Topiramate for Migraine Prevention User Reviews (Page 4)

• Danell
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2024

Topamax (topiramate) "I just want to say, I feel that for me, this medication is a miracle. I don't understand how anyone could hate it? It calms me and gives me a feeling of wellbeing. It's like a good hug, and I have noticed many positive effects from it."

• Cherb...
• December 22, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) "I fell four feet backwards off of a straight truck and whacked the back if my head off of a concrete parking lot and gave my self a concussion. Long story short, I have had a rough go at the post concussion symptoms and the migraine/cluster like headaches have played a MAJOR role. Theres days where I just lay around in the dark and do nothing. The pounding just takes over and that's all that matters. You are not even you anymore. I was prescribed Topamax on Nov.18th and started one week on 25mg. Nothing changed. Then two weeks on 50mg, again nothing changed. This is my third week on 100mg and I am FINALLY migraine free. The side effects do wear off after time. You just have to give this medicine time. Worth it."

• Jen
• July 20, 2017

Topamax (topiramate) "I'm writing about my 18 year old daughter who is currently on Topamax. She has suffered from migraines since she was about 12 years old. They would take her out for 2-3 days each, occurring anywhere from 2-6 times a month. When she was first given Topamax we thought it was the greatest medication ever. Problem solved, she felt that the tingling fingers, and face as well as the flat soda taste was well worth not suffering from migraines. HOWEVER - and I can not stress this enough as she increased her dose, she exhibited personality changes. She became depressed and overall just wasn't herself. Thankfully we recognized this and are working with her Dr. to back off the Topamax. We will be looking into other options. Not worth it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 13, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) "I have been taking Topamax for 2 years now after trying many different medications. Yes I got some of the side effect mainly thought process was slow and word confusion that was real frustrating it is worse under stress. The all over tingling is not as bad anymore but not have headaches every day, you have to weigh you options."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 28, 2012

Topamax (topiramate) "I started taking Topamax in January of 2012 for migraines, I was getting one a day. I did experience the brain fog at first, but I found that after about a month or two, I was mostly back to normal. I have experienced the weight loss and loss of appetite, and I'm also lactose intolerant, so I'm trying to work on eating a healthy amount. I have found that drinking a lot of water really helps with the tingly feeling in my feet and hands!"

• Beran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) "Had migraines for 7 years. Take Fioricet for pain, which works well, but I wanted to try prevention. My doctor had already tried Gabapentin, Sumatriptan, and Propranolol, all of which had side effects but did nothing for migraines. Next came Topamax. Side effects were: Slight change of taste (sodas tasted flat, bread tasted sweeter), and gradual loss of memory and concentration, such that it was hard to read or study an issue at work and be able to understand it. It did not affect my eating habits or energy levels, did not affect my weight at all. It also did nothing for my migraines. It severely impeded my ability to think and thus my ability to work in the tech field, so I stopped taking it, and my work performance improved drastically."

• Marie
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 31, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) "I felt compelled to write a review, as I was on topamax (or should I say dopamax?!) for about 2 years. I started this medication when I was 21 and was so desperate to find something that would actually help my on-going migraines. Personally, the side effect symptoms FAR outweighed the benefits. I started out on 25mg a day and gradually increased to 100mg. As soon as I got on this, the side effects came rolling in. Before I knew it my memory was completely gone. In daily conversation I couldn't think of simple words, names or phrases. I knew what I wanted to say but couldn't form the words to do so. The worst of all, it really affected my grades in college. I used to have awesome memorization skills. Unfortunately I would study for hours upon hours, and still wouldn't do well as I would have "brain fog" during tests, etc. Another side effect I experienced was weight loss. I lost around 25 lbs., HOWEVER I don't believe all of this was ultimately from topamax. I'd definitely say it suppressed my appetite, but I really changed my eating habits and worked out daily. It helped with my first few pounds and got me motivated to do the rest. On the plus side, I saw a significant difference in the amount of migraines I received. It was a night and day difference in that aspect. However, approaching a year and a half on this medication I couldn't take it anymore and had to get off. It wasn't worth it anymore. I don't think tapering off or stopping cold turkey on this really makes a difference. My mom stopped cold turkey and I tapered off, as my doctor instructed me. I rebounded off this HORRIBLY, as did my mom. I was STARVING constantly after no longer taking it. This didn't just go away either. My body didn't feel levelled out and "detoxed" of this for honestly about a year after. I not only gained back all my weight I lost, but plus some. Although everyone's body reacts differently, I highly do NOT recommend taking this. Not even for those desperate for weight loss. Losing weight from a medication like this is not sustainable long term. I'm 24 now and am still affected by my choice of taking this. Topamax has ultimately ruined my memory to this day. I still cannot remember words or things. It changed me. Do not take this! There are other answers out there."

