Topiramate for Migraine Prevention User Reviews (Page 5)

• Kri...
• November 21, 2016

Topiramate "Been on this for just a week now at 25 mg, also on 50 mg of amitriptyline at night. The first few days I felt really spaced out, but sort of kept coming in waves through the day. I also suffer from M.E. as well, but have found the past few days I have had lots of energy. I don't feel tired at all. Supposed to up dose to 50 mg on the second week, but I'm thinking may stick to the 25 for a little while to see how things go. No migraines up to now. Reading all the reviews, most of the side effects seem to come when the dose is increased. Really worried about the hair loss business, don't think I could deal with that one. Think I'm going to give this a go for a few months and see how things go, it's all trial and error, or kill or cure."

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

Topiramate "I have been taking Topamax for 2 months to help prevent severe daily migraines with aura. It has helped me tremendously. I did lose 6 lbs the 1st week, mainly due to diarrhea and 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) and don't crave sugar. I stopped drinking soda over a year 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 and foggy, but I take my dose at bedtime. I do get weird tingles a few times a day in my hands."

• Ger...
• July 22, 2015

Topiramate "I have suffered from severe migraines since I was 15, and the older I got, the more severe they got. I have been on numerous medications over the years, but 5 years ago, I found a neurologist that gave me Topamax, and my life has changed completely. 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night, and I don't get any anymore. I had a few at the start, but haven't had a headache now for a few years. Thank God for Topamax."

• Cal...
• June 26, 2013

Topiramate "I originally started on Topamax for migraines and found it to be a 10 for that. I went from 4-5 monthly to maybe 2-3 per year. Life-changing! It was difficult for my body to adapt to at first, and I had to build up VERY slowly using 12.5 mg for a few weeks in the morning and then adding an evening dose, etc. It made me feel horrible, tired, breathless, out of sorts, and dopey overall, but over time all that wore off, and in addition to the absence of migraines, I enjoyed a more even keel mood, more control over my decision-making, including less desire for alcohol. This made staying sober easier than in previous attempts. I also struggled less with eating issues. I've had to increase over time and take breaks/restart to manage the dosage amount vs. tolerance."

• She...
• February 9, 2016

Topiramate "It lessened the frequency of my migraines. But the side effects are not worth the relief it provided. It turned me into a zombie. I didn't care about anything. I couldn't even taste my food! And the worst part was it robbed me of my ability to be alarmed by the growing severity of my depression and other serious symptoms. After three months, I was glad to detox. Four days clean and I can almost taste sugar again. Can't wait 'til the brain fog lifts."

• Won...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 20, 2014

Topiramate "I've been taking Topamax (brand) for approximately ten years. Due to severe migraines, this was the only medication to prevent what had been debilitating headaches, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, smell, sound, movement, and dizziness. After several years, my insurance refused to continue payment of the brand until I tried the generic tablets. After 3 days, the original symptoms returned. They finally approved continued payment of the brand, and now, two years later, they again have refused to cover (pay) for the medication, although it falls under the plan. For three months, my neurologist and I have issued appeals with no clear explanation of the denial. I would just like to again take meds to rid myself of this pain."

• Pal...
• July 23, 2015

Topiramate "I started taking Topamax 12 years ago after one of my migraines sent me out of my classroom and into the ER. After the initial few weeks of disorientation, halo vision, and tingling/numbness, my body adjusted to the meds and 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 and 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 and for your doctor to tweak the dosages."

• Jau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2016

Topiramate "I began taking 25 mg of Topamax once daily due to my migraines lingering 2-3 days at a time. Topamax did a number on my body. I completely stopped eating. Every time I tried to eat, I took one bite and would gag. I felt so extremely full constantly, even though I knew I had not eaten. Topamax completely destroyed my appetite, and although I've been off the medication for 6 months, I still never crave anything. I eat when I'm hungry, but I no longer have any cravings. While taking this medication, I lost a lot of my memory. I was constantly hazy or confused, and I felt like I was always searching for my task. I became malnourished and, confused that I quit taking the medicine completely. I would never recommend this medication because of side effects!"

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

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."

