Topiramate and Memory Loss: What Users Say

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Topiramate is a miracle medication! A godsend for losing weight! I have only had to be on a dose of 25mg topiramate a day, and it has hugely reduced my appetite so that I've been eating very small portions, and only wanted to eat healthy food, and I haven't been thinking about food all the time like I used to. I used to binge eat three times a day, incredibly unhealthy and have unhealthy snacks like chocolate brownies, and spent around $90 a day on Ubereats. On topiramate, I'm rapidly losing weight. I was told by my psychiatrist that I'd start on 25mg, after one week move up to 50mg then after another week go up to 100mg, and she told me all about the side effects especially memory loss. I haven't had any side effects! Perhaps because I've only needed to be on 25mg! Plus, in Australia it's extremely inexpensive. This medication has been incredible and life-changing. I wish I'd found it years ago!"

• Chl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I can't seem to remember anything while taking this pill. I take 100 mg twice a day. Yes, it is amazing losing 2 pounds a day, but it is creepy not being able to have my memory and losing my mind, not remembering things."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2019

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve taken this medicine, Topamax, two separate times. The first time it helped me lose weight and I didn’t have many side effects, but went off of it once I got in a serious relationship and heard it can make birth control less effective. However, two years after I got off of it, I went back on it because of my binge eating disorder and it was horrible. This time, I had side effects, I was losing feeling in my hands and feet. My face would go numb. It didn’t really help with appetite, and it started to impact my memory. I almost immediately went off of it, and I’m still experiencing memory issues. I’ll be talking and can’t remember words in the middle of a sentence. Or I’ll tell someone something and then a couple of minutes repeat it because I forgot if I said it or not. Keep in mind I’m 21 and shouldn’t be having memory issues like this. I don’t recommend it..."

• Sma...
• July 20, 2009

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Topamax since March 2009. I've lost 75 of the 110 pounds I need to lose. The side effects are annoying, and in the beginning, I really wanted to quit the medication. But as I've lost the weight, I've actually been able to decrease the dosage so a lot of the side effects have decreased as well. Some of them are easier to live with than others. The paresthesia has mostly subsided, but I do still struggle with memory lapses. I quit drinking all carbonated beverages because I do not like the way they taste. That has probably helped with the weight loss anyway. Overall, I am quite pleased. I am also pleased to read that others have been able to maintain their weight on this drug."

• Swe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2012

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Began Topamax in 2005 after suffering from migraines that would last for weeks. The litany of side effects is true, and its nickname 'Stupamax' is honestly earned. Word recall, memory, trouble focusing, hand numbness, fatigue, insomnia, the works. But the number of days with headaches went from 21 to 9 in the very first month. Now, after years of taking it, my body has been depleted of vitamin B12, and I have been suffering from horrible GI troubles. However, none of my doctors seemed to link Topamax to the B12 depletion. It took Google to figure that one out. But thank you to Google and B12 supplements. I hope this helps someone else relieve any issues they've been experiencing."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I went on topiramate in January 2012 for migraines with positive results. By the end of 2012, I had lost 85 lbs. I had also lost the ability to form sentences because I couldn't find words and was constantly in a fog. That is not good if you're a nurse. Also, my short-term memory was nonexistent, also not good for an acute care medical nurse. By the time the side effects became debilitating, I had to take a short leave of absence to sort out my situation. In the end, the medication was discontinued and I gained 23 lbs of the weight back. I'm not upset because now I have my short-term memory back, plus I've returned to work migraine-free. I'm still better off because I'm still thinner than before I started with topiramate."

