Topiramate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Mike_...
• August 31, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Awful. I lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks before I had to quit Topamax due to side effects, which were terrible. They included: memory loss and 'senior moments' which increased 10-fold. I think this medicine dropped my IQ by at least 15 points; that 'I'm not part of this world' feeling of disconnectedness; and overheating to the point that I simply could not work out. Gained the 10 pounds back within 3 weeks of quitting."

• Maryh...
• February 17, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I take topiramate and phentermine together and it works great. I lost 50 pounds in 5 months taking them in the morning. I have no appetite all day and night. I have to force myself to eat, and I eat what I want but not a lot of it. My side effect is dry mouth. I was on Qsymia, which is those two drugs combined but very expensive and the insurance won't cover it."

• Ms...
• August 23, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on topamax for 6 weeks now along with walking at least 2 to 3 miles a day, sometimes skipping a day or two depending on the weather. I'm 40 lbs down. Appetite is gone, smoothies are enough for me, and no snacks. No side effects, by the way. 50 mg twice daily."

• DeeDee
• June 9, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been in 25mg of topiramate, 1x a day, mid afternoon (my binge likelihood increases around dinner until bedtime) I have had some form of an eating disorder since I was 16. I am 41. I stopped starving a few years ago and binge with purging about every few months. I gained 60 pounds over the last 4 years. I managed to not gain any weight the last year, but unable to loose anything. I simply fluctuate a few pounds. I had tingling in my hands on my 4th day, bad numbness, that has subsided to occasionally tinglingly. From day 4 to day 9 I have lost 5.2 pounds. In the last 3 yrs of attempting weight loss I couldn't loose 5 lbs in a month. I am eating 3 meals & maybe 1 snack. The best way I can describe it is that my attitude toward food is "meh" I am a carb addict, yet I am unable to binge, even if I wanted too. I stop eating even though I still have "hunger pains" (I am eating full servings) I have always struggled w/ eating until STUFFED. Not in the last week."

• carrie
• March 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just started 25 mg topiramate for weight loss and night time binge eating. I am 64 year old former social worker who has struggled with weight loss since age 16. History of depression for which I take 30 mg prozac. My lowest weight was 120lb and highest was 173lb. Currently I am 167lb. Unlike many people topiramate keeps me awake at night plus early morning awakening. It has been 16 days and still no relief with the insomnia. I take the pill at 4:00 PM but tried taking it at noontime today. On the positive side it has decreased my cravings and appetite. I can sit and watch TV at night and not run back and forth into the kitchen - wow - what a novel experience. So this is what it feels like to be normal with food? Still get up and eat at night tend to eat healthy, although last night I got into the cookies . First time in 16 days . Not bad. I'm going to keep wait and hope I can sleep at some point. Anyone else with insomnia and did it go away over time?"

• revie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2019

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Please do not take this medication! it's not worth it! I had put on some weight and doc wanted me to take this to curb appetite. It has caused me to become angry, severely depressed, having crying spells, overly sensitive for no reason, tingling in legs and hands, eye issues, and foggy head. It's been only 3 weeks and I am now tapering off cause I have been snapping on everyone. I was only on 50mg and even tapering to 35mg didn't lesson the side effects."

• Steph...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 13, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Topamax for mood disorder for the past six months along with my antidepressant and anxiety meds, and I think it's GREAT! It's improved my mood so much with no side effects. I recommend it to anyone."