• thi...
• August 8, 2013

Topiramate "My migraines are primarily abdominal, but I get daily 'tension' type headaches as well. But my nausea 'attacks' are totally debilitating, and the headaches get more so every day. I took Topamax starting at 25 mgs, then increased. I noticed it really helping my symptoms, way less nausea, headaches stopped, and I could sleep well. Unfortunately, I am one of the people who react with a rare side effect of an acute onset closed-angle glaucoma attack, and my vision got very blurry and got so bad I could not see anything but blobs if it was more than 12 inches from my face. If you get blurred vision, go to the ER and show them the letter from the Topamax website, because the ER had never heard of that reaction. I gave it a 5 because it worked until then."

• Ves...
• 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 for a couple hours. I’m talking 2 weeks nonstop, 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 who suffer this baffling condition! I feel all your pain and send you all the love. You are not alone!"

• wxy...
• February 28, 2008

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 a tingling sensation. My doctor wanted to increase the dosage. However, after reading about the drug, I think the severity of the side effects is directly related to the dosages. My dosage is 25 mg twice daily, and sometimes I only take it once 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."

• lin...
• August 12, 2011

Topiramate "I started Topamax in 2005. The doctor said he was going to kill three birds with one stone: migraines, fibromyalgia, and weight. Started on 25 mg a day for the first week, 50 the next, then 75, and at a month I was at 100 mg. Every week I had different side effects. I would talk funny, not be able to walk, a tingly feeling in my extremities, and soda started tasting DISGUSTING! By the end of two months, most of the side effects had gone. A few things to mention, though: you WILL be thirsty all the time; my suggestion is to carry a bottle of water with you at ALL times. You will NOT sweat; make sure you keep cool. And I lost 76 lbs in 6 mo! Looking better than ever, and kept it off for 6 years now! Good luck to you all; stick to it and it will work for you."

• Ljr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 15, 2017

Topiramate "I have had migraines since my first son was born nearly 27 years ago. They had become more and more frequent... almost daily. I was using the maximum amount of Maxalt that my insurance would allow. I asked my doctor for a prophylactic medication for migraines. I am now up to 100 mg of Topiramate 2 times daily. Yes, there are some side effects. I have some tingling in my hands, sometimes my mouth is dry. If I don't have to work or don't have a lot planned, I feel tired and lazy. I crave fewer sweets/food in general... sometimes feel a little nauseated. I was losing weight (20 lbs) before starting the medication and continued after. I have stabilized at a 40 lb weight loss. No other side effects. Restless legs are gone. Better sleep."

• PMa...
• June 9, 2016

Topiramate "I've been on Topamax (topiramate) for 6 years and loved it at first. My migraines decreased dramatically, I had weight loss from the appetite suppression, and I overall felt better. But I had pretty bad tingling in my hands and all over my face for the whole time I've taken it. Also, more recently, I've made the connection between my severe memory loss and the medication. I used to be able to retain information and facts like an elephant, but I can hardly recall simple words some days. I'm planning on going off the Topamax (with the direction of my neuro) because the memory loss issue is so disturbing to me."

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2012

Topiramate "Helped a lot with chronic migraines. I lost a lot of weight (I weighed 146 and I dropped down to 123 in two months). I ate less, but I was still eating close to what I ate before being on the medicine. I think it must speed up your metabolism. I had some mood changes, and I did have a little memory loss. I would forget words and things like that. I work with people, so I noticed it more because people would point it out. My hands/feet tingled. I noticed fewer side effects when I took the medicine at night. I only take 50 mg at night, that's all I ever have taken, and it works for me. It does wonders for my migraines, and it's worth the minor side effects. If you are a pop or beer drinker, you will HATE it because it ruins carbonated beverages."

• Bet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2023

Topiramate "This drug is awful. I took 50 mg per day for migraine prevention, and it caused significant hair loss. I already have thin hair, and this drug made it worse. My hair was coming out in clumps in the shower. This drug should be illegal. Do not take it if you want to keep your hair!!"

