Topiramate for Migraine Prevention User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2013

Topamax (topiramate) "My current dosage is 100mg daily. I started at 113 pounds, today I weigh 100 pounds due to Topamax. Yes, I agree with everyone in the beginning the side effects were the worst. However, my doctor warned me that I would not feel relief until I reached my full dosage and my body adjusted to it, which was about 12 weeks. And I did see a difference. Before Topamax, migraines controlled my life, I had roughly 15 a month. With the Topamax I rarely have a severe migraine at all. Typically I just get 5-7 headaches a month which is a big difference. Yes, sometimes I forget my train of thought or tingly in my feet. However, those side effects beat the alternative to 50% of my life being controlled by severe migraines."

• Kimber...
• June 1, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) "After taking 100mg daily, it took me roughly 3 months for my migraines to dramatically stop. I went from having approximately 12 migraines monthly to having maybe two. The side effects of this medication for me: for 3 weeks I could not focus, extreme fatigue, restlessness. I cannot drink anything carbonated, as a result, I lost 20 pounds in the first month. Serious appetite loss. I've been on this medication for 9 months and lost a total of 43 pounds. I have to take in the morning otherwise I cannot sleep. It also helps with my OCD tendencies. If you can make it through 3 weeks of outter space, this medication is worth it!!"

• Fergu...
• November 22, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) "I swear, this stuff almost ruined my life. I am a veteran who suffers from anxiety and chronic migraines from an injury in Iraq. The VA (my neurologist) had me try this drug to see if it would help me with the migraines. After about a month I noticed that I couldn't concentrate, and I'd began to effect my studies badly. My anxiety was the worst it had ever been and I was slipping into a depression. I had no idea what was wrong g with me. The VA gave me (a person who suffers from anxiety) a medication that makes you stupid, and wrecked havoc on my mind without warning me about any potential side effects. I had to process the change on my own, figure out what was wrong with me, and ween myself off the pills. Use with extreme caution!"

• Anna
• January 29, 2013

Topamax (topiramate) "I am a retired teacher with a long history of migraines. Because of a heart condition, there were many medications I could not take. I suffered through many days taking mostly over the counter medicines. I was put on Topamax 10 months ago. At 100 mg a day, I was so stupid I could never have run a classroom. I could not do simple math problems or remember the names of streets nearby my home. The huge relief of not having migraines made it almost worth it. After all, I was now retired and did not have to be as sharp as I once was. It was a tough decision . My family was frustrated too with my huge brain fog. I also had the tingling and taste changes but they are easy to adjust to. I recently weaned myself down to 50mg a day and its working well."

• Tope...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 30, 2020

Topamax (topiramate) "On Topamax since 06' for migraines which is works, lost weight, works for that too, 200mg @AM and 300mg @pm now to manage. Only side effects are minimal. I can tell you that the weight loss comes to an end and you will have better luck with diet and exercise. Even on this med I have, because if you don't change your lifestyle and eating habits, when that weight loss stops, you just gain it all back. That's why weight gain is a side effect too. Just do the right way to begin with. You will be happier and healthier."

• Lifel...
• January 18, 2021

Topamax (topiramate) "I was put on Topamax in September 2019 to treat lifelong migraines. I suffered very severe side effects across the board. My brain got foggy and I started dropping words or leaving sentences unfinished. I developed a skin reaction to metal and the skin peeled off under my wedding ring and where my bra clasp met my skin. The worst part was the crippling depression and anxiety. I spent hours crying. I developed such severe anxiety and insomnia that I stopped going to bed. I would just sit on the couch all night in a fog or fighting through panic attacks. I was prescribed Ativan to manage the anxiety. My GP put me on suicide watch and started to taper off the Topamax dosage. Before I was completely off, I developed an allergic reaction: my face, hands and feet swelled and I developed full body hives. I ended up in the ER where I was put on a high dose of steroids and anti-histamines. I went through horrible Topamax withdrawal, which left me nauseous and with the worst headache of my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2017

Topamax (topiramate) "Now in my late 50's, I have been a lifelong migraine sufferer. My new neurologist recommended Topamax (FDA approved for migraine therapy). I am going on week 3 with promising results...for the first time in years I am waking up to no headaches and am not getting headaches as the day wears on. I'm sleeping better. I am experiencing a slight problem with focus/concentration but am told that this side effect should subside over time. Providing the side effects are minimal and non-intrusive, I can see staying on this medication-I'm hopeful."

• Willard
• May 7, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) "After menopause, migraines soared to three per week. Top ax 50 mgs daily has been a miracle drug. Not one headache in 18 months. One side effect is dry eyes and dry mouth. Easy to live with that in lieu of disabling migraines that eroded my life."

• Jenn...
• November 15, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) "I have been taking 75mg topamax one a day for about 10 years now. I have gone as far as taking 100mg until I started not being able to get the words out that I was thinking of. That side effect has not completely gone away but is better. When I first started I did have the tingling in my hands and feet but it was no more than like having carpal tunnel, I also have the weird taste where soda tasted flat and tomatos tastes weird. I did loose a little weight. The tingeling went away, I adjusted to just not drinking soda. And tomatos started to taste fine. I also take Sumatriptan for when I still do get a headache. However the headaches are much fewer and further beteeen. I will get a cluster of them about every six mths but still better."

