Topiramate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Smart...
• July 20, 2009

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Topamax since March 2009. I've lost 75 of the 110 pounds I need to lose. The side effects are annoying, and in the beginning, I really wanted to quit the medication. But as I've lost the weight, I've actually been able to decrease the dosage so a lot of the side effects have decreased as well. Some of them are easier to live with than others. The paresthesia has mostly subsided, but I do still struggle with memory lapses. I quit drinking all carbonated beverages because I do not like the way they taste. That has probably helped with the weight loss anyway. Overall, I am quite pleased. I am also pleased to read that others have been able to maintain their weight on this drug."

• Anonymous
• June 12, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience with topiramate is that I am between those people with no side effects. It is so cool I had to remember to eat ,or rather to get nutritions because I have no cravings at all for anything. This month with no trying I lost 10 pounds, and because of my depression meds I previously kept gaining and it started scaring me crazy."

• Feel...
• February 8, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had blown up from taking Lyrica. 600mg daily for well over 2 years. Weight went from 260 to 327. I had a spinal injury. I told the doctor I am tired of this weight, mostly all around my midsection and upper chest. He put me on topamax 25mg at bedtime for one week then up to 50mg at bedtime. OMG, I lost so far 30 pounds in less than 3 months. I went from a 52 waist to 44 and still dropping fat like crazy. I just don't have the desire to eat. All that food I was pigging out on, I totally stopped drinking pop; it tastes like metal. I am going to start walking around the block soon and exercise to really get back to my ideal weight of 235. Wish me luck. I see folks complain of tingling in fingers. I had that, but I took a BC powder with Gatorade; it worked."

• Hello
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "One year ago I weighed 265lbs. I started Vyvance for binge eating disorder. I lost 60 lbs. 3 months ago the Vyvance began not working as well as it had been so by doctor started me on topiramate. Brain fog was really bad and when it wore off in the afternoon the exhaustion was overwhelming. However, I did really help with the constant thoughts of food and binging. I just left my doctor and I was switched to Qudexy XR (extended release form of topiramate) to get rid of the afternoon crash. Weighed in today at 199lb. I also suffer from Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and with that depression and recently, anxiety, along with PTSD from childhood abuse and my job (Medic). Overall, I'm kind of a hot mess, but I've finally been able to loose weight which I've struggled with for a very long time. So I'll take it!"

• annie...
• September 6, 2011

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "I have taken Topamax for bipolar twice. First for three years, then now for a year. Do not know why I ever went off! This has been great for me after 25 years on lithium, which was like living under 4 wet wool blankets. I also tried Depakote, which only increased the weight gain and depression. At first, the side effects were a bit rough even at the initial very low dose of 25 mg. Very sleepy and tingly of hands and feet. BUT they pass, they really do. It may take a week of just being exhausted even when you increase your dose. The appetite depressant is wonderful. Also cuts down on general anxiety. Takes the real edge off the hypomania. I have not had any of the problems with finding words, etc."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2020

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "Had chronic migraines and was prescribed this medication. At first I had no migraines or headaches but then it got worse. I urge you to not take this medication If you have an alternative. It created a barrier in my conversations. I couldn’t comprehend what people were saying, had trouble creating responses and felt like I was drugged up all the time."

• ponygal
• April 28, 2010

Topamax (topiramate) for Fibromyalgia "This has been a wonder drug for me when combined with Cymbalta. I have suffered for years and had been on narcotic painkillers. The pain had finally gotten so bad that even those weren't working. I work in Pre-K and didn't want to give up my job to become a disabled person living at home on painkillers. I found an awesome doctor who understood that I didn't want to live on those types of medications. After only two visits, she tapered me off of the medicines I was on and started me on Topamax along with Cymbalta. That is all I take. No more pain! Life is wonderful again."

• Migra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I took 50mg Topiramate in combination with propranolol 160mg for constant Migraines (tingling feeling, numbness down one side of my face etc) and the migraines have now gone for 95% of the time as opposed to being constantly present. What worked for me ===> take Topiramate at NIGHT before going to bed, especially when you start taking it. This way you don't get the initially unpleasant side effects over the first few days (for me nausea, floaty feeling... when I took in initially in the morning).... bear with this drug though. It worked for me after 4-5 days initially with some noticeable difference, then after 2 weeks its really effective. Don't be put off by reading the horrendous list of side effects, remember they have to list every side effect reported!"