• RoseQ
• February 3, 2013

Topamax (topiramate) "Topamax has significantly reduced my migraines from 1 a month to 1 every 18 months. I have also found that it helps you - to not over eat or drink alcohol. I am very happy being on Topamax for all these reasons. I initially did have tingly feet, a small price to pay, but rarely get that sympton now. I am on 50 mg a day."

• Ash
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2020

Topamax (topiramate) "Started taking this just before my first semester of college. It was super effective in getting rid of the migraines but the side effects quickly became too much. I experienced occasional numbness in my hands which eventually spread all the way up to my elbows, memory loss and confusion. I would zone out in the middle of conversations and it got to a point where I would drop words and even phrases from my sentences as I spoke. At its worst, I sobbed through writing an essay as my mom tried to help me piece my thoughts together into something coherent and stop me from dropping entire sentences as I wrote. Quite possibly the worst experience of my life."

• Paisley
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2019

"Zero sleep, seizures, migraines, hallucinations, my mind going 24/7, heart racing, diarrhea, restlessness, brain fog, I could go on!! And now I have to come off it. What a mess. Sending healing to anyone having to deal with chronic pain"

• melaps
• April 2, 2008

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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2013

Topamax (topiramate) "I went from 1 or 2 migraines a year to about 9 a month. After a year or so of this my doctor had me try Topamax. I've been on 25 mg., once a day, for the past three weeks and I'm very happy with it. I've only had the beginnings of 3 migraines (immediately took my Relpax) and they went immediately away. I feel like I've got my life back. My only side effects are a slight loss of appetite (which I'm not unhappy about) and a little tingling in my feet. Well worth it."

• Bev
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 22, 2019

Topamax (topiramate) "I have been taking Topamax for one year for migraines with muscle spasms. Topamax is really the best drug for reducing my headaches and also for controlling the migraine caused spasms. Nothing else stops the spasms - they are debilitating. That said, I started at 100 mg and it was a nightmare! My right leg became Icy and numb and that spread to my right abdomen and then the right side of my brain. I had difficulty walking and functioning because of this. I was so numb, I was constantly bumping my right side and bruising because I couldn’t feel anything on that side. I couldn’t lift my leg to climb stairs or to get in a car to drive. I had yeast infections that wouldn’t end along with differences in menstruation. There were other side effects also but these were the worst. I reduced the dose to 50 mg. The side effects were greatly reduced. The headaches are more frequent and the spasms much more bothersome but still reduced enough to live with."

• Tamiko...
• September 4, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) "I have had estrogen- and barometric migraine since my mid-twenties. I was noticing that the intensity & frequency of said migraines were getting worse over time (I'm 47 now). I was over-presrcribed Imitrex & was having rebound migraines, suffering 20 migraines/mo. So far, I've been on this med for a little over 2 weeks, & am on 25 mg. I don't think I need to go any higher right now, which is fine by me. For the first 4 days, I had a horrid migraine, felt dizzy & had some nausea. After that, I started feeling a lot better, more alert, no pain, felt sharper too. I'm in peri menopause & have noticed that I get a migraine around the time of my period, but it's about a 5 or 6 instead of a 10 . So far is working w/very few & side effects."

• Vesti...
• February 29, 2020

"If you have Vestibular Migraine you can understand the pain, first attack this drug worked amazingly - got rid of the vertigo sensations. Got me out of bed so I could feel the cold air and see people. It also got rid of the horrible headaches which soon came after the vertigo! Dull, numb, stabbing sensations, I’m not talking 2 days or or for a couple hours. I’m talking 2 weeks non stop from when you get up to when you go to bed! Second attack happened 4 years later, Topamax got rid of the dizziness straightaway again but the headaches are still with me! The pain is the worst for me. 2 weeks in, doctors can't do anything. Lost my job, mortgage to pay! All my love goes out to people of suffer this baffling condition! I feel all your pain and send you all the love. You are not alone!"