• 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
• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Lea...
• October 18, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I was extremely hesitant to try topiramate medication for migraines because of all the negative reviews about the really severe side effects. I put it off for more than a year, but as a last resort, I followed my neurologist's advice and tried it. Daily schedule was as follows: Wk1 - 12.5 mg, Wk2 - 25 mg, Wk3 - 37.5 mg, Wk4 - 50 mg, Wk5 - 75 mg, Wk6 - 100 mg (stabilized dose). I have not experienced a migraine since week 4 of taking topiramate or any side effects after week 2. In weeks 1 and 2, I certainly struggled with trying to get my words out and articulating what I was trying to say. I was also very tired and forgetful. No other side effects. For the past 7 years, my migraines have been so debilitating. In the last 6 months, this drug has given me my life back. I have been on so many other medications, tried alternative therapies, quit my job, and spent thousands of dollars seeking specialist opinions. My only regret is that I didn't try this sooner."

• Aun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 8, 2019

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I have been through so much with this medicine! I ended up dizzy, confused, very irritable, with pain behind my eyes so bad it would give me headaches every day. I was scared to death to drive as my perception was off, sometimes it was so bad it felt like the road was moving, not my car. I had memory loss and couldn't say things correctly or even make deposits at work, I felt as if my brain was trying to come out of my skull. Because of this, I had to go to the gynecologist because I had abnormal periods and to the neurologist because of my head! I also had breast, arm, and leg pain to the point where I couldn't wash my hair or get ready. My legs were so bad I couldn't make it up the stairs! My husband was scared, and I was scared I was losing my mind and had something major wrong with me. This medicine wreaks havoc on your body, brain, and eyes! NIGHTMARE DRUG... I stopped it 3 days ago and I'm getting better already... I'm 42 and a healthy person, or I was!"

• Zoe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2014

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I tried EVERY medication out there, I swear. It has always ended badly, bad side effects, bad combinations, etc. And because of that I have been more against taking meds. Once we finally figured out that depression wasn't my problem, and I was diagnosed with a mood disorder (unofficially Bipolar II since I'm still not 18), I'm finally on 75mg of Topamax, 20mg of Prozac, and then I take Adderall XR 30mg and Adderall normal 10mg and this combination has had any positive effect, without any negative side effects. I do think I have suffered from the side effect of memory loss and slow thinking, not enough to make me stop taking it though. It has helped me so much and I recommend to anyone who is having trouble finding medicines that work for them."

• Mik...
• August 31, 2014

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Awful. I lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks before I had to quit Topamax due to side effects, which were terrible. They included: memory loss and 'senior moments' which increased 10-fold. I think this medicine dropped my IQ by at least 15 points, that 'I'm not part of this world' feeling of disconnectedness, and overheating to the point that I simply could not work out. Gained the 10 pounds back within 3 weeks of quitting."

• Jen...
• May 30, 2015

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on 25 mg to start and ended up taking 100. I lost weight. But the price I paid in side effects was not worth it. I lost so much hair that when I try to braid it, it's like braiding tiny strands of dental floss. It looks so ridiculous, long I had to chop it all off just to conceal how grossly thin it is. People call it Dopamax for a reason. It made my memory Swiss cheese, and when I had to process information, it felt like fighting through seaweed. The worst side effect was the depression. This stuff makes me downright suicidal. It helped me lose about 80 pounds by starvation. I never wanted to eat. I became anemic. If you've never had that before, you'll find simple physical tasks to feel like they're inciting heart attacks."

• Pel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was put on topiramate for bipolar disorder after a consultation with a psychiatrist. I started on a low dose of 25 mg twice daily, which increased to a maximum dose of 100 mg twice daily. I got side effects of brain fog and forgetfulness, mainly with word recollection. I also felt tired quite often. The main side effect was my lack of appetite, though. I was already quite slim, around 140 lbs, but went down to 118 lbs. I just had no appetite or interest in food. This started immediately after beginning the meds and started to wear off maybe a year to 18 months into taking it. After a 2-year break from topiramate, I am now on a daily 100 mg dose again, and the weight loss side effect has returned."

