Topiramate and Memory Loss: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• ama...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 25, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Been taking this topiramate for about 2 and a half years and in the process of finally tapering off of it. I'm not sure if it ever helped my headaches and migraines, it might have in the beginning, but they're definitely much worse now. It never seemed to help my bipolar disorder or helped me to lose weight either. It has given me absolutely terrible short-term memory. I also have a lot of trouble with conversations because of how the medicine causes me to talk or how forgetful I can be now."

• Ann...
• February 2, 2017

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I had been taking Topamax for a year, but have just taken myself off due to excessive hair loss, loss of concentration and memory, and sleep problems. My hair was falling out by the handfuls every day, and the concentration and memory loss were preventing me from working, as I am a translator. I have been on propranolol 160 mg daily for 2 years now and have had good results from that, with not too many side effects. I take rizatriptan when I do get a migraine, and it stops it usually. If it doesn't, I take Fioricet as well, and that works."

• Hea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2015

Topiramate for Trigeminal Neuralgia "I only took Topamax for a short time, but the side effects were so bad I had to stop. Primarily, it made me feel goofy. I was in a cloud and had trouble remembering how to get places I went to frequently. I lost the ability to taste bubbles in beverages, and beer or soda without carbonation just wasn't the same. In short, the nickname 'dopamax' seemed well-earned to me."

• kar...
• December 5, 2009

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I took the time to read every review and register. I have been on Topamax since May of '09, it is Dec. 5th '09. I was put on Topamax after being taken to the hospital for a TIA (mini stroke) due to complicated migraines. I don't really know how I feel about Topamax. I still get migraines a lot, and most of the side effects. I've lost 70 pounds. I am weak. But the banana tip is very helpful. My math is shot. And I stumble on my words. Short-term memory is a loss. But I will give the medicine more time and try the bananas to help with the side effects. I take 150 mg 2x daily. I started at 25 mg. But I have other illnesses that factor in. No one has mentioned TIAs. No one has this from their migraines? Thanks for the info. It's all helpful."

• 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."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking 25 mg about a year and a half ago. I got up to 200 mg once a day. I found in the beginning my hands would tingle. I had a bitter taste in my mouth, but over time that went away. It did help with weight loss, I lost about 10 pounds. I didn't experience any hair loss. In the beginning, I had trouble remembering things, but it eventually fades away and you're back to normal, at least for me. I believe this drug does work, especially if you have migraines."

• 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."

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2022

Topiramate for Epilepsy "My dad was given Topamax for seizures. After the first dose was given, he was incredibly sick, he vomited. A few days after this, he lost his appetite completely. He then started having severe memory problems and then came to anger outbursts. It also caused incontinence. After around a month of this, we decided to take him off this drug, and I would never again give this to him. It works for some people, but we will not be ever trying this drug again. It almost destroyed him."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I've tried every medicine you can offer someone in pediatrics, so they are now trying me on adult meds. I've been on topiramate for nearly 6 months, and it's not been great for me. I'm currently doing my AS levels, and although it has cut my headaches/migraines down from 6-7 a week to 3-4 a week, the side effects have been awful. I had been irritable and tired. I lost a fair bit of weight that I don't need to lose simply because I'm not hungry anymore. I've been experiencing pins and needles in my hands and feet and am constantly cold, and I am dizzy and feel like passing out. And with exams coming up, the memory problems and the problems with getting out my words aren't helping. At 17, suffering from migraines for coming up to 4 years, I don't know what to do."

