Topamax User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Jaq
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I am on day 7 of 25mg of Topamax at night for vestibular migraine. So far, I have had no unpleasant side effects and also no migraines (but too early to tell if it will be effective in the long run). I am supposed to increase to 25mg bd in a week. The first night I felt a bit strange when I took it, but that settled quickly. If anything, I feel more upbeat and happy. I pray that this is the miracle drug I have been hoping for. 5 years of hell with vertigo and too many useless drugs to mention, physio, MRI, neurology, etc., all with no success. Fingers crossed, and I will keep you all posted!!"

• Nearly...
• February 10, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "Topamax literally saved my life! I have been getting headaches often since I was 14 or so. They progressed to full-blown migraines after my 3rd child (I was 28 in 2004) and increased from there. By 2008/2009, they had gotten so bad I was literally having paralysis on the left side of my face, could not keep my eyes open at all, severe vomiting. Once I had one, there was no driving or I'd run off the road. Thankfully after getting no relief from several medications, including visits to the ER, ENT, and neurologist to try and figure out something... I was prescribed Topamax. I use 50mg a day with 2 Aleve & 500mg Magnesium. It pretty much wiped out my migraines. I got pretty much all the side effects, but who cares? I'm not suffering every day anymore. :)"

• neely
• 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!"

• Anonymous
• July 16, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "By the time I started Topamax, I was getting migraines 2-4 days a week. Topamax seemed like the best fix. And for a while, it was. My migraines significantly reduced, though I did get most of the common side effects: slight tingling in my fingers, carbonated beverages tasted gross, and weight loss. My main warning about this medicine is weight loss. It seems to be paraded as a benefit, and to some it may be, but if you are already naturally slim, pay very close attention. I wound up dropping to an unhealthy weight despite all attempts to counter it, and it's ultimately why I had to stop Topamax. I was unwillingly wasting away. When I stopped, my migraines returned in short order, and I'm still looking for an alternative that works."

• Tylor
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I don’t typically write reviews on medications but feel I need to for this one. I have had migraines with aura for quite some time but recently worsened over the last year. I finally saw my PCP for treatment and was placed on 25mg of Topamax which I was to slowly increase over a 3-week period to 2 tablets twice a day. The first week was 1 tablet at night for 7 days. I started the medication on a Monday and by Wednesday I already developed absolutely no appetite and persistent nausea. But I continued taking it thinking it would pass. By Friday, I had developed fatigue and general malaise. On top of that I still had no appetite and had eaten very little over the five days I had been on the medication. My mood was terrible and I felt like I was in a persistent state of being hungover day after day. DON’T take this med if you can use other options for migraine prophylaxis. This medication causes more burdens than benefits."

• chunk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this 4 days ago, taking 1/2 of 50 mg at night, so 25 mg. I will do that for 7 nights, then up to 50 mg for 7 nights, then 75 mg for 7 nights, then 100 mg for 7 nights, and so on until I reach a mg my doctor and I are comfortable with. So far I have not had any side effects except not being hungry. In the last 3 days I have hardly eaten anything. I've been very thirsty for water, soda tastes like crap, and I was very addicted to Diet Coke. I haven't weighed yet, I've been meaning to. Last I weighed was a month or so ago, and I was at 180-ish. Today is July 10, 2017. I will weigh after work and see where I am so I have a better idea of how this will affect me! I've gone from 120 to 180-ish in the past year with different meds."

• student
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I've been suffering from migraines for over 10 years now, and 5 years ago, I started with propranolol, then Depakine, which didn't help, and now Topamax eventually. Topamax is awful. It made me feel suicidal. I started with 25 mg and followed the 4-week steps in upping the dose like the doctor said. My family started to see a personality change instantly. When I reached the 100 mg 2/day dose, things started to get worse. For 3 weeks, I was nauseous, I couldn’t get up, started to feel stupid, I had exams, and I couldn’t focus at all, strange taste in mouth, numbness in hands and feet, and the tiredness. I slept for days and was still tired. This medication is DANGEROUS. I never wanted to die so badly. Please think about this."

• Ainej
• 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."

• Flychic
• March 28, 2008

For Migraine Prevention "WONDER DRUG!! Every drug has side effects, people! The side effects from this one wore off for me after about 2 months. You gotta stick through it to get used to it, once you do, it's totally worth it. I went from having almost daily headaches and weekly severe migraines to maybe 1 migraine every couple of months that, even then, it was very minimal. Totally worth trying!"

• Lorrie...
• July 29, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Topamax for 13 years now and cannot live without it. Before the doctor prescribed it for me, I was in the hospital at least 4 times a year for 2 to 3 days. I have not even been to the emergency room for a shot since I have started taking it. I take 50 mg in the morning & 50 mg at night. I did not lose many pounds, and the side effects did not bother me at all. I would suggest anyone with severe migraines to give Topamax a few months before giving up on it."