• Happy
• October 3, 2018

Topamax (topiramate) "I have had migraines for 31 years that were easily controlled by Sumatriptan a few times a month and 25mg of Amitriptyline daily. While now going through perimenopause my migraines became more severe and harder to control. I was taking many milligrams of OTC pain relievers, tried all natural remedies, my life started being controlled by when I was going to get a migraine. My Neurologist prescribed Topiramate Sprinkle Capsules, started 15mg every three days until target dose reached. The first few weeks I was very tired and I did feel foggy, at 45mg I stopped having migraines and I have stayed at that dose for the last four months. Yes, I still do feel a little foggy at times, and I have to take it at night because it makes me very tired, but it really has been a miracle drug for me, and I'm glad I didn't have to take the full 100mg for the drug to work. I did have two headaches while on topamax, but both were relieved by Ibuprofen."

• Patti...
• July 25, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) "I've had migraines since kindergarten. They have become increasingly debilitating in adulthood and sometimes I would average 15 headaches per month! My life revolved around my migraines. I tried everything to stop them. When my doctor talked to me about Topomax, I was thrilled. It took me two years to get to a dosage that managed the headaches and auras but now the only time I get a migraine, it's weather related. I use Relpax to relieve it. Topomax has been a God send for me!"

• Jojo
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) " This is the worst medication ever. Started at 25mg for 7 days at night then moved up to 50 mg. on night 7 to advance each week up until100mg. Didn't get past day12 and decided this was not going to work for me. Vertigo, nausea, loss of appetite, irrational fears, phobias, drug induced fog, depression, ringing in ears and can only smell certain strange odors which are unpleasant and all carbonated drinks are flat and tasteless. At this point, your quality of life is beyond worthless. It helped with migraines...but I was so preoccupied and sick with side effects I'm not sure what was worse."

• usmcw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) "I've been on Topamax for about 5 months now (100 am/100 pm) and finally giving up faith. The negative side effects outweigh the slight change in my migraines. Carbonated beverages taste terrible, I have to force myself to eat, I stutter constantly, I can never find the right words and often switch up words in a sentence. My memory is horrid, and I always see tracers, which is enough to drive anyone crazy. The only pluses are the slight decrease in consistency of my migraines and the weight loss."

• doodl...
• December 29, 2008

Topamax (topiramate) "Topamax saved my life. I am 43 years old and have suffered from migraines since I was 18. I found Topamax this past June. Now it has been 7 months and life without migraines is wonderful. No more fear of when the Big One will hit. The weight loss (20lbs) was nice too. My worst side effect is the stumbling and grasping for words. My kids die laughing. So do I. My husband doesn't understand that part but it's ok. As long as the headaches don't come. I still have small, treatable headaches (part of another problem that I hope soon goes away). Topamax is my hero. Take away my car, my clothes, my house...but don't take away my Topamax."

• Britt...
• November 2, 2013

"I got Topamax about 4 months ago and it has been amazing completely changed my life! I hate reading these blogs and tags that's say do not try this it is horrible the side affects are horrible it'll ruin your life! Side effects are different for everyone you don't know how it'll react with your body, these blogs and stuff stopped me for a long time from taking Topamax and it completely saved my life I haven't gotten a migraine in 4 months! And I used to get migraines 5 days Of the week! It truly works amazing for me! Yes soda tastes horrible but I think it's a good thing all I drink is water now I have a healthier life style! I have lost some weight! I do get tingly feet and hands but it's nothing you can't deal with it goes away pretty fast"

• Danell
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2024

Topamax (topiramate) "I just want to say, I feel that for me, this medication is a miracle. I don't understand how anyone could hate it? It calms me and gives me a feeling of wellbeing. It's like a good hug, and I have noticed many positive effects from it."

• Over...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 29, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) "have been researching and researching for so many years and I have to say that Topamax saved my life. I am currently 23 years old, and I started having these migraines when I was 15. I didn't know that this would be a lifelong thing that would eventually lead me to be on daily medication. The frequency that I would get them,would be more than six times a month. Anyway, I went on propannalol? (Beta blocker), NO SUCESS. & then doctors prescribed me topamax. I didn't have any side effects. At all. No tingling. Nothing. And GUESS WHAT, I didn't have a migraine for 3 years!!!! NOT ONE. but I got off of it, thinking they were "gone" & now I'm suffering with new hormonal migraines. Going back on topamax & hoping for same results!!!!"

• Kate
• January 8, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) "I started taking Topamax about two and 1/2 weeks ago. In that two weeks I've lost close to 10 pounds. I've also had the tingling in my fingers and feet and toes. I've gotten tingling in my lips too. Other then tingling body parts, so far I love it and Ive gone from headaches every day to maybe 4 really small ones and one migraine."

