Topamax and Brain Fog: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ali...
• September 15, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "At first, I did not like it at all - I started off on 50 mg (recommended) and found it wasn't working. I also was super spaced out, unfocused, and constantly feeling like my brain was going, but my body wasn't (it was WEIRD). This went on for about a week, then it worked perfectly, and I was completely normal. However, the migraines started coming back, so I am now on 100 mg a day, and the same thing happened when I upped the dosage. It's working now, though! I didn't notice any difference in tasting things, but I did get tingles in my fingers and toes! Otherwise, all-around amazing medicine!!"

• Ali...
• September 15, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "At first, I did not like it at all - I started off on 50 mg (recommended) and found it wasn't working. I also was super spaced out, unfocused, and constantly feeling like my brain was going, but my body wasn't (it was WEIRD). This went on for about a week, then it worked perfectly, and I was completely normal. However, the migraines started coming back, so I am now on 100 mg a day, and the same thing happened when I upped the dosage. It's working now, though! I didn't notice any difference in tasting things, but I did get tingles in my fingers and toes! Otherwise, all-around amazing medicine!!"

• Ccg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on this medication for 3 weeks. At first, the effects were unbearable: brain fog, memory loss, loss for words, sleeping all day. I'm going on my 3rd week and almost all side effects have subsided. I still find myself at a loss for words sometimes. I started at 121 lbs; I'm now at 116 and still losing. I find myself never wanting to eat. Soda tastes flat. I don't mind. I like the medicine. I take 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night prn."

• Jua...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 11, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "This drug isn't for everyone. The side effects are completely crazy. I have been on it for almost 12 months now. It has provided relief from migraines by almost 95% of the time. This has been a big deal for me. Side effects I've experienced: hands and feet tingle periodically (some days are worse than others), hair loss started 3 months after taking it but began to cease 6 months later, definite brain fog (some days I feel like I'm losing my mind), grogginess (I can only take my dose at night, otherwise, I'm a zombie during the day), changes in vision, loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability. At first, I convinced myself the side effects were worth tolerating compared to having a migraine. But as time goes on, I'm beginning to think I'm wrong."

• RLM...
• September 20, 2007

For Migraine Prevention "I took Topamax for about 10 days to prevent migraines. I had several undesirable side effects (trouble focusing, problems with word retrieval, sleepiness). But the worst was feeling depressed. I stopped taking it."

• Bel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 2, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking this med for almost 10 years now. I started when I was 18, it was the first drug my doctor tried... I am almost 28, and I am so upset looking back that I didn't ask more questions or realize that this was the issue. I started at a minimum dose, but I was eventually up to 300 mg/day. I thought nothing of this because if the doctor wasn't worried, why should I be? I had been to three different doctors that never asked me if at that dose I was having memory problems, etc. I don't remember anyone telling me the major side effect was memory problems, brain fog, etc. No kids... I went through college thinking there was something wrong with me. My new doctor has put me on something else that is safe if my husband and I get pregnant. She also was in shock that for migraine prevention I was taking such a big dose."

• Uni...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I took Topamax a few years ago and regret it. It has changed my life for the worse. Even after stopping the meds several years ago, I still have bad brain fog, loss of vision, memory loss, especially short term, lost the ability to comprehend things, and lost the ability to do simple functions such as basic math. Prior to taking this medicine, I was at the top of my game. Now I feel helpless, and the doctors were no help. My vision changed after it. Mind you, I had Lasik eye surgery and could see perfectly fine prior to this. It's frustrating because I have to do things differently now, and it's embarrassing because people look at you like something is wrong since you can't do simple things a 2-year-old can do!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Topamax was a really frustrating experience. I took 50 mg for about 3 weeks, and I was supposed to titrate up to 100 mg morning and night (50 mg total) but did not, and chose to stop the medication. Obviously, it works, because I lost 6 pounds. But I also was extremely foggy-headed and out of it, reverting to some of the anxious public behavior I acted out before I was fully medicated for my mental health conditions. Reading was challenging, and sometimes my speech was garbled and nonsensical. Even a small amount of this drug was enough to give me really bothersome side effects, so I stopped using it. As someone who exercises and diets just don’t seem to make a dent in my weight, I acknowledge that this is an effective weight loss drug if you can handle the side effects. I wouldn’t really recommend or warn against it, just be advised the side effects are intense."

• Bin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This medication was actually prescribed to me by my psychiatrist because of my binge eating issue. I was very hesitant because at first taking this I didn’t notice a difference. I’ve been taking it for almost the full four weeks now, and it’s finally starting to work. My appetite is starting to be suppressed now, and within the last week and a half, I went from 220 lbs to 207 lbs! Crazy. I will admit I feel a little foggy, but I’m also on Abilify (which is another reason I got put on Topamax, the Abilify makes my binging worse) and Wellbutrin, so I'm normally a little foggy, so it’s hard to tell if the Topamax is causing it to be worse. Either way, it’s helping me with my binge eating, and I’m actively losing weight."

