Topiramate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

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

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was very excited when I started taking this medication. And then.... I had read the side effects and 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."

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

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

• Casey...
• June 10, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok so I am going on my third week of topamax I have seizures uncontrollably 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 6pds since I have been on it and still loosing however I have lost my appetite I have no desire to eat I may eat one time a day that's the only downside I have noticed a change in carbonated drinks they don't taste the same anymore I am currently coming off tegortol 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"

• Chick...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started ten days ago. First night, I passed out.. very tired... next few days in a deep fog and a bit disconnected. I no longer have those side effects. Dr has me at 50 mg once daily and I take it in the evening. I literally eat half of what I previously did. I lost about three pounds over the course of a week..no excercise involved. Im not counting calories; just not interested in junk food. I read a poster on another forum to take extra B complex and Biotin to avoid any hair loss as the drug seems to deplete that nutrient in the body. Will post again in another few weeks with more information. I was at the point where I was considering surgery because I had tried everything."

• Come...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this med back in late November 2017 and lost 40 pounds by early Jan 2018. For some silly reason, I went off the med but watched what I ate, then that slowly went out the window as well. While I didn't gain any weight back while I was off the med, I didn't lose any either. I went back on my healthy eating regime yesterday, but the sugar cravings were so bad last night that I binged and ate half a bag of chocolate morsels. This morning the craving was still there and then I remembered the topiramate. Took a half dose to get me through the day and will begin the normal full dose tonight. Took that half dose about a hour ago and cravings have settled down and I'm chilling. It also helps with my mood disorder so I guess I will be a lifelong fan! Love the med!"

• burli...
• May 12, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started topamax in Febuary of 2017 at 248 pounds on 25mg at bed time. Now I take 100 mg at bed time and as of May 2017 I am 230 pounds. When I started I noticed the difference with in a few days, I have not had any bad experiences with this pill."

• l8rsbby
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Put simply, this stuff saved my life. I've been on nine meds to treat my suicidality associated with my ultra-ultra rapid cycling bipolar ii. the AAPS gave me tremors, seroquel made me a zombie, lithium made me suicidal, lamictal and saphris aggrivated my bulimia. My doc didn't want to use antidepressants for fear of driving me into mania. We thought we were out of options. I stumbled on topamax while looking at an NIH research study. I suggested it to my doc. he said, why the hell not? In three days my suicidality was gone, and I barely cycle at all any more. THIS IS A MIRACLE DRUG."

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

Topamax (topiramate) for Fibromyalgia "I have been taking Topamax a long time. I was taking 200mg 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 my energy level. I use to stay in bed most of the day. Now I bake and do crafts with my kids."

• EmmJay
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was just prescribed generic topamax, 100mg a day. I asked for Adipex but dr wants my blood pressure lower so she prescribed this. Today is only my first day so I decided to research. Reading these stories has me both excited and anxious. I am a recovering heroin addict. When I got clean and started methadone I gained about 60-70 pounds and am having a hard time taking it off since I still take 30mg of methadone daily. I work out anywhere from 1-5 days a week, depending on my schedule. I'm worried about the tiredness some people have experienced, because I do love to work-out. Also afraid of losing the ability to recall words, as speaking and grammar are my strong points. I guess we'll see. I plan on getting on Adipex as soon as my dr says it's safe to do so. I will update. My starting weight today is 225lbs and I am 5'5. Wish me luck!"

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2009

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

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

Topamax (topiramate) 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 finger's 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 migraine's. I'm currently weaning myself off of them, from 75mg, 25mg... I've just been prescribed some High Strength B2, to start at 200mg per day, to increase to 400mg. In the light of these not suiting me, next will be Amitripyline."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2010

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

• Lisse...
• August 8, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started taking this medication I was at a starting weight of 198. My migraines made me very sick and I vomited a lot and lost weight with that down to 186. Started on topamax 25mg in am and pm on July 30. I am now 178. Coke tastes flat so I drink more water I do have tingling in hands and feet but I am glad not to have migraines. The sleep is a problem so I think I will ask for something to help with that. I just wanted help with migraines now I'm losing weight, I got help for both. I couldn't be happier"

• Leano
• October 18, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I was extremely hesitant to try topiramate medication for migraines because of all the negative reviews about the really severe side effects. I put it off for more than a year but as a last resort I followed my neurologists advice and trialled it. Daily schedule was as follows: Wk1 - 12.5mg Wk2 - 25mg Wk3 - 37.5mg Wk4 - 50mg Wk5 - 75mg Wk6 - 100mg (stabilized dose) I have not experienced a migraine since week 4 of being topiramate or any side effects after week 2. In weeks 1 and 2 I certainly experienced the struggle with trying to get my words out and articulating what I was trying to say. I was also very tired and forgetful. No other side effects. For the past 7 years, my migraines have been so debilitating. In the last 6 months, this drug has given me my life back. I have being on so many other medications, tried alternative therapies, quit my job and spent thousands of dollars seeking specialist opinions. My only regret is that I didn't try this sooner."