• J Riley
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started weight 287 lb and in three months dropped down to 227 with normal life activities. Never thought I would see that again. I tried the gym but never could get there with my knees and the weight I had gained."

• Tasch...
• February 3, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Topamax for migraines, but I have had weight loss being on it. I take 50mg twice a day. I had the same problem with the pop; it tasted flat (still have). I had (have) the tingling in certain body parts and the tired feeling at first. I started taking them July 2015, and by January 2016, I have lost 40 lbs. I was 190, and am now 147 and going down every day! The only thing that I have changed is I drink water. I eat whatever I want; some days I eat more, some days less. I used to go through a 12-pack of Mt. Dew a day. It was hard at first, but I honestly don't mind now. Because when I look in that mirror every morning, it's worth drinking that bottle of water."

• sfears
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "When I first started taking Topamax, it was prescribed to me for the prevention of migraine headaches. A couple of years later, I now take 200mg in the morning and 200mg at bedtime, and since February I have lost 51 lbs... 282 down to 232 and still losing more!"

• Erin...
• March 9, 2020

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "Topamax ruined my life! Kaiser put me on it until my Psychologist said “get off of it if it’s not working” after I told her I had been on it for over a year! This medication caused tingling in my hands, feet ,face and caused me to see people’s faces in distorted ways like a horror film! My headaches are caused from a 2cm round tumor in my left temporal lobe near my cortex at the Hippicampos Hypathalamus, it causes light seizures and horrible right side brain headaches! Even though neurologists say it’s not connected, I know from reasearch it is connected and no one is helping me deal with the horrific debilitating headaches!So when Kaiser said “try Topamax”I said sure why not!I lost 2 years of my life with my son who was a jr in highschool, it’s a miracle my husband of 25 years stayed married to me ! Topamax ruined 2 years of my life "

• Amand...
• January 14, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been obese my whole life. I have struggled with diets and exercise and eating and starving. I have gone as far as having weight loss surgery. EVERYTHING has only been temporary. My new doctor has recommended Topamax. I currently weigh 282.6. I have started out on 25 in the morning and 25 at night. In 1 month I will go in for my follow-up. Has anyone else tried everything else and completely failed? My doctor says it could be my genetic makeup. But anyway, I plan on keeping a record on here of my journey for myself and others to follow. Thank you for your support."

• mommy...
• September 15, 2011

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been battling my weight since I was pregnant with my first son, who just turned 2. I was 165 when I got pregnant with him, and on the day I went in to have my second son (who is 5 months old today) I weighed 270. I just took my first 25 mg dose of Topamax last night. I am addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper and can't even stand the taste. Not hungry either, so I'm hopeful that this medicine will work. I also take Celexa and Tenuate. I don't know if it's the combination, or just the Topamax, but I am feeling kind of 'floaty' today, in a sense. Maybe this will improve with time."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 16, 2012

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "I took Topamax for 12 years as a mood stabilizer for Bipolar 1 disorder. It is a GREAT mood stabilizer and I used to be quite heavy, and I lost 100 pounds in around 6 months (yes, you read that right!). The bad part was HORRIBLE side effects. Constant itching in the summer. I developed a 9mm kidney stone when I had no prior history. I developed a blood disorder (something acidosis). I was told this was a rare side effect, but that was why I stopped taking it. However, if I could go back in time, would I still take it? You bet! One of the best mood stabilizers I've ever been on. Just make sure you EAT when taking it; it makes you not want to eat."

• misin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My Dr. has just prescribed me Topamax for weight loss. I'm the biggest I've ever been at 223lb. I have always had the tendency to be heavy as I have fought my weight my entire life but now it's becoming threatening to my health. My doctor said the "foggy" head side effects and kidney stones etc are so rare that it's worth trying. He said that the tingling of hands and feet are the most common side effect and they tend to subside. Is this true? Reading some of these reviews has me scared now but my dr seems like it should be fine. I'm confused. HELP"

