Hello topomax has some pretty severe side effects. Its initially a anti seizure medication. Do you have seizures at all. Ask your doctor for (sodium valproate) its good for headaches. Topomax has severe loss of appetite, kidney stones, liver problems. Its a pretty nasty drug and yes your doctor is right in giving itto you as a last resort.
Cheers sami here is some information.......What is the most important information I should know about topiramate?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience blurred vision, changes in vision, or pain in or around the eyes during treatment with topiramate. These may be early signs of a serious side effect.
Do not stop taking topiramate without first talking to your doctor, even if your symptoms have improved. It is important to continue taking topiramate to prevent seizures from recurring.

Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking topiramate in the case of an emergency.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Topiramate may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Alcohol should be avoided while taking topiramate. Alcohol may cause increased sedation or drowsiness. It may also increase the risk of having a seizure.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, drink several extra glasses of fluid each day during treatment with topiramate to minimize the risk of side effects such as kidney stone formation and metabolic acidosis (a decrease in a certain electrolyte in the body). Additional fluid may be necessary during hot weather, vigorous exercise, and illness (e.G., fever, vomiting, diarrhea).

Decreased sweating and high body temperature have been associated with the use of topiramate. These side effects may be dangerous. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during vigorous exercise, monitor sweating, and drink plenty of fluid to maintain hydration. If sweating is decreased or body temperature is elevated, contact your doctor.

What is topiramate?

The exact way that topiramate works is unknown. However, it is believed that topiramate alters the chemical impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

Topiramate is used with other medications to control seizures.

Topiramate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking topiramate?

Before taking topiramate, tell your doctor if you

have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones;
have liver disease;
have lung or respiratory disease such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis; or
need to have surgery.
You may not be able to take topiramate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment

topiramate is in the fda pregnancy category c. This means that it is not known whether topiramate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether topiramate passes into breast milk. Do not take topiramate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take topiramate?

Take topiramate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose of topiramate with a full glass of water.

The tablets should be swallowed whole. Due to their bitter taste, the tablets should not be broken.

The capsules may be swallowed whole or opened to facilitate swallowing. If the capsules are opened, the entire contents of the capsule should be sprinkled onto a small amount (teaspoon) of soft food (e.G., applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, yogurt). This drug/food mixture should be swallowed immediately, without chewing. The mixture should not be stored for future use. If the mixture is combined in a small container, add some water to the container after the dose has been taken, and drink the water to ensure the whole dose has been taken.

Topiramate can be taken with or without food.

It is important to take topiramate regularly to get the most benefit.

Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.

Do not stop taking topiramate without first talking to your doctor, even if your symptoms have improved. It is important to continue taking topiramate to prevent seizures from recurring.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, drink several extra glasses of fluid each day during treatment with topiramate to minimize the risk of side effects such as kidney stone formation and metabolic acidosis (a decrease in a certain electrolyte in the body). Additional fluid may be necessary during hot weather, vigorous exercise, and illness (e.G., fever, vomiting, diarrhea).

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with topiramate to monitor progress and side effects.

Store topiramate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a topiramate overdose are not known but may include severe drowsiness, poor coordination, tremor, confusion, difficulty speaking, and nausea.

What should I avoid while taking topiramate?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Topiramate may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Alcohol should be avoided while taking topiramate. Alcohol may cause increased sedation or drowsiness. It may also increase the risk of having a seizure.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, drink several extra glasses of fluid each day during treatment with topiramate to minimize the risk of side effects such as kidney stone formation and metabolic acidosis (a decrease in a certain electrolyte in the body). Additional fluid may be necessary during hot weather, vigorous exercise, and illness (e.G., fever, vomiting, diarrhea).

Ketogenic diets (high protein, very low carbohydrate diets that may induce ketosis) may increase the risk of kidney stone formation and should be avoided during treatment with topiramate.

Decreased sweating and high body temperature have been associated with the use of topiramate. These side effects may be dangerous. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during vigorous exercise, monitor sweating, and drink plenty of fluid to maintain hydration. If sweating is decreased or body temperature is elevated, contact your doctor.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking topiramate before having any type of surgery.

What are the possible side effects of topiramate?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience blurred vision, changes in vision, or pain in or around the eyes during treatment with topiramate. These may be early signs of a serious side effect.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking topiramate and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
worsening of seizures;
metabolic acidosis (a decrease in an electrolyte in the body that may be detected by blood tests or cause symptoms such as increased rate of breathing, decreased appetite, and irregular heartbeats);
decreased sweating;
fever or increased body temperature; or
side or low back pain, or painful or difficult urination (may indicate kidney stones).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take topiramate and talk to your doctor if you experience

dizziness, poor coordination, sluggishness, or drowsiness;
irregular back-and-forth movements of the eyes;
nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss;
tremor, numbness, or tingling;
confusion, difficulty concentrating or decreased memory;
speech or language difficulties; or
changes in behavior, depression, nervousness, or agitation.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect topiramate?