• Lexi
• May 10, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) "This medication has been a miracle. My migraines have been disabling to the point where I could not turn my neck and I could not stand up. With this medication, I can live my life. I am on 150 mg a day. Thank you topamax!"

• mnpos...
• November 12, 2019

Topamax (topiramate) "I took 50mg topamax daily for migraines. 6 months into it I started noticing increasing hair loss and looked for answers including having both hormones and thyroid checked. I reread the included drug information several times and found nothing about hair loss. At the point I had lost 1/2 my hair I finally Googled Topamax hair loss and found it is a side effect of topamax. Also during this time I had extensive testing trying to find out why I was having increased period pain and both my Dr and I missed that this IS listed as a side effect. I stopped the medication 6 weeks ago because of the hair loss but also putting on hold additional procedures considered for dealing with the menstrual pain as there is a good probability this was also caused by the Topamax. 2 stars that I give the drug are only because of the "bonus" side effect of the weight loss, which was the ONLY hesitation that I had about stopping taking it, and the nominal reduction in the number of migraines I was experiencing."

• Super...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 9, 2019

Topamax (topiramate) "I took Topamax for about 8 to 10 years at maximum dosage for migraine prevention. (Don't recall actual dosage but I think is was like 400mg daily) I went from over 300 migraine days a year, down to less than 12 migraine days a year. That's a solid rating of 10 for relief. But, the side effects are really bad while on such high doses. 1) Memory loss was terrible and it does not come back. 2) Kidney stones are another side effect. Turned me kidneys into bean bags, every 6 month scan added 4 to 6 more stones. Finally had to give it up! Now, after being off of Topamax for 3 to 4 years, the migraines are back with a vengeance. P.S. Going to the generic (Topiramate) gave me identical results."

• Malus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2013

Topamax (topiramate) "I am currently taking it for intense migranes. It is the only thing that I have found that has helped. I do have breakthrough migraines but the medication does keep the majority of them at bay. I do get many of the side effects. I get the tingling in the hands and feet. I occasionally get tingling on my tongue and a weird burning/taste when I drink soda. I get a slight dizziness when I first take it. I am more sensitive to cold and I get diarrhea. All of these side effects I can either live with or treat and are worth the freedom of the migraines. If you live with migraines everyday your willing to put up with a lot of side effects just to be pain free for a while. This medication is totally worth it."

• Marie
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 31, 2015

Topamax (topiramate) "I felt compelled to write a review, as I was on topamax (or should I say dopamax?!) for about 2 years. I started this medication when I was 21 and was so desperate to find something that would actually help my on-going migraines. Personally, the side effect symptoms FAR outweighed the benefits. I started out on 25mg a day and gradually increased to 100mg. As soon as I got on this, the side effects came rolling in. Before I knew it my memory was completely gone. In daily conversation I couldn't think of simple words, names or phrases. I knew what I wanted to say but couldn't form the words to do so. The worst of all, it really affected my grades in college. I used to have awesome memorization skills. Unfortunately I would study for hours upon hours, and still wouldn't do well as I would have "brain fog" during tests, etc. Another side effect I experienced was weight loss. I lost around 25 lbs., HOWEVER I don't believe all of this was ultimately from topamax. I'd definitely say it suppressed my appetite, but I really changed my eating habits and worked out daily. It helped with my first few pounds and got me motivated to do the rest. On the plus side, I saw a significant difference in the amount of migraines I received. It was a night and day difference in that aspect. However, approaching a year and a half on this medication I couldn't take it anymore and had to get off. It wasn't worth it anymore. I don't think tapering off or stopping cold turkey on this really makes a difference. My mom stopped cold turkey and I tapered off, as my doctor instructed me. I rebounded off this HORRIBLY, as did my mom. I was STARVING constantly after no longer taking it. This didn't just go away either. My body didn't feel levelled out and "detoxed" of this for honestly about a year after. I not only gained back all my weight I lost, but plus some. Although everyone's body reacts differently, I highly do NOT recommend taking this. Not even for those desperate for weight loss. Losing weight from a medication like this is not sustainable long term. I'm 24 now and am still affected by my choice of taking this. Topamax has ultimately ruined my memory to this day. I still cannot remember words or things. It changed me. Do not take this! There are other answers out there."

• Ash
• March 11, 2019

Topamax (topiramate) "I have been having headaches about 20-27 days out of a month and lived on Tylenol and Motrin. Reaching 5000 mg a day on Tylenol which I knew was terrible for my liver but that was the only bit of relief that I got and that still didn’t help. Not to mention I was taking 3-4 Benadryl OR 4 melatonin a night to sleep and would only get 3 hours of sleep. After seeing a neurologist he put me in topomax twice daily and I have only had a small dull pain twice where each time I only took one Tylenol each time and they helped within 30 minutes. I recommend someone trying this prescription for migraines after talking to their doctors."

• Beth
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2023

Topamax (topiramate) "This drug is awful. I took 50mg per day for migraine prevention and it caused significant hair loss. I already have thin hair, and this drug made it worse. My hair was coming out in clumps in the shower. This drug should be illegal. Do not take it if you want to keep your hair!!"