• SP8...
• September 10, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I cannot recommend this medication. Yes, it did prevent migraines, but the side effects far outweighed the benefit. My doctor put me on a gradual increase in dosage, and I was unable to get past the first week. After a couple of days, I lost control of my own thoughts and focused on every negative my mind could come up with. My work was impacted. I work in an accounting office and lost my ability to count and remember the alphabet. Not to mention, I would stop talking in mid-sentence quite often. I knew what I needed to say, but my mouth just wouldn't do it. My short-term memory was non-existent, and I decided to stop taking this medication after I forgot where I was driving to on my way to work; the same place I've been to for the last 9 years."

• SP8...
• September 10, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I cannot recommend this medication. Yes, it did prevent migraines, but the side effects far outweighed the benefit. My doctor put me on a gradual increase in dosage, and I was unable to get past the first week. After a couple of days, I lost control of my own thoughts and focused on every negative my mind could come up with. My work was impacted. I work in an accounting office and lost my ability to count and remember the alphabet. Not to mention, I would stop talking in mid-sentence quite often. I knew what I needed to say, but my mouth just wouldn't do it. My short-term memory was non-existent, and I decided to stop taking this medication after I forgot where I was driving to on my way to work; the same place I've been to for the last 9 years."

• l8r...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm ultra-ultra rapid cycling bipolar II and bul. been through 6 mood stabilizers / APs / AAPs. My experience on those was disastrous. Lithium made me more suicidal, lamictal made me binge, destroyed my memory, didn't help my mood, seroquel put 20 lbs on me and made me a zombie, didn't help my mood, latuda and abilify made me shake. I was terrified of weight gain on Depakote/valproate/risperdal. I was at my wit's end, suicidal, and terrified that I wasn't going to live to my 33rd birthday, then I found NIH considers Topamax to be a mood stabilizer so I asked my pdoc about it. Within a week at 50 mg I had a full day where I didn't cycle at all. I woke up feeling okay and stayed that way all day. I didn't cycle at all. Things are looking good!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2013

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "My current dosage is 100mg daily. I started at 113 pounds. Today, I weigh 100 pounds due to Topamax. Yes, I agree with everyone, in the beginning, the side effects were the worst. However, my doctor warned me that I would not feel relief until I reached my full dosage and my body adjusted to it, which was about 12 weeks. And I did see a difference. Before Topamax, migraines controlled my life, I had roughly 15 a month. With Topamax, I rarely have a severe migraine at all. Typically, I just get 5-7 headaches a month, which is a big difference. Yes, sometimes I forget my train of thought or feel tingling in my feet. However, those side effects beat the alternative of 50% of my life being controlled by severe migraines."

• Fer...
• November 22, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I swear, this stuff almost ruined my life. I am a veteran who suffers from anxiety and chronic migraines from an injury in Iraq. The VA (my neurologist) had me try this drug to see if it would help me with the migraines. After about a month, I noticed that I couldn't concentrate, and I'd begun to affect my studies badly. My anxiety was the worst it had ever been, and I was slipping into a depression. I had no idea what was wrong with me. The VA gave me (a person who suffers from anxiety) a medication that makes you stupid and wreaked havoc on my mind without warning me about any potential side effects. I had to process the change on my own, figure out what was wrong with me, and wean myself off the pills. Use with extreme caution!"

• DIA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2014

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I used it for migraines. My side effects were: depression, dehydration, impaired thinking, confusion, drowsiness, memory problems, nervousness, trouble concentrating, weakness, loss of appetite, vertigo, and severe anxiety. After stopping this medication, I still suffer from severe anxiety and vertigo."

• Twi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was taking 400 mg daily for chronic migraines, depression, and weight loss. It's very important to build up slowly, otherwise, the side effects can be extreme. I lost around maybe 50 lbs while on it. When I got up to 300 - 400 mg, I started to have memory problems and sleep issues. After a while, I felt like it had stopped working and dropped it, but that could have been from me forgetting to take it (memory issues, remember). It takes a few weeks to a few months for the side effects to fully wear off. I started at 235 or 245 and went down to 185. I'm now back up to 200. I haven't exercised in years, and I didn't change my diet (I probably don't eat as healthy as I should)."