Topiramate and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Diz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2020

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "I was prescribed the Topamax 25 mg 2 times daily as a result of severe and disabling attacks of vertigo. After 3 days of taking this, my memory got so bad that I could not remember if I had even taken my medication 5 minutes later. My mental thought process was totally negative to the point that I was in belief life was over. By the 5th day, I realized that I had become very defensive, aggressive, verbally abusive, and had no empathy nor regard for others. My PTSD was in the danger zone and I had become the monster I had fought daily for decades to control. Two days after totally quitting, which I can't say is recommended for everyone, my head is clear, my memory is normal again, and I am in disbelief that I allowed such a dangerous medication to even be prescribed to me."

• 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."

• God...
• April 27, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "If you have anxiety or depression, DO NOT, I repeat, do NOT take this medication. I was only on it a couple of weeks, but for two weeks, it made me so anxious and so depressed I wanted to kill myself. This drug made me suicidal. Luckily, there was no self-harm, but I would strongly advise against it!"

• 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."

• Cig...
• January 6, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I was suffering from migraine, 10 times a month on average during late 2014. I have always been suffering from migraine for years, but it was more frequent than before. I consulted a doctor in Dubai, educated in Sweden and Canada, a very successful doctor. He prescribed Topamax for 6 months. In 2 months, I ended up going into depression, the first time in my life! I had to quit the medicine as I was traveling to the UK and forgot to take the medicine with me, and they don't sell this without a prescription. After quitting, the depression was gone. I thought this was a coincidence. Until I saw the doctor again, who again prescribed Topamax. Again, after 2 months - depression. Mood swings, almost suicidal thoughts - I quit, and the depression was gone. NOT RECOMMENDED!!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 28, 2022

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Works great for migraines and weight loss (for me, that was because I couldn't eat anything because I was nauseous most of the day, and food tasted bland) and had a minor effect on my anxiety, which was really bad at the time, but this drug was mostly kind of a nightmare for me. I got extremely sick with a horrendous cough and sore throat to the point I could hardly talk for months (I've had Covid, and the weird cold side effects were like Covid light to give people an idea) without hacking up a lung and ended up in the ER with it, which is what led me to get off of it, and it made my depression and mood so low that I wanted to die. My marriage was already on its way out when I started taking this drug, but Topamax definitely helped put the nail in the coffin."

• Net...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed this medication for my headaches from a possible concussion, or pinched nerve in my head. In just 4 days, I lost 6 pounds or so, and have had all the symptoms: memory loss, confusion even to everyday things (like why am I picking this coffee cup, or how do I cook this again?), blurred vision, and the crazy menopausal-emotional roller coaster #understatement. Except for drowsiness, and to some others here, severe depression. My possible concussion (whatever it may be) keeps me wide awake, and what I like to call 'wired.' I was hoping for the drowsy effect, but it is what it is. If you are paranoid, relax, it's the drug, or just call your doctor for clarification. It seems, the less active you are, the fewer side effects occur, at least for me."

• Mum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I started to take topiramate 100 mg 6 weeks ago after my neurologist prescribed it for migraine prevention. I feel awful :-( I don't feel human. I feel depressed, dizzy, agitated 24/7, feel like I can't cope anymore, and feeling suicidal. My partner, friends, and family have all noticed the change in me, and I'm now considering if it's worth me carrying on taking them. I was so hopeful when the neurologist mentioned this tablet because he said I would also lose weight with it, which I have lost 4 lbs with so far, but I would rather be fat and happy than skinny and angry if that's the choice I have with these tablets."

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "You got to be really careful taking this. Make sure you are taking it for the right reasons, please. I’m a high-functioning borderline: working out 5 times a week, signed with a well-known modeling agency; I’m on the Dean’s List at my college. This medication completely ruined me and the girl I was. I don’t feel enjoyment in anything anymore. Before, when I would be in my highs and a bit compulsive, I could control myself; now I don’t even have fun hanging out with friends, eating my favorite foods, listening to my favorite music. Warning: if you are very active, stay away. I’m now so weak in the gym; it’s impossible to fuel myself for my workouts because I crave nothing. I was given the medication because I model (no weight gain). I usually would be squatting 250 lbs, but I haven’t been able to push it, and it’s very discouraging (thanks, pills). I’ve always had borderline, but now I’m dealing with depression."

