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Topamax for Migraine Prevention User Reviews (Page 2)

Topamax has an average rating of 6.0 out of 10 from a total of 356 reviews for the treatment of Migraine Prevention. 48% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 31% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Topamax

  • Michal
  • September 11, 2019

"Been on Topamax quite a few weeks now, to help my migraines. At 50mg my it wasn't doing anything additional for my migraines that my low histamine diet wasn't already doing, but it did wonders for my brain fog and energy! Very pleased! A few word- finding problems but I can sit and read a whole book now and remember what I read. Last week I went up to 100mg and sadly it has begun giving me daily migraines. Not bad ones but it's not a good sign. I will be dropping it back down to 50mg for a week or two and if they resolve I will try again to confirm if the higher dose is the issue. As advice: don't listen to the scaremongering on here and take the miracles with a grain of salt. It IS approved for migraine, it's not an off label use."

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  • Anonymous
  • March 24, 2015

"Topamax is truly a lifesaver I have been on this for many years now for migraine prevention, and I to would get the "pins and needles" tingle sinsation in hands and feet. I've found A daily multivitamin helps with that, and believe it or not, prenatal vitamins take it completely away. I hope this helps!"

10 / 10
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  • Migra...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • November 3, 2015

"I've read many of the poor reviews, and wonder how many refer to the generic version of Topamax. I can't use the generic version - it simply doesn't work for me, and I do recall more side effects. However, the brand name drug has been a lifesaver for me. I suffered with chronic daily migraine for over a decade before being placed on Topamax, and NO other drug helped. I was on beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, every medication for seizure disorders, and talk about side effects! They were horrific! I could barely function at work, missed lots of time, and essentially had no life. Topamax has made a major difference. I now have many fewer migraines, rarely contend with chronic daily migraine, and I've experienced no major side effects"

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Heather...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 27, 2015

"Topamax saved my life! I'm currently on 25 mg and will go up if needed. I woke up every single day from a headache. It literally got to the point where I didn't want to wake up. The only side effect I had was nausea for about 3 days but it was gone after that. It took about a week to it to start working for me. I haven't been so happy in my entire life! Headaches controlled my life but not anymore!"

10 / 10
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  • neely
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 22, 2017

"Have been on Topamax 100mg twice a day since July of this year. Once in the morning, once in the evening. Have been a chronic migraine sufferer for at least ten years. Having at least 8-10 migraines per month, lasting at least 24 hours at a time. Unable to leave dark room and often ending up in hospital. Dr started me off on 25 mg twice a day, gradually working me up to 100 mg twice a day. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me!! migraines are down to about 1 to two a month. I can actually live my life!!! Yes, I have lost about 30 pounds since July (almost 5 months) luckily, I had it to lose. But I feel like a new person! Memory was slightly foggy at first but body adjusted and I feel great!!"

9 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Oodle...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 28, 2015

"Topamax is by far the best migraine preventative I have ever tried. I take 100mg at night and have even been on 200mg - 1 100mg in the AM and 1 100mg in the PM. My neurologist and I discussed Topamax and figured it was worth a shot since my chronic, daily migraines were uncontrollable and I was getting Imitrex injections almost every week and could no longer take Toradol. Unlike other people, I have very few side effects. I weaned off Topamax once to try Gabapentin but it by itself wasn't enough and my migraines returned full force. Very few side effects: trouble finding words, thirst, and weight lose (not that I mind). Topamax is a wonderful drug and a LIFESAVER. It and my Gabapentin together is my divine combo!"

10 / 10
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  • Nearly...
  • February 10, 2014

"Topamax literally saved my life! I have been getting headaches often since I was 14 or so. They progressed to full blown migraines after my 3rd child (I was 28 in 2004)and increased from there. By 2008/2009 they had gotten so bad I was literally having paralysis on the left side of my face, could not keep my eyes open at all, severe vomiting. Once I had one there was no driving or I'd run off the road. Thankfully after getting no relief from several medications & including visits to the ER, ENT, and neurologist to try and figure out something... I was prescribed Topamax. Use 50mg a day with 2 Aleve & 500mg Magnesium. Pretty much wiped out my migraines. Got pretty much all the side effects...who cares? I'm not suffering everyday anymore. :)"

9 / 10
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More FAQ

  • SP87
  • September 10, 2015

"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 I 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."