Before taking topiramate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

another seizure medication such as valproic acid (depakote, depakene), carbamazepine (tegretol, carbatrol, epitol), phenytoin (dilantin), and others;
a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as acetazolamide (diamox), methazolamide (neptazane), or dichlorphenamide (daranide);
metformin (glucophage); or
digoxin (lanoxin, lanoxicaps).
You may not be able to take topiramate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.

Topiramate may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about other birth control options to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Topiramate may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, sedative (sleep aids), anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if topiramate is taken with any of these medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with topiramate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about topiramate written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Topiramate is available with a prescription under the brand name topamax. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medicine, especially if it is new to you.

Topamax 25 mg--white tablets
topamax 100 mg--yellow tablets
topamax 200 mg--salmon-colored tablets
topamax sprinkle capsules 15 mg-clear/white capsules containing small white to off-white spheres
topamax sprinkle capsules 25 mg-clear/white capsules containing small white to off-white spheres
brand names:

topamax

Jenn

if you're not turned off topomax after that lsat post you never will be!!
I would suggest that you look into alternative treatments that do not have side effects etc>>>>i sasume you have migraines or terrible headaches in which case perhaps yu could try a ces machine (dynamind.Com or alpha-stim.Com) which is basically what has helped my migraines after over 30 years of failures with various meds. The plus is a one off expense, can use it anytime (i often use it while on-line but have also had it on when driving - no problems) & ther are no absolutley no side effects or interractions with other treatments>> soryy one thing some people find it a problem if they use it too near bed time (i don't) so it is suggested that you use it no closer than 3 hours before bed.

Hi I tried topomax a while ago about 3 years ago. I lost about 10 or 15 lbs on it which is just a bonus. I believe it did help my migraines slightly but to be honest at a higher dosage the effects were so severe I got "stupid" my brain just didnt work right and I actually flipped out one night at work. But I am having new migraine problems and have decided to give it another go the worst that can happen is it does not work and I quit it easy enough. Hope ive helped :roll:

Hi, I just started topomax last week and was reading what yall had to say about it. What do yall mean about "stupid"? Thanks!

Thanks for your reply. I hope I dont lose any weight. Didnt realize it was potentially a weight loss drug. I am going through a divorce so that has already taken care of about 10 lbs. Good luck. Take care.
No migraines so far.

I've been on topomax for a month and I couldnt wait to get off it!
I had bad and I mean really bad tingling in all parts of my body that drove me crazy :shock:

i have bad migrains but I take maxalt and I dont get any side effects and works great :d

Hey all, I have been on everything under the sun for my migraines. Have had them for 25 years. Even spent time at the wonderful diamond headache clinic. I am spent so many nights in the er just getting iv for being dyhydrated and demerol for pain and so I could sleep.

I have had every migraine medicine on the market, imeritrex, zomig, etc, I have been on elavil, vicodin, and every other narcotic out there, then in 99 I had a hystorectomy, what a lifesavor, helped my migraines tremodously, but did not get rid of them.

I finally saw the right neuro for me, she put me on topomax, 200 mg, not only have I lost weight, yea, but my migraines have decreased so much, I can function, yes I have them but not for weeks at a time, I don't have the light shows, nor the nausea, or the throbing on the right side of my head, yes I have the pain but nothing like it was, the topomax has been my life saver.

These migraines are passed on to my son and one of my daughters, so it is a family affair which I am sorry to say. They only get them once every blue moon and they are not so debilitating but still they get them.

Some one just told me about cold laser surgery, any one heard of that???

I've been on topamax for a little over a year.

I have experienced weight loss, roughly 35-40 lbs, but I could afford to lose it.

I also take 250mg of topamax per day, which may be higher than what your doctor may reccomend for you.

A previous poster mentioned tingling. I had that as well. That is a common side effect that happens. Mine went away as I adjusted to the medication.

All medications have side effects, some mild, some severe, you're just going to have to weigh the options. What's right for you?

For me, i'd rather deal with a little tingling in the fingers and face while I adjust to a new medication, than light shows, pain, and throwing up.

I do still get the occasional migraine, but it's nowhere near as severe as it would be without the topamax.

I have been on many different meds for migraines, and I found topomax to work the best. I had taken it a few years ago for about a year, then decided to start a family so wanted to give my body a rest from all meds before doing so. After taking topomax, I did not have a severe migraine for over a year. The ones I did have were manageable. I had never experienced any kind of weight loss, but I was on a very low dosage. Now 2 children later, I am experiencing migraines again way too often and hopefully will be put back on topomax, as they are robbing too much of my time with my 2 daughters.

