I started on this medication about 8 months ago. At first it was great in preventing my headaches. Still had a few but not as bad as usual. I had every side effect listed. Starting with tingling hands/feet. I felt like my eyes were playing tricks on me. I was always seeing streaking lights or spots. I became very thirsty all the time and nothing tasted good but water. I have lost nearly 22 ...
DO NOT GO ON THIS MEDICATION, I was prescribed this medication for migraines and it has completely ruined my life. When I was on topiramate my arms and legs would go numb and I could not move them, I started to halucinate and have all kinds of mental problems. I also stopped being able to get an erection and lost all sexual feelings what so ever, including acheiving an orgasm. I also developed ...
C | 35-44 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/30/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I took this medicine the first day as directed two a day, and I did that Side effects are horrible, anxiety, hallucinating, could not sleep, couldn’t eat nervous headaches from a month and a half all symptoms actually were for a month and a half. This medication needs to be taken off the market. I was shaking tremors. My eyes were twitching. My jaw felt funny. My throat felt funny. I had a fever, hot and cold no appetite, just horrible I will never take this medication ever again. As long as I live I was taking it for migraines. Stay away from this medication. Oh did I mention my heart was racing all the time? I feel like I was going to die literally stay away! Read More Read Less
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BG3131 | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
7/11/2024
Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I am currently 48 hours from taking my last pill and I still feel awful and have a constant bitter taste in my mouth that won’t go away. I was prescribed this with phentermine for weight loss three months ago. Not only did I still struggle with food but I suffered daily from brain fog and depression. Sometimes I would just sit for hours because I felt so heavy and nauseated.
I hope this taste goes away soon or I’m going to lose my mind. I’m so sad that I don’t even feel like me anymore.
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Jenny K | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
7/10/2024
Condition: Other
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I honestly didn't think that any medication could ever cause such horrible symptoms. How I am feeling at this very moment is miserable and I am really hoping that someday I can become an actual person again because what I am doing now is not even living anymore. I'll name a few of my symptoms.. I talk to myself basically like you would think but it's all out loud, I have terrible hypersensitivity to sights, smells, sounds and horribly to touch, I have it so bad that I have thought I had bugs or at least the crawly, biting, itchy feeling but nope I know it's hypersensitivity to the "keratosis pilar" a rash that is literally everywhere on my body that I have never in my life had before until about a month ago, I am so miserable that I have been obsessing over a diagnosis. I have deep vein insufficiency now, arthritis everywhere, my bones and muscles always hurt, my vision has rapidly decreased and my mouth always has white foam in it that is not yeast but my teeth are turning darker by the week with my dentist being the hardest person ever to see. Finally I am decreasing this medication per my psychiatrist and I want to be hopeful for some normalcy eventually because I have even been secluding myself and begging for death everyday. Everything I said makes me sound like I am really old or close to death but I am only 41. Don't take this medication. Please dont.Read More Read Less
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Anonomous | 35-44 | Other | On medication for less than 1 month |
6/25/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
The first month of taking this drug, I turned manic. I was also taking citalopram for anxiety which brought out my worst symptom of overwhelm, anxiexty and uncontrollable behaviours. Lost my boyfriend. Talked to my doctor and upped my citalopram to 20mg per day which calmed everthing down. I also read that topiramate can be used as a mood sabilizer for bipolar. Not sure if anyone knows anything about that or not.
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Cori | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
6/22/2024
Condition: Simple Partial Seizures
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
This medication put my focals simple and complex partial seizures under decent control. I also lost 80 pounds went down to 106 pounds. It has its side effects but I would rather deal with them than 20 to 30 seizures a week
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Anonymous | 55-64 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
6/17/2024
Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
So I have found that Drs only listen to what they want when you ask for help.
