Topiramate and Tingling: What Users Say

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started at 50 mg a day. My weight was 227 lb. After 4 weeks, I am down to 209 lb. Side effects were tingling in hands and feet. Not too bad and have gotten better. Soda tastes very flat! Helps a lot with appetite. Will continue to take and try to lose another 30 pounds."

• san...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have started Topiramate three weeks ago on 25 mg for the first week then to 50 mg the second week, 150 mg the third week, and today I am increasing the dose to 200 mg for the rest of my time on the med. The first week I started the med, I immediately started feeling full, and that had never in my entire life happened to me. I had always felt like I could eat at the fullest state, and now one small meal and a few glasses of water was just enough. In three weeks, I have lost 8 lbs, and that is considering I haven't changed anything in my diet. I haven't cut any carbs or sugar simply because I only eat once a day. Overall, there has been some tingling in my feet, which is so normal, and at times I feel it, but seeing the results makes me super happy, so I will continue using Topiramate."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2012

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "I switched to Topamax from Lamictal to see if it would control my bipolar disorder and help me lose weight. My mood and sleep have been incredible, and I have lost 15 lbs in 6 weeks on Topamax. I was a little worried about having memory problems, but have not suffered this side effect at all. I have a little tingling in my feet at night, but not bad enough to stop taking it. Overall, I highly recommend this medication for bipolar disorder."

• Boj...
• March 16, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "I'm 50 years old and have suffered from migraines since I was about 12 years old. Too long! I've taken every medicine possible for prevention or cure with little or no relief. Too many trips to the ER for shots...the only real fix; then back home in a dark room for much-needed sleep. When my internist suggested Topamax, I jumped at the opportunity. Boy, I'm happy that I did. Yes, I had the initial side effects, lost 35 lbs originally (gained 10 back), have tingling in my fingers & toes but only in the winter when I'm cold. Very manageable. I don't drink pop, but tried one. Wow...it was flat. I do struggle with words at times, but still manageable. My 3/week migraines now down to 1/month are generally managed with Excedrin Migraine. A"

• 675...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 19, 2016

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "I've been taking Topamax for over 10 years. At first, I lost 30 pounds. YIKES! I stabilized and gained back some weight to a good weight for me. A few times I've had tingling in my fingers that lasted a very short duration. I've been a chronic migraine sufferer for over 30 years. Started at 20, and I'll be 54 soon. Like many... I've been to many doctors and tried too many meds. This was the only thing that worked. Thankfully, for me, the side effects were minimal. Just because you have one bad experience, don't suffer. Find something. Meditation... something. You deserve a better life. We wouldn't be on this board if we didn't want to discourage or encourage someone else. Keep trying to live pain-free."

• 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."

• ann...
• September 6, 2011

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "I have taken Topamax for bipolar twice. First for three years, then now for a year. Do not know why I ever went off! This has been great for me after 25 years on lithium, which was like living under 4 wet wool blankets. I also tried Depakote, which only increased the weight gain and depression. At first, the side effects were a bit rough even at the initial very low dose of 25 mg. Very sleepy and tingly of hands and feet. BUT they pass, they really do. It may take a week of just being exhausted even when you increase your dose. The appetite depressant is wonderful. Also cuts down on general anxiety. Takes the real edge off the hypomania. I have not had any of the problems with finding words, etc."

• Fee...
• February 8, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had blown up from taking Lyrica. 600mg daily for well over 2 years. Weight went from 260 to 327. I had a spinal injury. I told the doctor I am tired of this weight, mostly all around my midsection and upper chest. He put me on topamax 25mg at bedtime for one week then up to 50mg at bedtime. OMG, I lost so far 30 pounds in less than 3 months. I went from a 52 waist to 44 and still dropping fat like crazy. I just don't have the desire to eat. All that food I was pigging out on, I totally stopped drinking pop, it tastes like metal. I am going to start walking around the block soon and exercise to really get back to my ideal weight of 235. Wish me luck. I see folks complain of tingling in fingers. I had that, but I took a BC powder with Gatorade, it worked."

• Tas...
• February 3, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Topamax for migraines, but I have had weight loss being on it. I take 50mg twice a day. I had the same problem with the pop, it tasted flat (still have). I had (have) the tingling in certain body parts and the tired feeling at first. I started taking them July 2015, and by January 2016, I have lost 40 lbs. I was 190, and am now 147 and going down every day! The only thing that I have changed is I drink water. I eat whatever I want, some days I eat more, some days less. I used to go through a 12-pack of Mt. Dew a day. It was hard at first, but I honestly don't mind now. Because when I look in that mirror every morning, it's worth drinking that bottle of water."