• Clu...
• December 20, 2011

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I've read some mixed reviews about Topamax. Mine were awful, short-term memory loss, a state of 'duhh', just horrible functionality in general. I felt like I was getting dumber, plus no change in the migraines and cluster headaches. Any sufferer of these types of headaches knows what I mean when you feel that type of pain thrusting through the veins of one side of your head. Everything aches, even your teeth ache. Touching it hurts, leaving it alone hurts...everything hurts. Anyway, I had high hopes in Topamax but no results. I am now on Elavil, and I swear it's a miracle. No headaches since."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2012

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I took it for about 3 weeks with no improvement in symptoms whatsoever. Side effects included complete loss of appetite and rapid weight loss, mood swings, intense nausea, insomnia, hallucinations, memory problems, and constant confusion. Everyone reacts differently, I guess, but this was not the medicine for me."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was really hoping this was going to help, especially with the majority of the reviews being so positive. Within 5 days, I was having speech problems, memory issues, and went into having self-harm/suicidal thoughts. I threw it out 30 minutes ago. *** That does not mean this is a horrible option if you have been put on it. With medications like this, it can be very trial and error and will have different effects for different people. This was just my experience."

• Ali...
• August 8, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I've suffered from my first bout of migraine as a teenager to now 49. The last 10 months has been actually hell. I'm on blood pressure tablets, levothyroxine. Then symptoms started back in April: tingling arms, legs, numbness, brain fog, memory loss, stumbling, falling over, intolerance to light and sound. Head pain from hell, ear pressure, nausea, etc. 24/7 my life was stopping. Had a CAT scan showed I had empty sella syndrome. Migraines lasted daily for 5 months, so the neurologist placed me on Topiramate, and so far, wow, I slept for 3 days. Head pain and symptoms started to go and now I am starting to feel like me again. What works for one person may not work for the next, but for me, so far, pain and symptoms have gone."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2022

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "It's finally working! Takes around 9 days at 50 mg to kick in in a sustainable way (for me at least). Unlike Neurontin, there is no fatigue, no malaise, no significant memory loss, no agitation, no anger. Also taking 150 mg Welbutrin, which significantly lifts my spirits, so this might be counterbalancing things - who knows."

• Fay...
• April 25, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking this drug since the end of Sept 2014. On 100 mg per day, taken 25 mg 4 times a day, as I find them so strong. They've been working really well up until about a month ago, but the migraines have returned, so wondering whether I need to increase the dose or to request to try Botox - anyone tried this for migraine treatment? Side effects - these have been tough and ongoing. Pins and needles in hands and feet, severe nausea, dizziness, memory loss, lack of concentration, reduced heart rate (normal 70 bpm to 48 - I'm a 35-year-old female), find it hard to sleep. Have lost 2.5 stone so far, have real trouble eating as I feel so sick - the dietitian scored me with a high risk of malnutrition. Concerned about the damage this drug is doing."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2022

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Final Review - In the end, it's not working at all. Has completely pooped out. All along, it was hit and miss (a stretch of good nights, then nada, increase dose, repeat), and kept me on the edge of being almost pain-free. It has also given me insomnia! Currently at 50 mg and will be discontinuing. Have now tried nearly everything there is to try. (Lyrica: anger. Amitriptyline: good but pooped out. Neurontin: good (worked straight away at 150 mg) but significant malaise, loss of interest in anything, loss of memory, anger, sexual dysfunction, etc., etc. Cymbalta: 60 mg good, but eventually insomnia and anxiety. Effexor: good, but pooped out at 75 mg and anxiety. Was prescribed Tramadol at one point: definitely not going there. May be a few others that I've missed. Not sure where to turn... Increase the Effexor? Go back to lower dose of Neurontin? The only thing keeping me sane now is the Wellbutrin. The chronic pain of neuropathy is a thief - it steals everything from you."

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

For Migraine Prevention "I went on topiramate in January 2012 for migraines with positive results. By the end of 2012, I had lost 85 lbs and 7 dress sizes. I had started out at 235 lbs and ended up at 150 lbs. My dose started out at 25 mg twice a day, then went up to 50 mg twice a day in two weeks, then was increased to 100 mg twice a day in 3 months. At the end of my treatment, my dose was 300 mg daily. 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 non-existent, also not good for an acute care medical nurse. By the time the side effects became so debilitating, I had to take a short leave of absence to sort out my situation because it affected my job performance. In the end, the medication was discontinued by my doctor, 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 and I'm migraine-free. I'm still better off because I'm still thinner than before I started with topiramate."