I have been on topomax since early in the year. I do have some tingling in extremities. I have also been dealing with upper right quadrant pain since mid feb. Ultrasound for gall stones was normal. Hida scan was normal. Now I am seeing a gastro dr and he has ordered an endoscopy and ab ct scan. Has anyone heard of topomax causing problems like this? I have all the symptoms of gallbladder problems but everything so far shows normal.

I have also been on topomax since early in the year, and have found it to be the only thing that can actually keep my migraines under control. I only take 50 mg in the am, and 50 in the pm, so seem to be on the lowest dosage possible. The only side effect that was really annoying was the tingling in my extremities. This seems to have subsided, although when I get cold, I tend to notice it still. I have lost some weight, though not sure the amount. I am very thankful that my doctor recommended the drug to me - I can finally function like everyone else around me!

Hi everyone, I am new to this site and , actually just found it. I also use topomax and was trying to get some more info on it. I have been using it for my migraines for the last two and half years, and like most of you, it has pretty much worked. I have headaches, but they are under control, not going to the er as much :).. I have the same symptoms, weight loss, tingling still in the hands and feet, but lately I have experienced something crazy and I was thinking it was something that I was eating but I am wondering if its the medicine. About once a week, I get these intense stomach cramps, so bad that I can't even stand up, the pains go up my back, and then within the hour I have to go (sorry) diahrea (i know that is spelled wrong) for at least 1-2 hours, it is so intense that I get scared and so does my husband. I have not called the doctor yet only because I thought maybe I was eating to much fruit and lettuce. Does anyone else have this happen????I am sorry to be so graphic but I don't want to stop the meds because I think my migraines have slowed down. Thanks for listening...Take care...

Hi . . . You just need to call your doctor. Chances are this has nothing to do with your topomax. Many people who have migraine also have irritable bowel and other disorders that are similar. You do need to get this checked out; probably need a colonoscopy. I have a very long history of diarhea and constipation, but, after having everything checked, there is nothing to worry about; just monitor types of foods I eat. I am noticing that since I started taking topomax, I don't have diarrhea; in fact, I have to eat the foods i've been avoiding for the past few years: raw vegetables, fruits, etc. (roughage in general). You just may need to alter your food intake, but, first, talk to a doctor.

Good luck to you.

I was on amitriptyline for headaches and it helped a little bit. The only way I would suggest it is if you are blacking out or passing out. I am on topomax for that reason and I still take amitriptyline. There are different side effects for everybody so it all depends on your body. Make sure they run every test possible before putting you on the medicine. :d

Just began topomax 2 weeks ago. No tingling, but stomach a little crampy which certainly decreases one's appetite. Has anyone experienced stomach discomfort and constipation? Thanks!

As a long term migraine suffer I chose to take topomax after taking every other drug out there. I feel like I have lost my life to this drug,
it makes me say words I don't mean to say, lost of memory, no motivation(my house is gaining dust as we speak), and most of all I am so tired all the time. I work part-time and can make it there and then just want to sit in front of tv with changer. It has stopped my migraines, been on it since may only been to er once. I was going to er for shots
at least twice a month. I want to get off, has anyone else quit and what were your first days after that like? Will I ever be me again?

Thanks!

Emerald,
i'm a new topa user (42 days). You asked if you'd ever be you again. Were you you with headaches? I wasn't. I feel like i've gotten my life back. At first, the side effects were overwhelming. I had memory issues, word search problems and such, it worried me. I hardly notice that now. I think it has diminished, even though i've moved up in dosage. I have occassional tingling in my fingers, but it doesnt last long and I tell you, I can handle that compared to a constant headache. My story is every day headaches and occassional migraines. The first 32 days of topamax gave me 12 headaches which is a reduction of 1/3!! That is a god-send in my book! My dosage is now 150mg daily for the last 5 days and not one headache, i'm not believing it. My fingers are crossed. I've had two really good days. I'm feeling really good. I dont care if I get any housework done! But, you know what, I feel good! Hang in there emerald. Give it a chance. When you feel better, you'll tackle that dust. I never really ever heard of dust bunnies creeping out from under the couch and attacking. I wondered if they ever would, I thought they might actually a time or two, but they never did. They should have at my house, but they didnt. Hang in there. Life will get better. I think topamax has done it for me. I've heard through other forums that for some reason drinking lots of water with the topa helps for some reason, so i've been hauling around a ton of water and that seems to help the side effects. The only one that doesnt help is the bathroom one!! Good luck!! Sheila