• Sweet-P
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2012

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "Began Topamax in 2005 after suffering from migraines that would last for weeks. The litany of side effects is true, and its nickname 'Stupamax' is honestly earned. Word recall, memory, trouble focusing, hand numbness, fatigue, insomnia, the works. But the number of days with headaches went from 21 to 9 in the very first month. Now, after years of taking it, my body has been depleted of vitamin B12, and I have been suffering from horrible GI troubles. However, none of my doctors seemed to link Topamax to the B12 depletion. It took Google to figure that one out. But thank you to Google and B12 supplements. I hope this helps someone else relieve any issues they've been experiencing."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2009

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have struggled with weight loss for years. Food cravings are one of my symptoms. Topamax really did help with this, however, my energy and memory are not what they used to be. Originally, I thought it was a trade-off I could adjust to but the fuzzy memory for me is frustrating. I sometimes say words that I am thinking about and don't even realize it. Then argue that I didn't say it, only to find out I did. Silly, but worth revisiting my physician about. I struggle with the same 10-20 lbs but won't give up. I would recommend trying it to people who are serious about weight loss. It helps you push your plate away and not obsess about food. That was an experience I had never had before, but I need my memory."

• Burps
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 24, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) for Fibromyalgia "Topamax was a miracle drug for me! It helped with my Fibromyalgia pain & headaches. I would definitely recommend this drug. I have to stop taking it now due to the development of kidney stones. I wish I could stay on it as it improved my life by 90%. I'm a 59-year-old female. I have had fibromyalgia for 23 plus years."

• jsece
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on day 4 now, and I am pretty spacey. I feel like I have smoked weed, honestly. However, I started at 277, and I am at 272 this morning. I am taking 50 mg twice a day. So I think what I will do since I have to work is cut them in half and do half in the morning, half at lunch, half at dinner, and half at bedtime so it's not so crazy. Lol. It does cause slight memory loss and a little tingly feeling, but it's not unbearable. I have noticed I do not want any sweets. I crave fruit and veggies, or nothing. I had 36 cookies on my desk Friday and didn't eat one of them... This is very worth it. And the side effects do wear off after a while. That's how I know it's time to take another half. I will update later. Yay, I'm extremely happy!!"

• Piggy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2019

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed Topamax for migraines. At first it was amazing, my migraines stopped. But as my dose increased, I began having loss of memory, confusion, and severe panic attacks. These problems persisted for a whole year after stopping the drug. One plus—I have not had a migraine since. This drug changes your brain chemistry. Be really careful."

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2012

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "I started this medication for weight loss, bipolar, migraines. Seems like it may just be perfect...hopefully. I just finished my first week and lost 3 pounds! I workout 5-6 days a week, but due to antidepressants making me gain so much weight, regardless of my diet and exercise, I am fat. So today stepping on that scale and seeing 3 POUNDS LIGHTER! I am a very moody person, but the medicine seems to be making it right, moods seem to be very level. And haven't had one migraine! No side effects other than weight loss and loss of appetite... can't complain about that!"

• Anonymous
• February 15, 2011

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Topamax combined with Melatonin have prevented me from waking up and eating in the middle of the night. It has allowed me to diet and make progress. However, side effects have been challenging; mental fog and reduced sex drive are just a few."

• Jenno...
• May 30, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

• Bridget...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 16, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "Was put on Topamax for migraines a year and a half ago. I have had maybe one or two headaches since being on this medicine compared to the weekly migraines I was having before the Topamax, and I am down 80 pounds. I only take 100mg a day. I was just diagnosed with bipolar 1, and after reading this forum, I am going to talk to my doctor and see if upping my dose will help with that, since I've seen that it is helping all of you. I am feeling quite confident that this could be my medicine of choice for multiple ailments. Good luck to all in your search."

• Kylee
• October 10, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have taken topamax 200mg 2x daily since 2006. I tried several meds for rapid cycling bipolar and side effects were awful. My experience is topamax works great for bipolar. I will not change. You must not vary. If I miss or forget I feel immediately sensitive and emotional and will be prone to depressive behavior or worse manic with depressive moods and all over the place. For myself the side effects improved over time ..after you make it through the tingling toes and fingers in the first month. And also that brain fog and searching for the right word. I've learned how to stimulate my brain and not feel like I'm always reaching for an adjective I used to know. For me..my body adjusted. And it is so worth it compared to other drugs side effects like muscle jerking or gaining 40 lbs or being a zombie and feeling nothing. My first episode is something I never want to happen again. I will never switch to another med 13 years on it and I'm great. My therapist says I'm the highest functioning bipolar patient she has ever met!"