• Ainej
• February 20, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "Developed Aurora symptoms of migraine as part of the diagnosis of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue diagnosis as a result of a car accident. Debilitating vertigo, light and noise sensitivity. Extreme cognitive dysfunction and fatigue, which were constant, but the migraine came and went, although it would last for weeks. Eventually, it just stayed, and I felt like I was walking about drunk! I was told there was nothing that could be done for me and that this was part of my condition. I found Topamax myself when I had reached the point where I had decided to end it all if this was it. Sad but true. Fortunately and happily, I am a new woman. My brain has been unscrambled! I can function again! No more hiding from the light or trying to remember why I started a sentence."

• gkbid...
• November 11, 2009

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Topamax has helped my diabetic nerve damage more than any other drug that my doctor has prescribed for me, and it does not have all the other nasty side effects, including the weight gain. I get enough of that from the insulin. I love taking the Topamax. I'm on a low dose (25 mg) but it sure has helped me."

• Sweet...
• 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."

• Isnt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started 25 mg on June 2nd at bedtime. I had tingling in my hands and a bitter taste in my mouth. I also fought to remember what I had done all night and morning. I felt like a complete zombie. I took one dose and haven't taken any more since. The side effects this pill has aren't worth me risking it. I'd rather keep my weight until I find another way to get it off, and to this day, June 5, 2015, I still have tingling in my hands and feet and numbness in my arms, along with swelling in my fingers. I will never take another Topamax, it's awful."

• Roman...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "I was prepared for the basic side effects: Carbonated beverages not tasting right, and also some loss of appetite. I was put on 100mg from the get-go. I also had the fairly common side effect of just feeling confused, though this wasn't all that severe and I was still able to do well in school. I also experienced tingling in my hands and feet, and though this was irritating, it was bearable. The real kicker for why I quit taking this medicine was when I began to have what felt like panic attacks and severe confusion, along with elevated heartbeat and dizziness. Also, my fingers would move on their own and seem to get stuck sticking straight out, and I had no control over it."

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

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• Rosbud
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking Topamax since Monday, February 4th, 2013. I have a history of migraines and lately have been having just bad headaches every day. I am taking 25mg a day and it has really helped. I have had no side effects except lack of interest in eating. I have lost 3 lbs this week. I look forward to no headaches and will watch the weight loss but I can stand to lose a few pounds at this point."

• Still...
• 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."

• Lynn...
• January 27, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "Miracle drug! The side effects can be daunting at first, like tingling/numbness in extremities that won't stop for hours, but if you increase your water intake substantially and power through, it's totally worth it. My daily tension headaches are 90% gone, which is huge for me. It didn't do much in terms of overall muscle pain reduction or the daily body aches, but I did lose over 30 pounds in four months. I stopped drinking all carbonated drinks (because it makes them all taste super flat weirdly) and definitely am not as hungry as I used to be, so that's just a bonus."

• Marina
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Topamax was a dreadful choice for me for my migraine prevention. Topamax did nothing to improve my chronic migraines and made life even more difficult than it was by making me fuzzy-minded. I couldn’t concentrate, carry on a conversation, finish a task without having to stop and think about what I’m doing and why. I was too woozy to drive-I even felt wobbly while walking. I couldn’t function at all. The worst of it was this: I’m normally right-handed. While I was on Topamax, I started using my left hand as the dominant hand and knocking things over, dropping things, and generally getting frustrated by my lack of coordination. This troubling symptom lasted the longest after stopping my use of Topamax. I understand that some find this drug helpful, but it was a nightmare and a danger for me."

• Mona
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started Topamax at one 50 mg tablet, and I was okay the first weeks. Then I couldn’t eat at all, I was hungry, but I couldn’t eat, and I started developing anxiety and depression and really dark thoughts. I stopped it for 2 weeks and decided to give it another try, and that same night I took the dose, I had horrible anxiety and just didn't feel safe from myself. This medicine is horrible."

• Fergu...
• November 22, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "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 begun to affect 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 with me. The VA gave me (a person who suffers from anxiety) a medication that makes you stupid and wreaked 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 wean myself off the pills. Use with extreme caution!"

• Lifel...
• 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."

• DIANA...
• 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."

• Guill...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed 100 mg Topamax for mood and migraines. I was surprised it has prevented most of my migraines and helped my mood somewhat. I was having severe cluster headaches every morning for nearly 2 years, waking up at 5 or 6 am with excruciating pain, it was awful. Never knew what caused them, the Topamax stopped them immediately, I could not believe it. I am so happy and relieved. So this has been a good drug for me."