Topiramate and Brain Fog: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2022

For Borderline Personality Disorder "The side effects are awful. The first three months had major insomnia, unable to eat, and overall major brain fog. The side effects went away for me with time. I still get tingling fingers. This drug has been amazing for my mood swings despite the side effects. Nothing worked to stabilize me like topiramate."

• Rom...
• July 15, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "At first, it seemed to make the migraines not so unbearable. The weight loss was nice too! It did make me drowsy at first. I also couldn't think straight and find the right words. I saw light trails, especially at night. But I struggled through for a few years, thinking I would get over the side effects. Ultimately, I didn't think the benefits were worth the side effects. Everyone is different."

• BBP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I was doing pretty well on Trileptal but was not happy with weight gain from AAPs. Greedily decided to ask my doctor to switch me from Trileptal to Topamax in hopes of some weight loss. There was none. I'm thinking this may be one of those meds that just doesn't work with me genetically. I was taking 50 mg twice a day, and it was not doing a thing for my weight or moods. It was scary. The anger, irritability, crying, brain fog. I was scared of ending up in the psych ward, so I went back to my Trileptal and left the Topamax behind. I quit it cold turkey after getting back to my regular Trileptal dose. Mentally and emotionally, I'm already feeling better, however, I am having some terrible muscle aches and nausea from quitting the Topamax."

• Anonymous
• April 8, 2012

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Topamax worked great to prevent migraines, however, the side effects that I experienced were not worth the prevention. I experienced numbness and tingling in my extremities, severe problems with word retrieval, a complete inability to focus or concentrate, anxiety, agitation, and severe mood issues (I became very angry and upset at the smallest of things). But what finally did me in was severe epigastric pain, nausea, dizziness, and disorientation that came about suddenly and was persistent until I titrated myself off the medication after a visit to the urgent care. As soon as I got off Topamax, the migraines were back every day, and I question which was worse - the migraines or the side effects."

• gre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 8, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm a 35-year-old female with rapid cycling bipolar 1 and anxiety. I take 250 mg topiramate and 300 mg quetiapine as mood stabilizers, plus 300 mg venlafaxine, 30 mg buspirone, and 1 mg lorazepam. Initial side effects were fatigue, brain fog, and loss of appetite. Fatigue eased up after two weeks, but it can still be a bit tough to wake up in the mornings. Brain fog is much better, but I'll occasionally misspell words when I'm writing or say the wrong one when I'm speaking. Appetite remains lower, but I'm still able to enjoy a healthy diet. No new effects have sprung up. Like many of you, I've lost weight. It started when I began the tablets, and the weight has stayed off. My mood cycles have basically stopped, leaving me functional and stable, and my symptoms feel under control. I'm not doing weird impulsive things, like constantly overspending while manic, generally being a nightmare, or having to deal with crushing depressive crashes. It's also great for preventing my migraines."

• AE6...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "Until three months ago, I thought I had tried it all. My doctor mentioned Topamax in a follow-up and asked if I'd be willing to try one more time. (I'd about given up.) I had just happened to be recovering from a horrific migraine from the night before that had me down with my ice packs and my trusty bucket for nine hours. So I said, 'Yes, gimme!' I'm still trying to decide if it was the best decision... My goal was 100mg a day, I haven't made it beyond 50mg yet. My side effects are tingling hands/feet, brain fog, thirsty ALL THE TIME, hot flashes, and forgetfulness. I went from 2-3 migraines weekly to about that monthly. So it DOES help, but the side effects are ridiculous, and they aren't going away. It's choosing the lesser of two evils."

• Mig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2018

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I am 28 and have struggled with migraines for 10 years. I've found 80 mg/day of propranolol very effective for the last 3 years. Unfortunately, 4 months ago, I began having migraines that were more frequent, 8 days/mo. My neurologist recommended 100 mg/day Topamax. The side effects were terrible: extreme fatigue, mental fog, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. After 3 weeks, I complained, and she reduced my dose to 50 mg, which helped with the side effects. Meanwhile, my migraines were just as frequent as before, some requiring intervention at the hospital. My neurologist suggested I stay with it for at least 8 weeks since it can sometimes take that long to show improvement. Finally, after 2 months, I quit Topamax and now I'm trying verapamil. Side effects: intolerable. Migraine improvement: none. My neurologist said that the cognitive side effects can be greater for those with depression or those who are on antidepressants, which I take."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 13, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Topamax for a little over a year now to treat severe migraines. I started from 25 mg and slowly went up to 150 mg. I used to get 3-4 migraines a week, and now they are down to maybe once a month, if that. For that, it has been a lifesaver, but there are a few side effects. The tingling in the hands and feet went away completely after a few weeks on the final dose, but the mental fog is a side effect that stayed. I still have trouble concentrating and remembering things, especially details, and sometimes have trouble finishing a sentence. I am a student, and I used to get A's all the time, and now I can study for hours and will not get anything higher than a B. To me, this is a price to pay for being migraine-free."

