Topiramate and Brain Fog: What Users Say

• Aca...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 4, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok, so I've been taking topiramate 100mg for almost a year now, and I have to say this drug has been a lifesaver! Less than five months on topiramate and I quit drinking, and I've been sober now for almost a year! My eating disorder and bipolar are under control, and I can honestly say I haven't been able to manage either one in my life before. Here's another awesome thing... I've lost over 50lbs! Bad things: numbness and tingling in hands and fingers, brain fog, carbonated drinks taste flat, and when I up the dose, my temper gets very short, but the temper part goes away in about 2 weeks. All in all, I never want to stop this medicine, it's saved my life and helped me better myself as a parent."

• AVa...
• July 18, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking 25 mg of topiramate 2x a day for migraines 4 months ago. My doctor told me it could also help me lose weight, which would be an added benefit because I was about 50 lbs overweight at the time. I should also add that right now I’m on 50 mg 2x per day, and that’s the dosage that is helping me with weight loss. I wasn’t losing weight on 25 mg. I have to say that when you first start taking this, there are some weird side effects (the tingling hands and feet were the worst for me) but they do go away with time. I did get a little bit of the brain fog that people talk about, but it really wasn’t too bad, but I wasn’t on a very high dosage. I can imagine it could be bad on a higher dosage. Anyway, since I’ve started taking this, I haven’t had one migraine, whereas I was averaging 6 per month before. And as for the weight loss, I have lost 20 pounds without even trying. When I eat, I get full much quicker than I did before. I am averaging weight loss of 1.5-2lbs per week now."

• Hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "One year ago I weighed 265 lbs. I started Vyvanse for binge eating disorder. I lost 60 lbs. 3 months ago, the Vyvanse began not working as well as it had been so my doctor started me on topiramate. Brain fog was really bad, and when it wore off in the afternoon, the exhaustion was overwhelming. However, it did really help with the constant thoughts of food and binging. I just left my doctor, and I was switched to Qudexy XR (extended-release form of topiramate) to get rid of the afternoon crash. Weighed in today at 199 lbs. I also suffer from Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and with that, depression and recently, anxiety, along with PTSD from childhood abuse and my job (Medic). Overall, I'm kind of a hot mess, but I've finally been able to lose weight, which I've struggled with for a very long time. So I'll take it!"

• Swe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2012

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."

• The...
• November 9, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started at 25mg twice a day, then 50mg twice a day. Definitely helps my appetite! Easily drop 10 pounds a month when I behave myself and have lost 80 pounds so far. When I went to 75mg twice a day I started feeling in a fog and definitely getting a bit zombie so I dialed it back to 50 twice a day and am carrying on. I started at 404 and am currently at 315. I would imagine like anything, you have to work with it but I am thrilled! STILL a long ways to go, but I got a good start! I like it!"

• The...
• November 9, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started at 25mg twice a day, then 50mg twice a day. Definitely helps my appetite! Easily drop 10 pounds a month when I behave myself and have lost 80 pounds so far. When I went to 75mg twice a day I started feeling in a fog and definitely getting a bit zombie so I dialed it back to 50 twice a day and am carrying on. I started at 404 and am currently at 315. I would imagine like anything, you have to work with it but I am thrilled! STILL a long ways to go, but I got a good start! I like it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ever since I gave birth to my son, I haven’t been able to lose the weight I gained during the pregnancy. I got pregnant at about 125 pounds and had him around 185/190. I then got down to 155 lb, and now I am currently 188. I finally decided to try to lose the weight and had no luck. I tried every diet, drink, and exercise program. I work out, diet, and eat clean. I’m 5’5” and 22 years old. I was always a small person, so this is pretty difficult for me. I’ve been on Topamax for a few days now. I take 100 mg twice a day, once in the evening and once in the morning. It makes things pretty foggy, I don’t feel comfortable driving. I get full very quickly and don’t want to eat really. I’m constantly thirsty, and my mouth is really tingly, as well as my fingers and feet. I’m assuming most side effects will calm down in a few weeks. I’m willing to take it till the weight comes off. My doctor expects to see a minimum of 20 pounds gone in three months. I’ll update in a month."

• mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My Dr. has just prescribed me Topamax for weight loss. I'm the biggest I've ever been at 223 lb. I have always had the tendency to be heavy as I have fought my weight my entire life but now it's becoming threatening to my health. My doctor said the 'foggy' head side effects and kidney stones, etc., are so rare that it's worth trying. He said that the tingling of hands and feet are the most common side effect and they tend to subside. Is this true? Reading some of these reviews has me scared now but my Dr. seems like it should be fine. I'm confused. HELP"

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2012

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
• February 15, 2011

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."

• Kyl...
• 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!"

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

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."

