Topiramate and Tingling: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Also taking it for seizures and migraines from concussions. Obesity wasn't an issue until 2 years ago when the trauma hit. That's when things got bad. I've gained about 80+ pounds 2 years ago. Just got myself out of a wheelchair last fall but still suffer from chronic pelvic pain from abuse as a child. So that tingling that many have an issue with, my Brain Rehabilitation Specialist said bananas. You need potassium if you are experiencing that. You have to also take 500 mg - 1000 mg of magnesium with this for proper nerve function and especially if you get migraines during your menstrual cycle. I crave loads of water since starting. Bathroom visits plenty."

• Ros...
• February 3, 2013

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Topamax has significantly reduced my migraines from 1 a month to 1 every 18 months. I have also found that it helps you not overeat or drink alcohol. I am very happy being on Topamax for all these reasons. I initially did have tingly feet, a small price to pay, but rarely get that symptom now. I am on 50 mg a day."

• Ell...
• November 14, 2009

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "Best medication for me yet. I have my life back. Give it time and be patient. Let your body adjust to the drug slowly and be sure to stay hydrated and eat enough even though you might not feel hungry. Drinking smoothies helps. Get enough potassium and you won't feel tingly. I can finally go back to being a student and ballet dancer without seizures! Trust me, this medication can give you your life back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2013

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I went from 1 or 2 migraines a year to about 9 a month. After a year or so of this, my doctor had me try Topamax. I've been on 25 mg, once a day, for the past three weeks, and I'm very happy with it. I've only had the beginnings of 3 migraines (immediately took my Relpax), and they went immediately away. I feel like I've got my life back. My only side effects are a slight loss of appetite (which I'm not unhappy about) and a little tingling in my feet. Well worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2013

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I took Topamax for 2 months until I finally threw in the towel and could take no more. It did stop the migraines, but the other side effects were horrible. I did have the tingling in my hands, feet, and lips, and food did taste way different. I was so depressed I could barely even get out of bed. I actually gained about 5 lbs. while I notice most everyone else lost weight. I cried every day for a week straight, and I'm not like that. My house was a wreck and I could barely help my son with his homework."

• mir...
• February 19, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I've been on Topamax for about 2 months now. I've gone from having a migraine or headache of some sort every day to 2 migraines in the past 2 months. The only thing I don't like about the medication is the severe tingling in my hands, feet, fingers, and lips."

• MB2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2017

Topiramate for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I've been taking 25 mg/day for 3 weeks for nerve damage/back pain. I love this medication! It has some interesting side effects...(I have tried Gabapentin, Lyrica, Tramadol, and Percocet - but had really bad experiences on all of them.) The tingling goes away after a week. Hot flashes - too young for this! Mentally in a better place - I was in a depressive funk before taking it. Cleared my head a bit - I actually want to get better now and am walking/making an effort b/c I'm able to because my pain is manageable. I still get random shooting pains, but not as harsh. Major con is my hair is falling out!!! Any suggestions on hair loss? OTC supplements I take with it: AZO Cranberry Urinary Tract Health, B12, biotin, PNV, and fish oil. Drink lots of water!!!"

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2008

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I've been taking Topamax for about a year and a half now, and it has drastically cut down the frequency of my migraines. That is so worth the side effects I've noticed. Yes, I've had the tingles and some facial twitches, I've lost about 20 lbs., and I have trouble with word retrieval and memory... but is it worth it? Absolutely! I currently take 250 mg/day-all at night to help minimize the noticeability of the side effects. A good option, in my opinion."

• Ann...
• March 16, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I use Topamax 100 mg for migraine, mood, and the one my psych doctor doesn't know about: weight loss. I didn't lose a pound on this med for years but have been steadily dropping weight since August '18. Of course, I'm also counting my calories closely, trying not to exceed 1,300/day. But sometimes I go way past that amount if it's PMS time. There have been no side effects whatsoever. A little numbness/tingling. Topamax is neither stimulating nor sedating for me and doesn't affect my mood at all. My hair is shedding a tad more than before, but Nioxin shampoo slows that down. I do worry about potential long-term side effects or nutrient deficiencies. I've gone from 155 to 124 lbs. on Topamax and my CICO diet. Totally sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food, lol. It's all about the calories you take in vs. how many you burn each day. A TDEE calculator can help you determine how many you should be eating. Relying on ANY drug to fix you is gonna end in failure. It takes work."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2014

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "After 7 years of debilitating migraines almost daily and rebound headaches from taking Excedrin and ibuprofen, I finally found a doctor that was willing to help me. She suggested Topamax, and just in this short period of a couple of months, there's been a significant difference. Not only am I rarely having pain, I feel less anxious and more balanced out emotionally as well. Even friends and co-workers can see the difference in my mood! As for side effects, I experienced tingling in my hands, feet, and face, but my doctor mentioned taking a multivitamin each day, which has seemed to help. I've also been drinking LOTS of water to counteract the major dry mouth. Overall, Topamax has been more of an effective, positive experience for me than anything."