• TLO78...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) "I have been taking topamax for 2 months to help prevent severe daily migraines w/ Aura it has helped me tremendously. I did lose 6 lbs the 1st week. Mainly due to diarrhea & lack of appetite. I almost gave up on taking it because of the stomach cramps I was getting but they subsided after the 1st week. I have changed a lot about my lifestyle since taking topamax so I don't know how much of my weight loss can be attributed to the drug itself but I definitely have lost weight 12 lbs & don't crave sugar. I stopped drinking soda over a yr ago so I don't know if it tastes different now. I do want water more than anything, which is fine. It does make you drowsy/foggy but I take my dose at bedtime, I do get weird tingles a few times a day in hands"

• kmw
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) "Worst night of my life. I made the mistake of not looking at reviews until I had just popped the pill. I felt like a zombie. I couldn't think or formulate sentences. My body felt like I had needles all over. My legs wouldn't stop shaking. I couldn't see. I cried until I fell asleep and continued to have side effects the next day. I cannot believe they sell this medication. By far the worst experience of my life. I do not recommend this drug to anyone and sincerely recommend anyone considering this drug to not take it."

• Palmyra
• July 23, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) "I started taking Topamax 12 years ago after one of my migraines sent me out of my classroom & into the ER. After the initial few weeks of disorientation, halo vision, & tingling/numbness, my body adjusted to the meds & I had almost 10 years of maybe two headaches per year. A miracle! When menopause hit, my migraines came roaring back with a vengeance. But I stayed on Topamax & my neurologist added other meds to supplement. Things are better now; Topamax has been a lifesaver for me. But it takes some time to let the side effects settle out & for your doctor to tweak the dosages."

• tina...
• October 21, 2007

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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2013

Topamax (topiramate) "I took Topamax for 2 months until I finally threw in the towel and could take no more. It did stop the migraines but the other side effects were horrible. I did have the tingling in my hands, feet, and lips and food did taste way different. I was so depressed I could barely even get out of the bed. I actually GAINED about 5 lbs. while I notice most everyone else lost weight. I cried everyday for a week straight and I'm not like that. My house was a wreck and I could barely help my son with his homework. "

• KDano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2019

"Started on topiramate after being on Topamax from 2007-2009 (separate review, 10!). With in the first 2 weeks had problems with balance, memory, coming up with words. For my job I had to conduct a 3-4 hour weekly meeting with the same info each time. I'd been doing this meeting for 2 years & became unable to do it because I could not remember the info. I was afraid people at work would think I was drunk because I couldn't walk straight & had to use the wall to guide me. Felt stupid because I couldn't come up with simple words. 2 months later ended up in the ER with 16 stitches in my head because I fell due to balance. When I went to have stitches taken out my NP said "hmm interesting" - at least 2 other patients in my Dr's office had been in recently for the same issues (balance, cognitive) & all had been switched to topiramate from topamx at the same time I had. I immediately got off of it & went back to suffering with the migraines. 10 years later & I still have memory, cognitive, and balance issues."

• MissB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) "After 7 years of debilitating migraines almost daily and rebound headaches from taking Excedrin and ibuprofen, I finally found a doctor that was willing to help me. She suggested Topamax and just in this short period of a couple months, there's been a significant difference. Not only am I rarely having pain, I feel less anxious and more balanced out emotionally as well. Even friends and co-workers can see the difference in my mood! As for side effects, I experienced the tingling in my hands, feet and face but my Dr. mentioned taking a Multi vitamin each day, which has seemed to help. Also been drinking LOTS of water, to counteract the major dry mouth. Overall, Topamax has been more of an effective, positive experience for me than anything."

• Scarl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 11, 2017

Topamax (topiramate) "I was diagnosed with vestibular migraines in 2010 and I had severe 24/7 vertigo. I always had "regular" migraines since I was a teen, but after an infection of the inner ear in 2010, my migraines changed and I had both pain and vertigo. For one year I had constant vertigo and I honestly thought I would become housebound. I could not go to theatres, malls, stores, or any areas with lots of people because crowds would make me dizzy. My work was in jeopardy. I tried Topamax and it gave me my life back. The initial side effects were awful but my body slowly adjusted to them. Eventually, the dizziness went away. I now take 225 mg daily. I have some word finding and concentration problems but that sure beats 24/7 vertigo."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2008

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."

• Eazly...
• March 1, 2008

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."