2 / 10
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  • Panda
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 15, 2019

"I took Topamax because I was getting migraines nearly every day and other treatments failed. I was not informed of any serious side effects. I had never had a panic attack before, but I was getting them frequently on Topamax. They were so intense I did not know what to do. I did not feel like myself at all, I felt like a different person or empty shell of myself. I went to my primary care (neurologist prescribed) and she said she was treating several other patients for similar severe panic attacks from Topamax. The drug stays in your system so long, it was an awful feeling. I was just relieved to know it was the medicine and I wasn’t totally losing it. I have never tried migraine prevention medications since (this was 13 years ago) because it was such an awful experience."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 16, 2014

"By the time I started Topamax, I was getting migraines 2-4 days a week. Topamax seemed like the best fix. And for a while, it was. My migraines significantly reduced, though I did get most of the common side effects: slight tingling in my fingers, carbonated beverages tasted gross, and weight loss. My main warning about this medicine is weight loss. It seems to be paraded as a benefit, and to some it may be, but if you are already naturally slim, pay very close attention. I wound up dropping to an unhealthy weight despite all attempts to counter it, and it's ultimately why I had to stop Topamax. I was unwillingly wasting away. When I stopped, my migraines returned in short order, and I'm still looking for an alternative that works."

7 / 10
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  • student
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 28, 2020

"I've been suffering from migraines for over 10 years now and 5 years ago I started with propanolol, then depakine which didn't help and and now topamax eventually. Topamax is awful. It made me feel suicidal. I started with 25mg and followed the 4 week steps in upping the dose like the Dr said. My family started to see a personality change instantly. When I reached the 100mg 2/day dose things started to get worse. For 3 weeks I was nauseous, I couldn’t get up, started to feel stupid, I had exams and I couldn’t focus at all, strange taste in mouth, numbness hands and feet and the tiredness. I slept for days and was still tired. This medication is DANGEROUS. I never wanted to die so badly. Please think about this."

1 / 10
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  • Tylor
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 27, 2023

"I don’t typically write reviews on medications but feel I need to for this one. I have had migraines with aura for quite some time but recently worsened over the last year. I finally saw my PCP for treatment and was placed on 25mg of Topamax which I was to slowly increase over a 3-week period to 2 tablets twice a day. The first week was 1 tablet at night for 7 days. I started the medication on a Monday and by Wednesday I already developed absolutely no appetite and persistent nausea. But I continued taking it thinking it would pass. By Friday, I had developed fatigue and general malaise. On top of that I still had no appetite and had eaten very little over the five days I had been on the medication. My mood was terrible and I felt like I was in a persistent state of being hungover day after day. DON’T take this med if you can use other options for migraine prophylaxis. This medication causes more burdens than benefits."

1 / 10
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  • Lorrie...
  • July 29, 2013

"I have been on Topamax for 13 years now and cannot live without it. Before the doctor prescribed it for me I was in the hospital at least 4 times a year for 2 to 3 days. I have not even been to the emergency room for a shot since I have stared taking it. I take 50 mg morning & 50 mg at night. I did not lose many pounds and the side effects did not bother me at all. I would suggest anyone with severe migraines to give Topamax a few months before giving up on it."

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  • Flychic
  • March 28, 2008

"WONDERDRUG!! Every drug has side effects people! The side effects from this one wore off for me after about 2 months..you gotta stick through it to get used to it, once you do it's totally worth it. I went from having almost daily headaches and weekly severe migraines to maybe 1 migraine every couple of months that even then it was very minimal. Totally worth trying!"

9 / 10
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  • Roman...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 3, 2013

"I was prepared for the basic side effects: Carbonated beverages not tasting right, and also some loss of appetite. I was put on 100mg from the get go. I also had the fairly common side effect of just feeling confused, though this wasn't all that severe and I was still able to do well in school. I also experienced tingling in my hands and feet, and though this was irritating, it was bearable. The real kicker for why I quit taking this medicine was when I began to have what felt like panic attacks and severe confusion, along with elevated heartbeat and dizziness. Also my fingers would move on their own and seem to get stuck sticking straight out and I had no control over it. "

5 / 10
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  • Rosbud
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 8, 2013

"I started taking Topamax since Monday, February 4th, 2013. I have a history of migraines and lately have been having just bad headaches everyday. I am taking 25mg a day and it has really helped. I have had no side effects except lack of interest in eating. I have lost 3 lbs this week. I look forward to no headaches and will watch the weight loss but I can stand to lose a few pounds at this point."