• JillV
• December 8, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 56 years old and weighed 249 pounds. Finally decided to deal with this weight issue once and for all. My knees prevented me from working out and my weight caused my knee issue. I sat down with my primary care physician and she ultimately suggested the use of topamax. In July 2015 i started with 25 milligrams and evolved to 125 miligrams. It is now December 8 and I weigh 221 pounds. Here is how I would describe the experience. It stops the need to impulse eat, so you don't feel deprived, so...your not crying when the scale isn't moving quickly. Its not quick, because I am post menopausal...but its not painful. Appetite is down, I can now walk 45 minutes...and for the first time in my life..I know I will reach a goal weight."

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

Topamax (topiramate) 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 day time without migraine. And 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 effect in a month or two. Good luck to everyone. This has been such a blessing for me."

• MN Girl
• August 17, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking 2 weeks ago at 25mg tompamax, 1/2 phentermine tablet. Nothing. No change in anything. Increased to 50mg a day as directed for second week & also decided I needed to change my diet & eat Whole Foods, mostly protein & vegetables/salads, which are my favorites anyway. I’ve dropped a pound a day for 6 days. On the 4th day at 50mg, I got a cough & started to get asthmatic symptoms. Dropped back to 25mg & upped phentermine to 37.5. Ate crappy yesterday & still lost another pound. I see my doctor on Monday. I’m happy to lose this quickly for the first 20-30 pounds (I’m starting at 286), but I will need to cut back on the meds to slow it down after that. I don’t feel it’s healthy & I don’t want sagging skin. I also need to be able to maintain my weight loss. I recommend with caution, be aware of the side effects."

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

Topamax (topiramate) 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 lead to serious consequences to 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 have started the Topamax."

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

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

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

Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking 50 mg of Topomax 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... dont know what to do."

• Pelixue
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was put on topiramate for bipolar disorder after a consultation with a psychiatrist. I started on a low dose of 25mg twice daily which increased to a maximum dose of 100mg twice daily. I got side effects of brain fog and forgetfulness, mainly with word recollection. I also felt tired quite often. The main side effect was my lack of appetite though. I was already quite slim, around 140lbs but went down to 118lbs. I just had no appetite or interest in food. This started immediately after beginning the meds and started to wear off maybe a year/18 month into taking it. After a 2 year break from topiramate I am now on a daily 100mg dose again and the weight loss side effect has returned."

• Turn
• June 2, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) for Fibromyalgia "I love this medicine. My Dr originally gave it to me for weight loss but it got rid of all my joint pains. I had it 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."

• Bmiller
• May 7, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Have 100 lbs to lose. I started taking topiramate along with phentermine I started on Saturday, March 7th. I was like a zombie on this medication even with the phentermine. I stayed on it for nine weeks I lost a total of 18 pounds in the first 4 weeks and absolutely no weight at all the last five weeks. I did however 8 inches inches around my tummy I believe the last four weeks I was on it but in nine weeks I was on it I did not exercise much. I felt like I had a black cloud hanging over my head every day. I became very angry and hateful and completely unmotivated..it definitely changes you but my doctor took me off of it because I was no longer losing weight even though I thought I was losing inches. I do know I feel better and that now I think I might be motivated to exercise. I am taking the phentermine only and it seems to be working really well for me with no side effects at all. Other than loss of appetite which is the goal."

• JessY...
• August 20, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I was afraid to take this medication I went online and looked it up and read so many bad things about it hair loss memory loss etc ... I am so glad I went ahead and gave it a try for myself I think it's a miracle drug ! It's helped stabilize my mood, taken away my migraines and even helped me lose a few pounds !!! I haven't had any negative side effects at all from it ! I know it's effects everyone differently and for me personally it's been great I love it!"

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

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "Taking Topamax with Zoloft ... my first week was a tough but I feel so good. I have PTS, bipolar, depression, anxiety and in the 4 months I had three episodes and that's so good I was having episodes everyday. I feel good."