• Lin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 16, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "When I first went on Topamax, I thought it was a miracle. I had just been diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) after 9 months of what we had previously thought was a constant migraine. Topamax was the first drug that really made a dent in the pain. However, the side effects were... a lot. - At first, I could barely eat (for about a month). - The brain fog slowly took me over, turning me into a zombie. - The tingling was never just my hands and feet, but my arms, legs, face, and back as well. - I had vision issues, including always seeing a circle in the middle of my vision, eyes opened or closed. - I had hallucinations whenever I woke up in the dark. Worst of all, the drugs would help for a week or two, then the pain would come back until I increased the dose."

• AH0...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "The 2 weeks I was taking Topamax ended up being the worst 2 weeks of my life. I was started on this med on Wednesday. By Monday, I was halfway through my day at work when I got lightheaded, dizzy, a terrible headache, and started experiencing left-sided numbness/tingling. Nearly wrecked and ended up in the ER, where they diagnosed migraines. Was sent home to have a headache with left-side weakness/numbness, confusion, and a foggy feeling for the next 2 weeks. 5 doctor's appointments, 2 ER visits, 1 outpatient infusion for migraines, and 1 admission to the hospital later. I finally figured out on my own that when I stopped taking Topamax, my symptoms got better. Although they are still not gone. My vision has changed as well as other long-term effects."

• Ins...
• December 10, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I just started taking 25 mg of Topamax twice per day, yesterday evening! I had not read any of these reviews, and after my very first dose, I had a carbonated drink, and it tasted flat on the front of my tongue, but burned the back! I thought it was a fluke, but it happened today, too. This will definitely help me drink more water! I have started having tingly fingers and toes, but no other symptoms yet. I already have brain fog due to menopause, so I'm a little worried about that! I have been having 4 or 5 migraines per week lately, and I take sumatriptan for them, which usually works. I also take an anti-anxiety medicine and an ADD medicine, so we'll see how all of these work together! I am thankful for all of your reviews!"

• Gam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I have had intractable migraine for 28 years, and migraines from the age of 10 until 28 years ago when it never quit. I went through many different trials of treatment, and nothing worked, so finally, the headache specialist gave me Vicodin. It worked, and I was able to begin living life again. Then a new MD took the Vicodin away and gave me Topamax. My life was hell. I live alone in a 2-story house, and I had to scoot up and down on my butt. I am 66 and disabled (from strokes), and I was terrified. I could barely form sentences, I had terrible brain fog. I couldn't cook a meal as I was so confused, I kept burning things. It was horrible. The doc told me to keep taking it, but I refused, I felt the side effects were too dangerous for me."

• Sam...
• August 14, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "Took a 50 mg last night before bedtime for the 1st time. Woke up like a zombie, my top lip numb, in a fog, soda taste metallic. I can't function on this medicine. I function better with migraines. I am a receptionist, and about to fall asleep at my desk."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started on Topamax after getting aura migraines every 3 weeks. Seemed to immediately see results, but online comments worried me, so I stopped Topamax after 2 weeks. Immediate migraine followed, which has lasted a week so far. Will try going back on and stick to it for a month and reevaluate. I seemed to have fogginess, but will stick with it this time and see what happens."

• Ser...
• February 2, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I was in a car accident with a head injury. I had intractable migraine and other headaches that came and went daily on top of that, and three months after the accident, my neurologist offered Topamax. It's been 9 months. I lost a lot of hair; I have the soda is flat thing; the pins and needles; and I have lost weight. I think the brain fog was not noticeable because of the brain injury. It took care of my headaches immediately. I didn't mind the side effects. I ran out of it once, and on day two, had a seizure. I tried to titrate off recently, and the migraine returned with a vengeance, so I am still going to be taking it. I don't mind the side effects in comparison to the headache. Also, I use hypnosis for some of the side effects."

• TMS...
• February 9, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "This drug is horrible. Pros: yes, it destroys your appetite and you lose weight because of that. You also don't enjoy food, which made me less inclined to want to cook for others (note: I am a foodie and love to cook). Cons: this drug did zero for my migraines. I take Amerge; it works! I felt so foggy and 'in and out' of the ability to concentrate in the mornings (100 mg nightly dosage). Okay after 4 hrs. My mouth was literally so dry and my tongue so thick-feeling that I could not get 3-syllable words out. Also, I had to grasp for words. I was losing confidence in my own performance, and others commented on my lack of 'snap.' This was after a year! Short-term memory was shot, perhaps because of 'in and out' concentration. Hair! Had to get extensions!"