9 / 10
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  • inej
  • February 20, 2017

"Developed Aurora symptoms of migraine as part of diagnosis of fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue diagnosis as result of a car accident. Debilitating vertigo, light and noise sensitivity. Extreme cognitive disfunction and fatigue which were constant but the migraine came and went but would last for weeks. Eventually it just stayed and I felt like I was walking about drunk!! I was told there was nothing that could be done for me and this was part of my condition. I found topamax myself when I had reached the point where I had decided to end it all if this was it. Sad but true. Fortunately and happily I am a new women. My brain has been unscrambled! I can function again!No more hiding from the light or trying to remember why I started a sentence"

10 / 10
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  • Mona
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 3, 2019

"I started topamax at one 50mg tablet and I was okay the first weeks. Then I couldn’t eat at all I was hungry but I couldn’t eat and I started developing anxiety and depression and really dark thoughts. I stopped it for 2 weeks and decided to give it another try and that same night I took the dose I had horrible anxiety and just didn't feel safe from myself. This medicine is horrible"

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  • Marina
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 6, 2019

"Topamax was a dreadful choice for me for my migraine prevention. Topamax did nothing to improve my chronic migraines, and made life even more difficult than it was by making me fuzzy minded. I couldn’t concentrate, carry on a conversation, finish a task without having to stop and think about what I’m doing and why, I was too woozy to drive- I even felt wobbly while walking. I couldn’t function at all. The worst of it was this: I’m normally right handed. While I was on topamax I started using my left hand as the dominant hand, and knocking things over, dropping things, and generally getting frustrated by my lack of coordination. This troubling symptom lasted the longest after stopping my use of topamax. I understand that some find this drug helpful, but it was a nightmare and a danger for me."

1 / 10
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  • Guill...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 13, 2019

"I was prescribed 100mg topamax for mood and migraines. I was surprised it has prevented most of my migraines and helped my mood somewhat. I was having severe cluster headaches every morning for nearly 2 years waking up at 6 or 5am with excruciating pain, it was awful. Never knew what caused them , the topamax stopped them immediately, I could not believe it. I am so happy and relieved. So this has been a good drug for me."

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

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

1 / 10
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  • Lifel...
  • January 18, 2021

"I was put on Topamax in September 2019 to treat lifelong migraines. I suffered very severe side effects across the board. My brain got foggy and I started dropping words or leaving sentences unfinished. I developed a skin reaction to metal and the skin peeled off under my wedding ring and where my bra clasp met my skin. The worst part was the crippling depression and anxiety. I spent hours crying. I developed such severe anxiety and insomnia that I stopped going to bed. I would just sit on the couch all night in a fog or fighting through panic attacks. I was prescribed Ativan to manage the anxiety. My GP put me on suicide watch and started to taper off the Topamax dosage. Before I was completely off, I developed an allergic reaction: my face, hands and feet swelled and I developed full body hives. I ended up in the ER where I was put on a high dose of steroids and anti-histamines. I went through horrible Topamax withdrawal, which left me nauseous and with the worst headache of my life."

1 / 10
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  • Kimber...
  • June 1, 2016

"After taking 100mg daily, it took me roughly 3 months for my migraines to dramatically stop. I went from having approximately 12 migraines monthly to having maybe two. The side effects of this medication for me: for 3 weeks I could not focus, extreme fatigue, restlessness. I cannot drink anything carbonated, as a result, I lost 20 pounds in the first month. Serious appetite loss. I've been on this medication for 9 months and lost a total of 43 pounds. I have to take in the morning otherwise I cannot sleep. It also helps with my OCD tendencies. If you can make it through 3 weeks of outter space, this medication is worth it!!"

8 / 10
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  • Jaq
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 29, 2023

"I am on day 7 of 25mg of Topamax at night for vestibular migraine. So far, I have had no unpleasant side effects and also no migraines (but too early to tell if it will be effective in the long run). I am supposed to increase to 25mg bd in a week. The first night I felt a bit strange when I took it, but that settled quickly. If anything, I feel more upbeat and happy. I pray that this is the miracle drug I have been hoping for. 5 years of hell with vertigo and too many useless drugs to mention, physio, MRI, neurology, etc., all with no success. Fingers crossed, and I will keep you all posted!!"

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 11, 2013

"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 the 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 tingly in my feet. However, those side effects beat the alternative to 50% of my life being controlled by severe migraines."

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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