• Cas...
• July 11, 2015

Topiramate "While on Topamax, I lost my ability to think straight. I couldn't process things the same way. I couldn't even finish my sentences. I would start talking and would forget the words that came next. My friends and family would have to help me finish my sentences. After getting off the medicine, I could finally finish my thoughts again. However, I feel like I still cannot learn as easily as I did before I got on the medicine. I think it changed my brain processing capability. I have talked to a friend who had the exact same problem on this medicine. I would not recommend it unless you actually cannot live without it."

• Awa...
• May 13, 2016

Topiramate "After my second baby, I had an increase in hormonal migraines and tension headaches, and my neurologist put me on Topamax starting at 25 mg per night until I got a final dose of 100 mg split between AM/PM. Initially, I noticed a lot of tingling in my hands, feet, and face. In week 2, a very tense jaw. I still feel like myself, but I feel more tired. I don't need to nap or anything during the day, but at night, I have no trouble sleeping. All of the pain in my head disappeared. I thought it was amazing, but I did get 2 hormonal headaches (not migraine strength). All in all, not bad. I eat a dinner meal only and drink water all day long, this med just makes me not want food. Weight loss: 10 kg in 3 months. I have no depression, just tiredness, it's not fixed by naps."

• Chu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 27, 2017

Topiramate "I was prescribed Topamax as a migraine preventative and experienced just about every side effect. I started 25 mg/day at night for 7 days, moved up to 75 mg after 3 weeks, and remained there. Within 48 hours, I didn't have a headache at all but was experiencing side effects of tingling fingers, no appetite, and a change in the taste of foods/carbonated beverages. I did have a hard time concentrating, I'd get confused and would randomly slur words. I weighed 120-ish when I started, and within a few months, was 110 or less. I did work out and noticed no matter how hard I pushed, I didn't sweat and randomly got dizzy. Side effects are no joke, but you adjust after a few weeks."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 18, 2016

Topiramate "This has been a lifesaver for me as far as migraines go. At first, I had a few of the side effects: brain fog, forgetfulness, but that went away after a month or so. Without this drug, I get at least 2-3 headaches a week, ranging from dull to severe. I rarely have a migraine while on it."

• WKB...
• June 9, 2017

Topiramate "I had a horrible experience on this medication back in 2005/2006. I started on a low dose of 25 mg/day and had severe nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and memory impairment. Worked up to 50 mg 2x/day, and the nausea/diarrhea eventually abated, but the dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and memory problems continued, and I developed a bad tremor in my hands - I was dropping everything, couldn’t write legibly, and spilled food constantly. And I still had 10-15 debilitating migraines a month. Had to wean off it, but 10+ years later I STILL HAVE MILD HAND TREMORS. Worst medication experience of my life."

• Hel...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 26, 2016

Topiramate "I've been on Topamax for probably at least 15 years, 400 mg daily. I'm getting debilitating migraines. After reading these reviews, I guess I am one of the lucky ones, as I have not experienced one side effect. I take it at night. If the migraine is really bad, I add one pill of Relpax, and that does the job."

• Ali...
• September 15, 2017

Topiramate "At first, I did not like it at all - I started off on 50 mg (recommended) and found it wasn't working. I also was super spaced out, unfocused, and constantly feeling like my brain was going, but my body wasn't (it was WEIRD). This went on for about a week, then it worked perfectly, and I was completely normal. However, the migraines started coming back, so I am now on 100 mg a day, and the same thing happened when I upped the dosage. It's working now, though! I didn't notice any difference in tasting things, but I did get tingles in my fingers and toes! Otherwise, all-around amazing medicine!!"

• DDI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2016

Topiramate "I didn't use it long enough to see if it would prevent my monthly migraine, but I wanted to share the side effects I experienced. I started with 25 milligrams twice a day for 7 days and felt okay, but did experience some tingling in my feet and fingers. Then I increased to 50 milligrams twice a day per doctor's order, and things really changed. I started having the craziest dreams every night. Tingling was very pronounced every day in my feet and hands. I couldn't get out of bed easily. I felt very lethargic and really like a zombie. I kind of had a flat affect and felt very robotic at times. Other times, I was very depressed and irritable, or even angry. I stopped taking it. Also, I was hungry all the time. That was not normal for me at all."