Topamax and Brain Fog: What Users Say

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

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."

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

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

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

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."

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

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."

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

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

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

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!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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."

• Hap...
• October 3, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines for 31 years that were easily controlled by Sumatriptan a few times a month and 25 mg 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 15 mg every three days until the target dose was reached. The first few weeks I was very tired, and I did feel foggy. At 45 mg 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 100 mg for the drug to work. I did have two headaches while on Topamax, but both were relieved by Ibuprofen."

• Sti...
• December 30, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am experiencing the tingling every day in my fingers, I am not hungry. I did have the brain fog to where I wouldn't drive. I wouldn't make any decisions about anything without talking it over with someone I trusted first. I am now up to 75 in the morning and at bedtime, and I still have the tingling, but the fog has been lifted. The headaches are so much less, but I have only lost 3 pounds. Can't seem to stop smoking, even with this. Still hoping this will help with the smoking. Wish me luck."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 31, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "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 ongoing migraines. Personally, the side effect symptoms FAR outweighed the benefits. I started out on 25 mg a day and gradually increased to 100 mg. 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 leveled out and 'detoxed' from 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 28, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking Topamax in January of 2012 for migraines. I was getting one a day. I did experience brain fog at first, but I found that after about a month or two, I was mostly back to normal. I have experienced weight loss and loss of appetite, and I'm also lactose intolerant, so I'm trying to work on eating a healthy amount. I have found that drinking a lot of water really helps with the tingly feeling in my feet and hands!"

• Eaz...
• March 1, 2008

For Migraine Prevention "I do not recommend Topamax as a solution to migraines. Although it did help keep the frequency of the headaches down at first, in the long run, I had just as many migraines as usual, and there were too many side effects to make it worthwhile. My short-term memory was practically shot, my hands would tremor and go numb at some points, and I experienced an irregular heartbeat, trouble focusing, and sleep issues."

• Kri...
• November 21, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "Been on this for just a week now at 25 mg, also on 50 mg of amitriptyline at night. The first few days I felt really spaced out, but sort of kept coming in waves through the day. I also suffer from M.E. as well, but have found the past few days I have had lots of energy. I don't feel tired at all. Supposed to up dose to 50 mg on the second week, but I'm thinking may stick to the 25 for a little while to see how things go. No migraines up to now. Reading all the reviews, most of the side effects seem to come when the dose is increased. Really worried about the hair loss business, don't think I could deal with that one. Think I'm going to give this a go for a few months and see how things go, it's all trial and error, or kill or cure."

• TLO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Topamax for 2 months to help prevent severe daily migraines with aura. It has helped me tremendously. I did lose 6 lbs the 1st week, mainly due to diarrhea and lack of appetite. I almost gave up on taking it because of the stomach cramps I was getting, but they subsided after the 1st week. I have changed a lot about my lifestyle since taking Topamax, so I don't know how much of my weight loss can be attributed to the drug itself, but I definitely have lost weight (12 lbs) and don't crave sugar. I stopped drinking soda over a year ago, so I don't know if it tastes different now. I do want water more than anything, which is fine. It does make you drowsy and foggy, but I take my dose at bedtime. I do get weird tingles a few times a day in my hands."

• She...
• February 9, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "It lessened the frequency of my migraines. But the side effects are not worth the relief it provided. It turned me into a zombie. I didn't care about anything. I couldn't even taste my food! And the worst part was it robbed me of my ability to be alarmed by the growing severity of my depression and other serious symptoms. After three months, I was glad to detox. Four days clean and I can almost taste sugar again. Can't wait 'til the brain fog lifts."

• She...
• February 9, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "It lessened the frequency of my migraines. But the side effects are not worth the relief it provided. It turned me into a zombie. I didn't care about anything. I couldn't even taste my food! And the worst part was it robbed me of my ability to be alarmed by the growing severity of my depression and other serious symptoms. After three months, I was glad to detox. Four days clean and I can almost taste sugar again. Can't wait 'til the brain fog lifts."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 18, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "This has been a lifesaver for me as far as migraines go. At first, I had a few of the side effects: brain fog, forgetfulness, but that went away after a month or so. Without this drug, I get at least 2-3 headaches a week, ranging from dull to severe. I rarely have a migraine while on it."