• Som...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "This pretty much saved my life. I've been on everything (or so it seems) for major depressive disorder, and when I was about 32, something wasn't adding up, and I was diagnosed BP2. I tried Lamictal, and I couldn't handle the headaches. The other BP medications all seem to cause weight gain, so I'd stop taking them. I got a new doctor who said if I tried lithium, she would give me a little topiramate to help offset the hunger the lithium caused. Well, the topiramate seemed to help the BP2. So I've slowly worked up to 150/day topiramate along with Wellbutrin and Lexapro. It's a godsend. Side effects: when titrating up at any point, tingly fingers or feet for a week, but then it goes away. Take at night because it can make you sleepy. Hope FDA approves!"

• Som...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "This pretty much saved my life. I've been on everything (or so it seems) for major depressive disorder, and when I was about 32, something wasn't adding up, and I was diagnosed BP2. I tried Lamictal, and I couldn't handle the headaches. The other BP medications all seem to cause weight gain, so I'd stop taking them. I got a new doctor who said if I tried lithium, she would give me a little topiramate to help offset the hunger the lithium caused. Well, the topiramate seemed to help the BP2. So I've slowly worked up to 150/day topiramate along with Wellbutrin and Lexapro. It's a godsend. Side effects: when titrating up at any point, tingly fingers or feet for a week, but then it goes away. Take at night because it can make you sleepy. Hope FDA approves!"

• Pal...
• July 23, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "If you cannot tolerate Topamax/Trokendi (topiramate), please consider Zonegran (zonisamide). It is in the same class of drug as Topamax and does many of the same things. Its labeled use is an anti-convulsant, but the psychiatric and pain management clinic I go to uses it off-label for a number of uses, such as weight loss, mood stabilization, migraine prevention, and mild pain reduction properties. I took Zonegran successfully at 200 mg for 5 years and did not experience tingling, numbness, dry mouth, or flat-tasting carbonated beverages. Memory/recall did degrade unacceptably for me above 200 mg, but the therapeutic dose is considered 300 mg."

• wxy...
• February 28, 2008

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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."

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Started Topamax 50 mg 2 weeks ago for bipolar 1. I’m losing weight like crazy due to no appetite at all. Not complaining!! I’m a little irritable, okay, a lot. Hopefully, that will go away. Hands and face are tingling, which I can deal with. The only thing I really HATE is I can’t sleep! Even with Remeron and Seroquel together at night, I’m still waking up all night and waking up stupid early. Probably why I’m so grouchy. Gonna give it 6 more weeks, and if the sleep thing doesn’t change, I’ll have to switch meds once again. Good luck to you all!!"

• PMa...
• June 9, 2016

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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."

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

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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."

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2012

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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."

• Awa...
• May 13, 2016

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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."

• Pee...
• October 14, 2009

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "I have been on Topamax for about 4 years. I have a brain tumor and migraines with seizures. I was on Divalproex and had gained weight (178 lbs). I am 5'3'. When my doctor put me on Topamax, my hands and feet tingled, everything tasted like metal, for about a month or so I also felt like I was on 'speed.' After the first month or so and some dosage alterations, I am very happy. No seizures, headaches gone, I am now a size 3, yeah, and will be very upset if someone takes my Topamax away."

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

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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."

• Reb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 6, 2015

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "I've been on Topiramate now for 3 years after switching from Lamotrigine, on which I had a full-on epileptic seizure. My experience on Topiramate, however, has been fine. I lost weight like others seem to have, but have since put it back on. I surrendered my driving license for a year after the seizure but have since gotten that back. I carry out my job with ease as well, so really can't complain there. The only issues I've had are the side effects of tingly hands and feet, sudden dizziness, becoming very, very tired all of a sudden - and more recently - losing my train of thought, getting confused easily, and being unable to focus. I've noticed this mainly happens, though, when I'm bored and have nothing to do. When I'm busy, all works well."

• sol...
• May 1, 2009

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I started on this medicine in 2004. It has been a roller-coaster ride. The first, and most immediate thing was I stopped smoking and discontinued drinking anything carbonated. I rapidly lost about 30 lbs, my nails became so thin I could not hold paper. I started taking supplements as the weight loss caused nutrition loss. Tingling in hands and feet still persists, especially when I am cold. Around 2007, I entered into a psychotic break, there are other contributing factors here, so my doctor took down the dose from 200 mg to 75 mg, where I am still at today. I have regained some weight, but that is due to another medicine that I now take with this."

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

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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."