Topamax User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Jenno...
• May 30, 2015

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."

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

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!"

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "Started taking this about a month ago to level out my moods. I noticed difficulty focusing at first but it stopped. I'm also having tingling hands, feet, and face occasionally but with the way this medicine works it's worth it. Since I've been on it I'm like a new person, this medicine is a Godsend. Try it."

• Anonymous
• November 10, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I only took this drug for 3 days before ending up in the psych unit from a psychotic episode. I had never had one before, mind you. My Dr. warned me, also, when he gave me the Rx, to watch for symptoms of such an episode. He did not go on to tell me specifically what those symptoms would be like and I had no idea what this could entail. He said the drug had/has been known to cause these episodes. Just telling me to watch for symptoms though...by the time I starting having the symptoms, I was too paranoid to be able to do anything about it or even realize what was happening since I had never had such an episode. It was the scariest thing I've ever experienced in my life and I still have nightmares and anxiety about the things experienced in my head and thoughts during the time of the episode that lasted for 2 weeks, even while in the hospital. I would love to sue the pants off the makers and that doctor, who, by the way, when my mother called my doctor for help, he stated "Since she won't talk to me, I am not her doctor anymore as of this moment." I wouldn't get on the phone because I was in the middle of a psychotic episode and thought everyone was trying to kill me. Great doctor, huh?! DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!"

• crazy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 2, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My original intent with Topamax was never weight loss (mood), nor would I have ever believed the results I've obtained 19 months later. Quick negatives: my mental agility decreased significantly, I misspell my own name, most food & beverages taste like rubbish, and the generic version is subpar. I was always overweight. I'm in my mid-30s, male, and slimmed down from 275 to the low 180s, size 42 to 32, XXL to L. The weight stays off! I still drop a few pounds every month. However, it's impossible for me to get off. I tried once and went into severe depression, but I'm at a healthy weight now with perfect blood pressure."

• rogi
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 21, 2013

For Seizure Prevention "This is for the Newbies out there. I started this medication when I was 15. Had my first seizure a few days before my 15th birthday. The first side effect you will experience is sleepiness, don't fight it. Let your body get a nap between 1-3, which I found to be the best time. I sleep for 1 hour and still can fall asleep at night. I am 21 now. Some advice to you: whenever you don't feel like eating, I found that sweet tea gets me hungry, find that X factor in you. The weight loss is insane. I lost 40 pounds in 6 months just by breathing. Now, sleep patterns are important. If the average person needs 8 hours, you and I need 9-10 MINIMUM. Also, try to take the dose at the same time every day, you will fall asleep faster. Hang out to see sunrise."

• NASHV...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was very excited when I started taking this medication. And then... I had read the side effects, and I was like, oh, this is crazy. I will say I was on no other medication. I have never had hair loss like this. It was gobs of hair in my shower. The previous posters that refer to brain fog - yep, that too."

• Casey...
• June 10, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok, so I am going on my third week of Topamax. I have seizures, uncontrollable migraines, and obesity, so let me begin with saying this. I have noticed a significant change in my body as far as the weight loss goes - 6 pounds since I have been on it and still losing. However, I have lost my appetite, I have no desire to eat. I may eat only once a day, that's the only downside I have noticed. I have noticed a change in carbonated drinks, they don't taste the same anymore. I am currently coming off Tegretol, which was only treating my seizures, and I was gaining so much weight. So, I'm thankful that Topamax is working for me, and I only have to take one pill a day to treat all my ailments."

• Rln
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2020

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."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2009

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "After having developed neuropathy post surgery, I was suffering daily. I had tried Neurontin with little relief and was prescribed Topamax initially at 25mg. Over the last 6 years, I've been titrated up to 300 mg and can tell you that this drug has helped tremendously. Initially, I had common side effects: difficulty finding words, I lost weight about 20 pounds, and found that I had some tingling in my hands and feet. These issues generally resolved in time, or I have just grown accustomed to them. For anyone who initially has issues with the side effects, try and stick with the medicine for a little bit unless totally intolerable, it gets better."

• Victo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I started Topamax on August 18th, and my life has changed! Today is September 2nd, two weeks without a migraine is a miracle. I’m on 50mg. At first, I was having a hard time at work. Brain fog is an understatement. But I would say it’s gone now. Within the first week, my sensitivity to light disappeared. I actually started crying tears of joy while driving because I could finally see in the daytime without a migraine. And the same thing at night. I don’t have to turn the mirror up anymore. I can see! I occasionally get some tingling in my hands and feet, but not bad at all. I will update again on my progress/side effects in a month or two. Good luck to everyone. This has been such a blessing for me."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2010

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I haven't been on Topiramate very long, only a couple of months. Started taking it for RLS (restless leg syndrome). I was really surprised to see that it is sometimes used as a weight loss medicine. I didn't really notice any difference in my appetite. However, my last visit to the doctor did show that I've lost 5 lbs. I don't like the tingling, crawling skin sensation side effect. That went away after a few days."