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I take 50 mg at night because of drowsiness. The medication did help me with my migraines, I've only had a few since I started the medication. My side effects include tingling in hands and feet, red eyes, but the worst is the brain fog, trying to remember the simplest things is tough. I have also noticed that I get angry about stuff more than I used to."

• Pin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on Topamax for going on 3 1/2 months now and met with my doctor twice, telling her I absolutely could not be on this medication because I could not perform my job duties at work. I had a very difficult time comprehending very basic stuff. I was put on it for my headaches I've dealt with for nearly 2 decades. My doctor took me off my medication I've been on for 18 years suddenly, which has worked for my headaches, and switched me to Topamax. I decided to push through because I was no longer getting my medication that worked for me, and I kept being told that the brain fog would get better, which it has the past 2 weeks. New problem is my hair is falling out in clumps. Every day literal clumps of hair fall out in the shower."

• Rom...
• July 15, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "At first, it seemed to make the migraines not so unbearable. The weight loss was nice too! It did make me drowsy at first. I also couldn't think straight and find the right words. I saw light trails, especially at night. But I struggled through for a few years, thinking I would get over the side effects. Ultimately, I didn't think the benefits were worth the side effects. Everyone is different."

• Anonymous
• April 8, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "Topamax worked great to prevent migraines, however, the side effects that I experienced were not worth the prevention. I experienced numbness and tingling in my extremities, severe problems with word retrieval, a complete inability to focus or concentrate, anxiety, agitation, and severe mood issues (I became very angry and upset at the smallest of things). But what finally did me in was severe epigastric pain, nausea, dizziness, and disorientation that came about suddenly and was persistent until I titrated myself off the medication after a visit to the urgent care. As soon as I got off Topamax, the migraines were back every day, and I question which was worse - the migraines or the side effects."

• Mig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I am 28 and have struggled with migraines for 10 years. I've found 80 mg/day of propranolol very effective for the last 3 years. Unfortunately, 4 months ago, I began having migraines that were more frequent, 8 days/mo. My neurologist recommended 100 mg/day Topamax. The side effects were terrible: extreme fatigue, mental fog, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. After 3 weeks, I complained, and she reduced my dose to 50 mg, which helped with the side effects. Meanwhile, my migraines were just as frequent as before, some requiring intervention at the hospital. My neurologist suggested I stay with it for at least 8 weeks since it can sometimes take that long to show improvement. Finally, after 2 months, I quit Topamax and now I'm trying verapamil. Side effects: intolerable. Migraine improvement: none. My neurologist said that the cognitive side effects can be greater for those with depression or those who are on antidepressants, which I take."

• Wil...
• October 30, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I've had migraines on and off for over a decade, and they're increasing with perimenopause. My new doctor had me try generic Topamax, starting with 25 mg for the first week, then increasing to 100 mg, half in the morning and half in the evening. The first week went all right, though I had a migraine all through it. I had a second prescription for Sumatriptan to help. But 100 mg was... horrid. Tired, could hardly get out of bed, brain fog, physical fatigue (very evident at the gym), thirsty. After only 2 weeks, I'm tapering off and seeing my doctor again to try something else."

• Tru...
• December 26, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "So I was on Topamax two different times. The first time I was on Topamax and Acetazolamide for 'Pseudotumor Cerebri,' I experienced a very bad reaction. I was so spaced out. I didn't want to eat, and when I did eat, I only had four bites once a day, and I was done. I drove a semi-truck while taking this medication and was so zombie-like. Doctors were not sure which medication was causing it. Then when I scared so bad in the MRI machine, the MRI tech had me transferred to the ER, and there I was told I had 'metabolic acidosis,' so they told me to stop both medications immediately. I was on this medication for only a short five months! So, round two is five years later and just Topamax alone. This time is for migraine prevention. This time I was on it for twenty-one days. My hearing has severely decreased. The doctor says I'm not sick, and my sinuses are clear. So here we go again. I have had to stop! Hopefully, this twenty-one-day round of steroids will help restore a little if not all."

• Tru...
• December 26, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "So I was on Topamax two different times. The first time I was on Topamax and Acetazolamide for 'Pseudotumor Cerebri,' I experienced a very bad reaction. I was so spaced out. I didn't want to eat, and when I did eat, I only had four bites once a day, and I was done. I drove a semi-truck while taking this medication and was so zombie-like. Doctors were not sure which medication was causing it. Then when I scared so bad in the MRI machine, the MRI tech had me transferred to the ER, and there I was told I had 'metabolic acidosis,' so they told me to stop both medications immediately. I was on this medication for only a short five months! So, round two is five years later and just Topamax alone. This time is for migraine prevention. This time I was on it for twenty-one days. My hearing has severely decreased. The doctor says I'm not sick, and my sinuses are clear. So here we go again. I have had to stop! Hopefully, this twenty-one-day round of steroids will help restore a little if not all."