• Pel...
• 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 25 mg twice daily, which increased to a maximum dose of 100 mg 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 140 lbs, but went down to 118 lbs. I just had no appetite or interest in food. This started immediately after beginning the meds and started to wear off maybe a year to 18 months into taking it. After a 2-year break from topiramate, I am now on a daily 100 mg dose again, and the weight loss side effect has returned."

• nur...
• September 3, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have had good success with weight loss with 50mg topiramate & a therapist for stress eating. I went from 265lb to 195lb with watching diet in 12 months, walking 2-3 miles/day. Topiramate makes you less hungry, the rest is up to you. (I did get some brain fog.) I took magnesium and biotin, as the reduced appetite can cause nutritional deficiencies in some that can give you hair loss if you aren't careful, and the magnesium helps you 'go'! If you're taking that topiramate at night, a small dose of melatonin every few days (if you take melatonin consistently every night, your own pineal gland will stop producing it and you'll have more sleep problems!)"

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

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."

• pap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2016

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I've only been on this medication for 2 weeks now but it has changed my life. I have lived with chronic migraines since my entire life... since I was 18 months old. I have lived with daily headaches and almost daily migraines for the past 10 years and it has taken over my life. Since starting Topamax, I have had 2-3 manageable headaches and I have my life back! It has even taken away chronic fibromyalgia and arthritis pain, given me back my ability to sleep soundly for hours at a time, and has gotten me out of a daily triptan habit that almost caused a stroke a few weeks ago. The side effects (brain fog, drowsiness, etc.) are nothing new for me given I have fibromyalgia. A life without pain is worth it to me! What a miracle!!"

• nee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2017

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I have been on Topamax 100 mg twice a day since July of this year. Once in the morning and once in the evening. I have been a chronic migraine sufferer for at least ten years, having at least 8-10 migraines per month, lasting at least 24 hours at a time. I was unable to leave a dark room and often ended up in the hospital. My doctor started me off on 25 mg twice a day, gradually working me up to 100 mg twice a day. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me! Migraines are down to about 1 to 2 a month. I can actually live my life! Yes, I have lost about 30 pounds since July (almost 5 months), luckily, I had it to lose. But I feel like a new person! My memory was slightly foggy at first, but my body adjusted and I feel great!"

• Inf...
• January 11, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "I take a dose of 200 mg topiramate daily for fibromyalgia and weight loss after being on Lyrica for 3 years. Lyrica (600 mg daily) destroyed my brain synapses, gained 15 kg, and made me more sick than better without taking the fibro pain away. Topamax, at the start, was on 50 mg (while on Lyrica for weight loss), that's when I experienced the brain fog (they call it 'dopamax' for a reason). You stumble your words, can't think straight, etc., but that only lasted a week or so adjusting to the new medication. Once I heard that Topamax at a higher dose (200-400 a day) could treat fibro, I weaned off Lyrica, detoxed myself for 3 months, then I started Topamax as my treatment. Best decision I ever made. My daily fibro pains are almost nonexistent, my flare-ups are further apart than before. And the weight is falling off. I've lost 17 kg in 12 months. I'm moving again, returned to the gym (still in lots of pain at the gym, but it's manageable). This drug is my miracle answer to a long nightmare."

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

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 because I have been snapping on everyone. I was only on 50 mg, and even tapering to 35 mg didn't lessen the side effects."

• Ain...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2017

Topiramate for Fibromyalgia "Diagnosed with fibro and CFS after a car accident. Began to get vertigo, light, and sound sensitivity on top of all the usual symptoms. They would stay for weeks. Found out eventually it was an aura of migraine. Topamax sorted me out. No more brain fog, vertigo, audio, or photo sensitivity. The tiredness also lifted, I can stay awake all day but can't overdo it. Pain is still there, though, but I feel so normal after so many years of dysfunction, it's unbelievable. It's like someone unscrambled me!!! I'm on 175 mg, 100 mg in the morning, and 75 mg in the afternoon."

• Swe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2021

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started Topamax. So far, I get the tingling feeling and the brain fog. Nothing major, though, and I zone out a lot. I barely eat, and when I do, it’s healthy. I hope this works. I’ve tried everything. I’ll update in a month."

• Ann...
• January 29, 2013

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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 50 mg a day and it's working well."

• Lif...
• January 18, 2021

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "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 antihistamines. I went through horrible Topamax withdrawal, which left me nauseous and with the worst headache of my life."

• gan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 2, 2020

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "As far as appetite, Topamax helps. The longer you take it, however, I feel like it really limits my mental ability when I take it, and I can't even put words together sometimes. Brain foggish, you could call it maybe. The extremity tingling is definitely real, and in the face sometimes."

• DIA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2014

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I used it for migraines. My side effects were: depression, dehydration, impaired thinking, confusion, drowsiness, memory problems, nervousness, trouble concentrating, weakness, loss of appetite, vertigo, and severe anxiety. After stopping this medication, I still suffer from severe anxiety and vertigo."