• Leslie...
• August 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been obese all my life. Weighed 385 5'5. 30 years old. No kids. Divorced. Made an appointment with new psychiatrist for anti depressants. Uterine Cancer diagnosis a year ago. Dark times. Oncologist won't perform my major surgery because of my weight and complication during prior surgery (had trouble breathing on the table). Dr prescribed me cymbalta for pain and depression and topamax 25mg at night to help lose weight. I lost 10 lbs in 10 days. Keep in mind I had started working out 3-4 times a week for 9 weeks before our appt. I spend 20 mins straight on the elliptical and 20 mins free weights, cardio, low weight high reps. Soda and Coffee tastes like crap to me now and I was addicted to both. I stop eating when I'm full. I feel hungry a lot less"

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

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "I have been through so much with this medicine !! I ended up dizzy, confused, very irritable, 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, so bad sometimes it was like the road was moving not my car. I had memory loss and couldn't say things right or even do deposits at work, I felt as if my brain was trying to come out of my skull. On this I had to go to gyno because had abnormal periods and neurologist because of my head!! I too had breast , arm and leg pain to the point of 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 I was scared I was losing my mind and had something major wrong with me. This medicine wreaks havoc on your body and brain and eyes !!! NIGHTMARE DRUG....... I stopped it 3 days ago and getting better already... I'm 42 and a healthy person or was!!"

• Nomor...
• November 10, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "I started taking Topamax about 3 years ago. Began at 25mg a day for a week. The second week I was supposed to move up to 50, the third week to 75mg, and then finally to 100mg on the fourth week. I never really had to move past 25mg. My migraines all but stopped after a month of being on the medication and at the lowest dose. I had all the side effects - tingling, weight loss (very happy about it too), forgetting certain words, and the nasty taste of soda. That was okay because I only drink it very rarely anyway. I was getting 1-2 migraines a week and now, I may have 1-2 a year. Most of the side effects seemed to have faded with time as well. Very, very pleased with this medication."

• myblu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I actually requested to be put on topiramate to help lose weight knowing it was a side effect and to prevent my horrible migraines. I can say it has worked for both. I started out on 50mg a night on Dec. 21, 2014, and at that time, I weighed in at 227 lbs per Doc scales. At my last check-up on March 31st, I weighed 203. And my migraines were reduced greatly. The thing was my body was starting to get used to the medication, so they did have to up the dosage to help my migraines; I'm now on 100mg a night. The side effects subsided after about two months of taking the medication (slightly tingling in the fingers and feet from time to time, little foggy/forgetful). I cannot taste and have not had one carbonated beverage since the 21st of December."

• Viole...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm on my 3rd day using Topamax for weight loss. I weighed myself after the 2nd day and had lost 6 pounds, having not changed my eating at all. Second day evening I started craving all healthy foods, so went to the store and got all healthy stuff. I get full pretty easily now (before I could eat for 2 with no problem!). I did get a tiny rash on my face, but it is gone now on day 3. I haven't had any additional side effects yet - hoping I don't! I'm taking 25 mg in the morning and 50 at night. Oh, and I was absolutely addicted to coffee, drinking at least 40 oz per day. Now it makes me sick to think about. Also wine is not appealing at all. I'm pretty happy with the results so far!"

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2012

Topamax (topiramate) 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

Topamax (topiramate) 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

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My original intent with Topamax was never weight loss, (mood) nor would have I 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 mid-30s, male, & slimmed from 275 to low 180s, size 42 to 32, XXL to L. It stays off! Still drop a few lbs. every month. However it's impossible for me to get off, I tried once and I went into a severe depression, but I'm a healthy weight now with perfect blood pressure."