doctor has me at 50 mg once daily, and I take it in the evening. I literally eat half of what I previously did. I lost about three pounds over the course of a week, no exercise involved. I'm not counting calories; just not interested in junk food. I read a post on another forum to take extra B complex and Biotin to avoid any hair loss as the drug seems to deplete that nutrient in the body. Will post again in another few weeks with more information. I was at the point where I was considering surgery because I had tried everything."