• marcm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update on my experience... I have been on it now for 21 days and have lost 15 pounds. First weigh-in at the doctor's office. I feel great. No side effects. At first, I seemed very tired, but now I seem adjusted to the medication. I take 75 mg at night before bed. Sleep better than I ever have. Appetite simply isn't there. Sodas don't taste the same; kind of like they have been sitting out for several days. I remain very hopeful this will work for the long term. I have approximately 100 pounds to lose."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ever since I gave birth to my son I haven’t been able to lose the weight I gained during the pregnancy. I got pregnant at about 125 pounds, and had him around 185/190, I then got down to 155lb, and now I am currently 188. I finally decided to try to lose the weight and had no luck. tried every diet, drink, exercise program. I workout, diet and eat clean. I’m 5’5 and 22 years old. I was always a small person so this is pretty difficult for me. I’ve been on topamax for a few days now. I take 100 mg twice a day, once in the evening and in the morning. It makes things pretty foggy, I don’t feel comfortable driving, I get full very quick and don’t want to eat really. I’m constantly thirsty and my mouth is really tingly as well as my fingers and feet. I’m assuming most side effects will calm down in a few weeks. I’m willing to take it till the weight comes off. My doctor expects to see a minimum of 20 pounds gone in three months. I’ll update in a month."

• Compu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2019

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was put on 25mg of this drug by my psychiatrist to control my appetite, but felt, well, just "off"." I told my psychiatrist that I wll stop taking it because I didn't like the way it made me feel and never took it again."

• Marlowe
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I went on topiramate in January 2012 for migraines with positive results. By the end of 2012, I had lost 85 lbs. 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 nonexistent, also not good for an acute care medical nurse. By the time the side effects became debilitating, I had to take a short leave of absence to sort out my situation. In the end, the medication was discontinued 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 migraine-free. I'm still better off because I'm still thinner than before I started with topiramate."

• LoveT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed topiramate for daily post-concussive headaches, and I also needed to lose weight. The first three weeks were really rough, and I was unsure if I could take this medicine long-term. I started off with 25mg the first week, 50mg the second, 75mg the third, then 100mg as my permanent dose. I took it before bedtime as instructed, but I had next-day drowsiness so bad that for three weeks I felt like I was going to faceplant at any moment. Also, the nausea was so bad that I barely ate. Thankfully, both of these side effects stopped after about 3 weeks as did most of my headaches. I've also lost 22 lbs in 2 months. The best part is that it has given me control back in that I eat smart and don't have unhealthy cravings."

• robin
• December 22, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Topamax for about 3 months. 25mg 2x a day. It's definitely effective in controlling my appetite. It took a little time but became more effective with time. I am able to eat very small portions and have full control over myself. I have changed to healthy eating - less bread and pasta, more brown rice, veggies, sweet potatoes. I still fry veggies in olive oil and eat a baked potato sometimes, but cut way back on portions and added snacks between meals. Then every 3 days, I make sure to eat something a little more fattening and it helps me lose weight. For salad dressing, I use oil and vinegar with a seasoning packet. No sweet tea, etc. Lots of water. I walk daily too! I started weighing 267, now down to 225. I'm confident I'll lose 85 lbs."

• Ladybug
• November 12, 2019

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "I am 24 years old and I've had terrible migraine headaches since I was in high school. I've been on Topamax for 3 months and only taking 50mg a day since it can lessen the effect of my birth control and I don't want to highten the side affects. This has also been good enough to where I'm not getting migraine/tension headaches everyday like I used to (it was making my life miserable). I get them sometimes once a week now. My side effects from Topamax are I used to have some hand/feet tingling but it went away after I got used to the medication, it does make soda does taste flat, and I sometimes I forget words - but it's kind of how I am anyway. So far this has worked well for me and hasn't caused me any problems."

• TheKa...
• November 9, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started at 25mg twice a day, then 50mg twice a day. Definitely helps my appetite! Easily drop 10 pounds a month when I behave myself and have lost 80 pounds so far. When I went to 75mg twice a day I started feeling in a fog and definitely getting a bit zombie so I dialed it back to 50 twice a day and am carrying on. I started at 404 and am currently at 315. I would imagine like anything, you have to work with it but I am thrilled! STILL a long ways to go, but I got a good start! I like it!"

• Ldonut
• November 7, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Topamax before and it worked, and went off. I don't know why. I recently went back on it, and it has made a world of difference. It's like night and day. I take it with Abilify and Xanax because I have really bad anxiety as well. I am 24 and was so depressed I wasn't leaving my apartment, but now I feel like a new person, like I want to go out and do things again. I'm not held back. I like that this medicine doesn't make me gain weight too because I've had that problem in the past. I lost 10 pounds since I went back on it 4 weeks ago. The only thing I will say that is not great is it slows down my thought process sometimes, and it gives me tingles in my hands and face, but not all the time. The benefits outweigh those side effects greatly."