• Wil...
• October 30, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I've had migraines on and off for over a decade, and they're increasing with perimenopause. My new doctor had me try generic Topamax, starting with 25 mg for the first week, then increasing to 100 mg, half in the morning and half in the evening. The first week went all right, though I had a migraine all through it. I had a second prescription for Sumatriptan to help. But 100 mg was... horrid. Tired, could hardly get out of bed, brain fog, physical fatigue (very evident at the gym), thirsty. After only 2 weeks, I'm tapering off and seeing my doctor again to try something else."

• de ...
• October 6, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "Topamax works wonderfully for preventing my headaches. I have had them since I was 4 years old. I was only introduced to it when I was about 49, and I am 55 now, and I had all those years of suffering, going to the ER when meds at home could not control the pain, and of course for me, none of the migraine meds worked. The thing I notice most: I cannot tolerate anything carbonated. No cokes. But I suppose in the long run, that is not a bad thing. If you haven't tried it, please do so. My neurologist called it dopamax for a reason. For the first 2 weeks, I was loopy and sort of confused, but I believe that was my body getting used to the med. But after that, no problem. Try it, I think you will be migraine-free. I know I am, and I am very happy."

• Loo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I enjoyed your comments, GOLDCT. I take 200 mgs daily for the past 3 to 4 months, and so far, pretty good. It has me losing weight, so the fact that it makes you shed some is something to watch in every way. I experience several symptoms, but it's nothing I can't handle in exchange for some stability, ya know? The brain fog stuff gets me... yet again, praying the good I get out of Topamax continues. Take care, you all!"

• Tru...
• December 26, 2020

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "So I was on Topamax two different times. The first time I was on Topamax and Acetazolamide for 'Pseudotumor Cerebri,' I experienced a very bad reaction. I was so spaced out. I didn't want to eat, and when I did eat, I only had four bites once a day, and I was done. I drove a semi-truck while taking this medication and was so zombie-like. Doctors were not sure which medication was causing it. Then when I scared so bad in the MRI machine, the MRI tech had me transferred to the ER, and there I was told I had 'metabolic acidosis,' so they told me to stop both medications immediately. I was on this medication for only a short five months! So, round two is five years later and just Topamax alone. This time is for migraine prevention. This time I was on it for twenty-one days. My hearing has severely decreased. The doctor says I'm not sick, and my sinuses are clear. So here we go again. I have had to stop! Hopefully, this twenty-one-day round of steroids will help restore a little if not all."

• Tru...
• December 26, 2020

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "So I was on Topamax two different times. The first time I was on Topamax and Acetazolamide for 'Pseudotumor Cerebri,' I experienced a very bad reaction. I was so spaced out. I didn't want to eat, and when I did eat, I only had four bites once a day, and I was done. I drove a semi-truck while taking this medication and was so zombie-like. Doctors were not sure which medication was causing it. Then when I scared so bad in the MRI machine, the MRI tech had me transferred to the ER, and there I was told I had 'metabolic acidosis,' so they told me to stop both medications immediately. I was on this medication for only a short five months! So, round two is five years later and just Topamax alone. This time is for migraine prevention. This time I was on it for twenty-one days. My hearing has severely decreased. The doctor says I'm not sick, and my sinuses are clear. So here we go again. I have had to stop! Hopefully, this twenty-one-day round of steroids will help restore a little if not all."

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "Great for migraine prevention, but not worth the side effects. Constant anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, nerve zaps, tingling, numbness, visual disturbances, memory loss, brain fog, you name it. Ruined my life for a good month, and I was only on 50 mg. Currently tapering off and already feeling better!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 10, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Trokendi XR is an incredibly effective drug for me. I react to it very well. My body gets used to it very quickly, though, so I need a higher dose to keep from continuing to get migraines. It will never 'get rid of' my migraines. Without medicine, I have migraines every day, but this will limit them to maybe around 2-4 a month, approximately? I have noticed cognitive impairment. I can't concentrate for long periods of time, I get distracted easily, I can't remember things. It truly is a brain fog. I will say one thing and mean to say something else. My significant other has had to become good at interpreting what I mean to say. But this is one of the best drugs I've found so far to treat my migraines."

• los...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 3, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on this drug for severe migraines since I was thirteen. I used to praise it as the thing that saved me, however, all I knew was that my headaches were going away, and I was having less migraines. The first year on the drug started with numbness in my fingertips and the zygomatic area of my face (cheekbones) as well as my calf. Midway through the first year, my appetite disappeared for a few months, I had no desire to eat—one of the strangest feelings I’ve ever had. Eventually, the numbness side effect went away, and I forgot about Topamax side effects for a year. Then, at 15 years old, I developed terrible dry eye, later diagnosed as inflammation. At 18, that eye is significantly blurrier. I cannot stay awake on this medication, nor to this day comprehend what people are saying or form coherent thoughts at the height of brain fog. I’ve started another medication to counteract the effects of this drug. Hear me out!!"