• Ldo...
• November 7, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) for Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Topamax before and it worked, and went off. I don't know why. I recently went back on it, and it has made a world of difference. It's like night and day. I take it with Abilify and Xanax because I have really bad anxiety as well. I am 24 and was so depressed I wasn't leaving my apartment, but now I feel like a new person, like I want to go out and do things again. I'm not held back. I like that this medicine doesn't make me gain weight too because I've had that problem in the past. I lost 10 pounds since I went back on it 4 weeks ago. The only thing I will say that is not great is it slows down my thought process sometimes, and it gives me tingles in my hands and face, but not all the time. The benefits outweigh those side effects greatly."

• Dee...
• June 9, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on 25mg of topiramate, 1x a day, in the mid-afternoon (my binge likelihood increases around dinner until bedtime). I have had some form of an eating disorder since I was 16. I am 41. I stopped starving a few years ago and binge with purging about every few months. I gained 60 pounds over the last 4 years. I managed to not gain any weight in the last year, but unable to lose anything. I simply fluctuate a few pounds. I had tingling in my hands on my 4th day, bad numbness, that has subsided to occasional tinglingly. From day 4 to day 9, I have lost 5.2 pounds. In the last 3 years of attempting weight loss, I couldn't lose 5 lbs in a month. I am eating 3 meals and maybe 1 snack. The best way I can describe it is that my attitude toward food is 'meh'. I am a carb addict, yet I am unable to binge, even if I wanted to. I stop eating even though I still have 'hunger pains' (I am eating full servings). I have always struggled with eating until STUFFED. Not in the last week."

• Nom...
• November 10, 2014

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "I started taking Topamax about 3 years ago. Began at 25mg a day for a week. The second week I was supposed to move up to 50, the third week to 75mg, and then finally to 100mg on the fourth week. I never really had to move past 25mg. My migraines all but stopped after a month of being on the medication and at the lowest dose. I had all the side effects - tingling, weight loss (very happy about it too), forgetting certain words, and the nasty taste of soda. That was okay because I only drink it very rarely anyway. I was getting 1-2 migraines a week and now, I may have 1-2 a year. Most of the side effects seemed to have faded with time as well. Very, very pleased with this medication."

• 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."

• jse...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on day 4 now, and I am pretty spacey. I feel like I have smoked weed, honestly. However, I started at 277, and I am at 272 this morning. I am taking 50 mg twice a day. So I think what I will do since I have to work is cut them in half and do half in the morning, half at lunch, half at dinner, and half at bedtime so it's not so crazy. Lol. It does cause slight memory loss and a little tingly feeling, but it's not unbearable. I have noticed I do not want any sweets. I crave fruit and veggies, or nothing. I had 36 cookies on my desk Friday and didn't eat one of them... This is very worth it. And the side effects do wear off after a while. That's how I know it's time to take another half. I will update later. Yay, I'm extremely happy!!"

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2012

Topamax (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 12, 2012

Topamax (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 12, 2012

Topamax (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."

• 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!"

• myb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I actually requested to be put on topiramate to help lose weight knowing it was a side effect and to prevent my horrible migraines. I can say it has worked for both. I started out on 50mg a night on Dec. 21, 2014, and at that time, I weighed in at 227 lbs per Doc scales. At my last check-up on March 31st, I weighed 203. And my migraines were reduced greatly. The thing was my body was starting to get used to the medication, so they did have to up the dosage to help my migraines; I'm now on 100mg a night. The side effects subsided after about two months of taking the medication (slightly tingling in the fingers and feet from time to time, little foggy/forgetful). I cannot taste and have not had one carbonated beverage since the 21st of December."

• Vic...
• 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."

• 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."

• Lis...
• 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."

• 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."

• GOL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I'd like to comment and say that I've had success with Topamax. I take 100 mg a day, 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night. I take it for bipolar rapid cycling. I am a 5'8" male who weighed 200 lbs. I have lost 20 lbs over 4 weeks with exercise and the fact that Topamax makes it real easy to not eat as much. I don't binge like I used to because I gained so much weight on Zyprexa. I was able to cut back on my dose of Zyprexa significantly due to the mood-stabilizing qualities of Topamax. Initially, I had some depression starting Topamax, but it subsided after a couple of days and I feel amazing. This has helped my mood, my weight, my self-confidence, my well-being, and my quality of life. I give Topamax a ten out of ten. I recommend exercise to prevent the feet and hand tingles."

• Eri...
• March 9, 2020

Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "Topamax ruined my life! Kaiser put me on it until my psychologist said, “get off of it if it’s not working,” after I told her I had been on it for over a year! This medication caused tingling in my hands, feet, face, and caused me to see people’s faces in distorted ways like a horror film! My headaches are caused by a 2cm round tumor in my left temporal lobe near my cortex at the hippocampus hypothalamus, it causes light seizures and horrible right-side brain headaches! Even though neurologists say it’s not connected, I know from research it is connected, and no one is helping me deal with the horrific, debilitating headaches! So when Kaiser said, “try Topamax,” I said, sure, why not! I lost 2 years of my life with my son, who was a junior in high school, it’s a miracle my husband of 25 years stayed married to me! Topamax ruined 2 years of my life."