• SMV...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2021

Topiramate for Tourette's Syndrome "Took 50 mg (2 tablets/day) of topiramate/Topamax for 3 months for Tourette's syndrome. It helped a bit for the first month; however, it seemed to stop working about a month and a half in. However, I held out some hope. Major side effects I experienced while on this drug were: unusual tingling sensations in multiple different body parts and areas (1 week in); severe vision changes (blurred vision [struggle to read road signs and words on a page even with my normal prescription glasses on] & palinopsia [visual trails left behind by oftentimes moving objects-occurring both in light and dark], which I'm pretty sure are permanent) (~1.5 months in); severe depression (never have experienced clinical depression symptoms in my life, and now it was suddenly occurring out of the blue for weeks on end; only have experienced lifelong anxiety symptoms) (Month 2-3). Overall, Topamax made my vision worse and made me suddenly severely depressed for weeks on end with no reasoning."

• You...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I started noticing the weight loss at the end of January. I weighed 235 and was down to 220 in a month without trying to diet or exercise. I was taking 100 mg then up to 200, and now 300. I weigh 209 to this date. 26 pounds in 56 days. My mind is foggy, I feel like a zombie, some days I can clean for 5 hours, I have migraines when I've never had them before in my life, my knees are in pain, my throat hurts, a numb feeling all over my body. Doctors screw you over, so be careful. I'm on a vegan diet for the past 5 days. Will update after another few months to see more of the symptoms and weight loss."

• Pra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been getting migraines since I was a little girl - I’m 26 now. Last year, I was getting roughly 20-25 migraines a month. I begged my doctor for a solution, and finally, topiramate was introduced to me. I was prescribed 25mg - to be taken nightly before bed. Fast forward a year later… these laundry list of symptoms I’ve never had in my life: crippling anxiety, severe depression, numbness in my hands and feet, brain fog, inability to form sentences, emotional outbursts (followed by excessive crying), excessive urination, dry mouth, zero appetite, constant nausea, shivering when it’s normal temp, overly hot when it’s normal temp, cold sweats. I’m sure I’m forgetting quite a few more. Is having 1-3 migraines a month opposed to my regular 20-25 worth it with these side effects? Absolutely not. I’d rather have the migraines. I’m weaning off this drug as I type this. I want my life, body, and mind back. Pray for me, please."

• Ken...
• January 10, 2010

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I had my first migraine at age 19 and am now almost 45. They have changed as I have aged. They are worse now than ever before. Topamax has left me with side effects, which do NOT include weight loss. I might be more willing to hang in there if I lost a few pounds. I am still having migraines on 75 mg per day, I am depressed, anxious, and just scattered. I hate the way I feel and therefore am going back to the doctor to talk about coming off the drug. I am taking more Relpax than ever before, even after about 6 months on Topamax. I wish it worked for me because migraines interfere with my life."

• mig...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 22, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "My migraines always last 8 1/2 hours of pain and nausea with 1/2 hour aura and 2 - 3 days of pain after. I started on this 10 years ago at 1 x 25 mg pill each night before bed. Since starting, I've only suffered from 4 or 5 migraines. I used to have 1 migraine every week or 2. I've spent less time worrying about when I'd next be suffering. But the side effects were terrible. Brain fog, slowing of mental and physical activity, memory issues, confusion, speech and language issues, trouble concentrating, and increased anxiety were the worst, I haven't felt like myself in years. I also had fatigue, insomnia, depression, eye problems, tingling extremities, weight gain, and occasional dizziness. I stopped it 2 months ago and am still migraine-free so far."

• Lil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 9, 2019

Topiramate "This medication seemed to cause headaches instead of help. It made me anxious and caused insomnia. It did help with weight reduction as I had gained weight from other meds. But, eventually, I started to feel hopeless and depressed because of the pain. It really wreaked havoc on my moods."

• Lil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 9, 2019

Topiramate "This medication seemed to cause headaches instead of help. It made me anxious and caused insomnia. It did help with weight reduction as I had gained weight from other meds. But, eventually, I started to feel hopeless and depressed because of the pain. It really wreaked havoc on my moods."

• Ros...
• June 9, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "Note that everyone's experience with medication is different. I feel like it's important for others to know the risks as well as the benefits of a medication and then decide for themselves if it's worth a try. That being said, this is my experience. I started this medication for migraines caused by different medication that I'm taking for depression. So far, my anxiety is horrible and I'm extremely paranoid about everything, also, I'm very depressed with suicidal thoughts. I haven't had weight loss but rather weight gain! I become delusional and lose touch with reality. I'm very agitated, and my body feels like it's made of bruises. Anyway, I've become a completely different person, but not in a good way. It's not worth all the suffering!"