• Jma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking this medication, 50 mg, since Jan 7, 2019. At first, after reading all of the side effects and reviews, I really just wanted to tell the doc forget it, try something else. I guess the side effects are really just person to person. I have had tingling in my hands and feet, and maybe some mental fog, but nothing worse than my mommy brain farts. I have lost a few pounds so far, like 3-4. Like I said, I didn't want to take it, but I didn't want it to be that one med that worked that I passed up."

• who...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 3, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I've suffered from migraines for over 30 years, sometimes as many as six or seven a month. Have been on topiramate for one year now, began at 20 mg once a day, and now only take 50 mg once a day, and that seems to be enough for me. I had side effects such as tingling hands and brain fog in the beginning, and some weight loss, but I eat something, whether I'm hungry or not, if it's mealtime. The other side effects passed quickly, and my headaches have all but passed, I only have eye pain now, which I think is reminiscent of the migraine that would have been. I think it's a small miracle that I can live my life on my terms now instead of being a slave to my headaches, but I agree that it's not for everyone."

• DDa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "This stuff is bad for me. Horrible side effects. I have only taken this a couple of times. The second time at half a dose before bed. Both times woke up numb, tingling face and hands, thick lips and tongue, totally spaced out. Been dealing with migraine/tension-type headaches for the past six months. Seem to be narrowing the cause to cervical problems (just had an MRI on my neck), yet the doctors keep wanting to treat it as if the source of my problems are stress or emotional issues. I am DONE with taking their mood-altering medications. They all have bad side effects. So many of these doctors are being trained to treat every symptom with a pill ('it's all in your head') instead of looking a bit deeper and listening to what the patient is saying."

• Tam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 24, 2023

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "150 mg, twice daily. I have a genetic autoimmune disorder that can have migraines as a comorbidity. They started when I was about 10 years old but got worse in my early 30s. Daily headaches with migraines at least twice a week at a 7-8/10 on the pain scale and lasting for days. This would take me to the ER for the pain cocktail injection to stop the migraine attack weekly. I was suicidal at one point, it was so bad. Then my neurologist put me on Topamax. It has helped quite a bit in getting the headaches/migraines under control, but the side effects are out of control. Memory loss, incoordination, poor word recall, loss of focus, zoning out in the middle of speaking, etc. My doctor calls this the 'Barbie Doll Drug.' I guess it's a trade-off... living life or not. The other thing that has made a big difference is Botox. Just gotta say if you've had any hesitancy in using that... don't wait! It changed my life like no other."

• Tam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 24, 2023

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "150 mg, twice daily. I have a genetic autoimmune disorder that can have migraines as a comorbidity. They started when I was about 10 years old but got worse in my early 30s. Daily headaches with migraines at least twice a week at a 7-8/10 on the pain scale and lasting for days. This would take me to the ER for the pain cocktail injection to stop the migraine attack weekly. I was suicidal at one point, it was so bad. Then my neurologist put me on Topamax. It has helped quite a bit in getting the headaches/migraines under control, but the side effects are out of control. Memory loss, incoordination, poor word recall, loss of focus, zoning out in the middle of speaking, etc. My doctor calls this the 'Barbie Doll Drug.' I guess it's a trade-off... living life or not. The other thing that has made a big difference is Botox. Just gotta say if you've had any hesitancy in using that... don't wait! It changed my life like no other."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Worst medication side effects ever! Experienced sore throat for six weeks, severe mood swings, depression, major anxiety, night sweats, brain fog, tingles of the hands and feet, and the list goes on! Only positive was the weight loss! I'd highly not recommend this medication to anyone! It was such a nightmare experience."

• Anonymous
• February 9, 2012

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I had fewer migraines while on Topamax, but the side effects were horrible for me. I had tingly/numb fingers, brain fog, and problems with word retrieval (not good for a teacher), plus it triggered depression-like side effects. The side effects were just not worth it."

• NLJ...
• April 12, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I believe a lot of the negative side effects are caused from not eating or drinking. Once I started to eat and drink water, foggy brain and unpleasant side effects went away (I am still losing weight though :) ) and still no migraines. I also split my dosage: 50 mg in the morning, 50 mg at night, this has helped minimize side effects."

• diz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "It was terrible for me, became very spaced out and stupid. I was emotional and depressed, crying over the slightest things. I had to pull the plug on this medication quickly, I could feel it going downhill quickly. Be really cautious."