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 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."

• 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 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."

• 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. Doctor 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 exercise involved. I'm not counting calories; just not interested in junk food. I read a post 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."

• 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, 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."

• 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 aggravated 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 anymore. 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 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

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."

• burli...
• May 12, 2017

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

• 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 an 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!"

• 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 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."

• 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 neurologist's advice and tried it. Daily schedule was as follows: Wk1 - 12.5 mg, Wk2 - 25 mg, Wk3 - 37.5 mg, Wk4 - 50 mg, Wk5 - 75 mg, Wk6 - 100 mg (stabilized dose). I have not experienced a migraine since week 4 of taking topiramate or any side effects after week 2. In weeks 1 and 2, I certainly struggled 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 been 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."

• 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 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."

• 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."

• Turn
• June 2, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

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

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

• 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 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."

• 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 topiramate. In July 2015, I started with 25 milligrams and evolved to 125 milligrams. 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...you're not crying when the scale isn't moving quickly. It's not quick because I am postmenopausal...but it's not painful. Appetite is down, I can now walk for 45 minutes...and for the first time in my life...I know I will reach a goal weight."

• Hobot...
• January 15, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

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

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

• 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 its effects everyone differently, and for me personally, it's been great. I love it!"

• 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 topiramate 25mg in the morning and evening on July 30. I am now 178. Coke tastes flat, so I drink more water. I do have tingling in my hands and feet, but I am glad not to have migraines. 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, so I got help for both. I couldn't be happier."

• 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."

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

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was just prescribed generic Topamax, 100 mg a day. I asked for Adipex, but my doctor 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 30 mg 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 doctor says it's safe to do so. I will update. My starting weight today is 225 lbs, and I am 5'5. Wish me luck!"

• sharron
• April 20, 2023

Topamax (topiramate) 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."

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

Topamax (topiramate) 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."