• Anonymous
• February 24, 2011

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I took Topamax for a month. It helped with my headaches very little, and the side effects were terrible. My feet and hands would go numb several times a day. My short-term memory was completely gone. I had a hard time finding the words to speak, especially in the evenings. And the very worst was the depression and anger."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 16, 2020

Topiramate "Trokendi XR was a game changer for me! After suffering with chronic neck pain and headaches for several years, this medication changed everything without the side effects of topiramate that made me sleepy, depressed, and with a bad taste in my mouth! Unfortunately, I can't afford it and couldn't get financial assistance to continue. What's a mom to so many children to do? Back to topiramate I go! :-("

• Ket...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 2, 2017

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "Topamax, I’m not sure what a decade of using Topamax has or has not caused. It is NOT reliably controlling seizures until I started a ketogenic lifestyle. In fact, the high-fat diet has totally taken away my tremors in my head that I felt on a daily basis. My clinic had me in for 5 days in the hospital testing and determined to lower my Topamax level upon leaving by 100 mg. I was on 400 and lowered to 300. Today I have depression, fibromyalgia, and most of my ligaments hurt. Joints feel like they are rock-hard, swollen, and painful. I can barely use my thumbs anymore, but I refuse to go to the doctor for fear of more medication. They never find anything wrong, but the proof is in the pudding: bulging Achilles and wrists, right-side pain, and every joint I have hurts."

• Sei...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 13, 2016

For Seizures "Been on several different meds for my epilepsy. Take it in conjunction with Tegretol and Keppra. Works great initially but loses its potency after a while. Dosage has to constantly be increased. Side effects experienced include: increased urination, trouble searching for words/memory problems, and depression. Although I think the depression is linked to other influences, it might aggravate the symptom. (50 yr old male, Mid America)"

• Anonymous
• September 4, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "Topamax for me worked at preventing headaches, but the side effects were unbearable. This medicine worked in the beginning, but slowly bad side effects appeared. I became so depressed, I was angry and sexually numb. I lost my sense of taste, all sodas started tasting flat. I also lost 15 pounds very quickly and I am now underweight due to this medication. I would never recommend it, but only as a last resort. There are far better options out there. After failed Topamax, I was then prescribed the extended release version of it, 'Trokendi XR,' and it was a little better, but again over time side effects started appearing. Beware because it seems good in the beginning, then side effects! Withdrawals from this med are terrible! Migraines x10!"

• Que...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Topiramate 25 mg once in the morning and once at night. I have been taking it for four days now with no changes in appetite at all. I am at the same weight. I am taking it for the side effect of losing weight, but I do suffer from depression. I will update you all if any weight loss does occur. I will be going to see if my primary care doctor will prescribe me the new weight loss pill Qsymia next because it has topiramate in it. I just need a jump start to getting this weight off of me. I have been reading accounts where people have been losing weight off of 50 mg of topiramate, but not for me. Hoping maybe in a week I may see results. I have a 30-day supply. Let's hope."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 4, 2016

For Seizure Prevention "I was put on Trokendi XR after being taken off of topiramate post-brain surgery in April of 2014. I was on Trokendi XR for a total of eight months and just got off the medication this week. I had a lot of the severe side effects. After the first three weeks of being on this medicine, it caused a drastic change in my mood, depression, thoughts of suicide, dramatic increase in memory loss, tingling in the hands, legs, and feet, could never get enough sleep, and was very aggressive and irritable. I did not have a seizure while on Trokendi XR, but the side effects I was having with this medication were not worth it for me. However, it could work great for someone else, and you might not have any of them!"

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2023

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Well, if you’re willing to put up with all the side effects, it works for weight loss. My doctor prescribed it to me for weight loss because I have a problem binge eating. However, the side effects of depression, mood swings, contemplating where my life is going, and overall feeling like a cancer patient outweighed the want to feel the need to cheat in my weight loss journey. I understand there are people out there who truly benefit from a drug such as this for health reasons. However, for my doctor to prescribe me, a 22-year-old female, mostly healthy, was questionable because she did not mention the serious side effects it can cause. Within a couple of days, I noticed a change in my vision for the worse. I also had no idea this medication was sued at one point due to birth defects due to mothers taking the medication while pregnant with a child, and as a person who definitely wants a healthy baby in the near future, I will not take this chance just to be thin. The tingling in feet!!!"