• Hai...
• November 3, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed Topamax at 25 mg 2 times a day by a family practice doctor until I saw a neurologist, and that doctor immediately increased my dose in a gradual dosage over a 2-week span to 200 mg a day. The side effects I had were horrible, I couldn't even force myself to eat more than a few bites of food for the whole day. I was in a constant fog, it was like I had smoked a bunch of weed. I was tired all the time, my speech was like I was drunk, I couldn't remember anything, and I had severe mood swings. I would go from perfectly happy to wanting to beat the living daylights out of someone for no reason. After a few months of it, I had had enough, and my primary care physician took me off of it, but I had to slowly decrease the dosage, so it took about 6 weeks."

• 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."

• Say...
• July 3, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Yes, topiramate definitely works for weight loss. In the first month, I've gone from 85 kgs to 81.8 kgs. My weight gain is due to the meds I take: mirtazapine, quetiapine, and divalproex. Topiramate gives an extreme lack of appetite, but there are serious side effects like tiredness, increased temperature, sleeping problems, memory problems, and feeling queasy and sick. It's an expensive drug but worth it. My dose is 25 mg twice daily, to be increased to 75 mg/day if tolerated."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2022

Topiramate "I was prescribed Topamax (titrated dosage) until maximum dose required; I believe I was taking 25 mg 2x daily leading up to 250 mg within 4 weeks of use. Alongside, I was taking 400 mg Gabapentin; both were said to help reduce alcohol consumption by reducing cravings and blocking GABA receptors, which would decrease the effects of alcohol, 50-150 mg Seroquel (dosage was as needed, nightly) for insomnia, and 1 mg Ativan, 20x 30-day prescription for Panic Disorder (attacks), 25 mg Prozac for Generalized Anxiety and depression. I was being seen by a psychiatrist who specializes in addictions; as I have a history of alcohol and drug abuse. This doctor was aware of the alcohol amounts I was consuming and that I was using that in combination with marijuana on a daily basis. I was reliant on their expertise and could continue drinking and smoking. Within 3-4 weeks, I was in psychosis; visual and auditory hallucinations. Suicide attempts; severe agitation and mood disturbances. Memory loss; was hospitalized!!"

• Sud...
• January 11, 2018

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I was prescribed topiramate for neuropathic itch. Continuous itching all over my body caused by damaged nerves. I got every bad side effect. I can't remember simple things. I'll go to do something and forget what it was. I misspelled my own name. I had a 4.0 in high school, and suddenly I can't spell. I feel like I have dementia. My thoughts escape my mind so frequently I can't have a conversation with anyone. I feel dumb. My eyes hurt. My hair is coming out in large amounts. I want my clarity and my health back. This medicine really should not be on the market. I will never take another medicine again! It helps block the nerves, but the side effects aren't worth it."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2011

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I just started taking Topamax a little over 2 weeks ago. I am up to 100 mg a day. I am starting to really notice some short-term memory issues, however, I have not had a migraine, let alone a single headache since starting the medicines. Everything has started tasting weird since starting the 100 mg dose. I used to drink at least 4 cups of coffee a day and can't stand to drink it at all. The bonus is that it has helped with the caffeine withdrawal. I am also a smoker, and it has helped reduce my craving for tobacco! I have read a lot of the posts on here and am seriously concerned about many of the side effects, such as hair loss. However, the weight loss aspect is really appealing. I haven't lost anything yet though."

• myg...
• May 6, 2017

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "Switched to this after getting a nasty mouth rash from Lamictal-and would rather have that than all the stuff I have to deal with from Topamax... 24/7 exhaustion, breakthrough seizures daily, horrible, horrible memory loss (will have taken my medication and no more than 10 minutes later have to count all the tiny things to see if I've taken that half day's dose). Living a miserable life on this medication, cannot wait to get onto something else. Tried to give this a chance, and it gave me nothing but a terrible time, almost like being unmedicated with a constant dead leg and arm, UGH. I'm a small person in general, so the weight loss was not a welcome change either. Topamax does nothing!!! for my complex partial seizures or epilepsy."