• tinke...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I was put on Topamax 2 months ago after a serious car accident that left me in a flare-up of my fibromyalgia. I have not reacted well to medications in the past and have had serious reactions, which led to serious consequences from the other meds I was on. Topamax has been the only medication that I have been able to tolerate well. It does take a while for it to start working though, and I have had a few side effects, but none that I'm not willing to put up with, and 2 of them have gone away since I started the Topamax."

• Turn
• June 2, 2016

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."

• Lindzh
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 29, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking 50 mg of Topamax for the first month and went up to 100mg for the next three months. Lost 40 pounds. For the next year and a half I have kept off the weight but have not lost any more. I still need to lose 30 more pounds, but have seemed to plateaued. And I am at 200 mg now. Don't know what to do."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "Taking Topamax with Zoloft ... my first week was tough but I feel so good. I have PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. In the 4 months I had three episodes, and that's so good because I was having episodes every day. I feel good."

• Little...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Having thought I was suffering from every ailment under the sun, I discovered it was actually side effects of these tablets. Breast pain, confusion, exhaustion, tingling sensation in fingers and feet, inability to string a sentence together, irritability, anxiety, depression, shortness of breath, heavy limbs. Unfortunately, I am clearly not suited to these tablets. Although, on a positive note, they have stopped my migraines. I'm currently weaning myself off of them, from 75 mg, 25 mg... I've just been prescribed some high-strength B2, to start at 200 mg per day, to increase to 400 mg. In light of these not suiting me, next will be amitriptyline."

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

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."

• Hobot...
• January 15, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on Topamax for a month for basilar-type migraines, which cause vertigo and headaches. Since being on 50mg of Topamax, I've had 1 vertigo migraine attack when I had been getting them 5 days a week. This medicine has made a huge difference for me. I also have noticed I have more energy and I'm just happier in general. I've lost some weight as well. I'm really happy I've found medication that works for me. I had some side effects like feeling out of it and tiredness for the first 2 weeks."

• manc_...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 30, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on every medicine. I've had electroshock therapy. Medications don't really work for me very well. I'm only taking Lithium ER 450 mg right now 'cause my body can't handle more of it. I was taking Topamax for headaches, I thought, but my psychiatrist said it might help my mood. Been taking it for years. I didn't know that it did work for me until I stopped using it. I broke into a manic episode because I started taking that Garcinia weight loss thing, and I wasn't on the Topamax. Well, I guess Topamax DOES work."

• Ckaz
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "A very dangerous medication. I was prescribed it for headaches. Many side effects were problems I was already having. I told my doctor about it, and so did my wife on many occasions. The doctor said to keep taking it, the good outweighs the bad. And if I don't take it, they will not try a new medication, or see me again. So I tried it for 21 days. Hallucination, didn't know if I was awake or dreaming. Many bad things. Then out of nowhere, I shot myself under the chin. Somehow I survived. After coming out of a coma and many surgeries, I did more study on the medicine. I'm 46. In the testing of this drug, 31% of all males between 41 and 49 committed suicide on it. That's one in three males, all within the first 30 days. So I was failed by my doctors."

• Rache...
• February 13, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I suffer from migraines and also am overweight. So the Dr. prescribed me Topamax for both. I weighed in at 209 on Feb 2, 2016, and today, Feb 12, 2016, I am 203. So far so good with the weight loss. I'm not too pleased with the side effects, however. I feel fuzzy all day, like I'm on a cloud. Dizzy, tingling, and numbness in my fingers and toes. Hasn't helped my migraines at all either. It does, though, not make me hungry at all. I have to force myself to eat because I know I have to. I don't see myself taking this medication long term. I'd rather try and lose the weight naturally. Not worth all the side effects."

• nikki
• March 23, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taken this medicine for a month on 50 mg a day and so far I have lost 9 pounds. I haven't been able to lose any weight for 12 years. I think this drug work wonders but you do need to take the steps and eat healthier and watch your portion control while you eat. I hope I keep losing its been way to long for being over weight and out of control. You can't just take a pill and hope it's a magic pill you have to put in the work too."

• sharron
• April 20, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "Topamax was the worst thing that I have ever taken and I wish I were exaggerating. Everyone is different but Topamax has messed me up so badly mentally and physically and has not helped with migraines. I have never been suicidal but I became fearful of what I might do to myself while I was on this medication. I do not recommend this medicine to anyone."

• loves...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 3, 2019

For Bulimia "I am a 47-year-old LICSW crisis clinician and have been bulimic since I was 15, with periods of restricting, over-exercising, and overeating. I went to therapy and a 12-step program for anorexics and bulimics anonymous (the longest sober time out of 12 years in the program was 5 months). After Topamax, things changed, and I realized my obsession with food, purging, and running 10-15 miles every day was in my brain—not in a higher power. Topamax is truly amazing, and I can't believe no one told me about this until I was almost 46 years old. I lived with an eating disorder for 45 years of my life. My memory is different. I have to live with it. People with medical issues have to deal with a lot of medication side effects. I will take it."