I took topiramate 25mg for 2 weeks. Was doing well, losing about a pound every other day. My Dr then decided to up my dose to 50mg. Just after 2 weeks on 50mg I started having the worst hallucinations, seeing things that weren't there. Even called the police 2 nights in a row because I thought there was someone outside of my house. Feeling scared to be in my own home. I then went and stayed with a friend at night for a week. I stopped the medication after 2 day being there at there home. Felt ok at night as long as someone was in the house with me. Came back to my house and I still hear and visualize things that have no explanation. This is the worst medication I have ever take. Due to these side effects I only fall asleep once it is dawn and only sleep for a couple if he. I would never recommend this to anyone. Read More Read Less
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Lee P | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
6/5/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I have been on 50mg twice per day for 11 years, TOPAMAX changed my life so I could function in a normal environment. I still get migraines but not the debilitating ones I had where I was knocked down for days on end.
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tony | 75 or over | Male | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
5/21/2024
Condition: Other
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
kaiser Permanente patient with stenosis - back and leg pain.
Takes time to get used to the side effects, mostly fog. Starting with a very low dose and building with a good doctor it sure helps. Some people may not be in very much pain.
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Chanu | 35-44 | Male | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
5/6/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I was prescribed Topiramate to prevent migraine together with Propanolol. My neurologist failed to tell me that taking this medication can cause depression and even suicidal thoughts. And I experienced just that. I was in suicidal hell for 7 days until I realized what was going on.
Please be careful if you have a history of mental health illness.
1
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Rosh | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
5/1/2024
Condition: Additional Medication to Treat Partial Seizures
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
After several medication changes and years of trying so many I decided to give this one a go. I had read mixed reviews, but I was desperate, my seizures were bad and , I was ready to try anything. It started really well. ( they usually do), but then I noticed how I could go the whole day and not feel hungry, I would literally forget to eat, with memory impairment as part of my condition, I was now also setting alarms on my phone to eat, the weight just dropped off, I wasn’t big to start with, but now I’m tiny not a good look when age isnt on your side. They also interacted with two of my other medications, and to top it up I have become a lunatic! My mental health is crazy, some days I’m so depressed I stay in bed all day, other days I cry, and some days I just act completely crazy, I’m constantly angry, never happy and have become a completely different person. I also had a clonic tonic seizure which I haven’t had in ages, my eyesight is very blurred, and my joints are really swollen and painful. Tbh the list is endless. Waiting to talk to my neurologist to come off them asap, everyone is different, they did however reduce my seizures but they have affected my mental health so it’s a very difficult one. I don’t think I will stay on them, prob wean off them, Or be advised by neurologist and see what the next step is.Read More Read Less
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Stupid me | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
4/27/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Reading some of the other reviews I never put 2&2 together. I was put on Topamax for migraines. I was waking up everyday with one. I still have the occasional migraine but nothing like before. I was told about the tingling & possible kidney stone but nothing else. I didn’t read the side effects. I have been taking it for a year. I have had no follow up exams, when the script runs out, they call in more. I have lost 50lbs (my PCP is threatening to put in a feeding tube). There is no appetite. My hair is falling out in clumps like a chemo patient. I have no energy, I lose my words all the time. I am angry over everything which is not like me. I wake up daily feeling like I am getting the flu. I am not enjoying my crafts like I used to. I come home from work and go to bed. There is no sex drive, nothing tastes right, and I am so depressed. I wonder why my PCP doesn’t know the side effects. I’ll be calling the Neurologists office. Read More Read Less
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Anonymous | 13-18 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month |
4/26/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
this drug was hell itself. i took this medicine for only 1 week, and it was the worst week in my entire life without a single doubt, after two hours from taking it i started to have very serious suicidal thoughts, i went to sleep and when i woke up the sudden depression was gone but i was still dizzy and confused, when i took it for the second time the depression hit me again but this time even after going to bed and waking up i was still very depressed, im not talking about normal sadness or anything like that, in my whole life i never thought of committing suicide or came close to it but this drug drove me mad, to make long story short, i lost my ability to sleep, i used to cry all the time and couldn't receive any type of food because my stomach was damaged due to this drug, i used to have panic attacks and very random feelings all the time, my whole body felt like a burden somehow and i cut it off even though my doctor wanted me to take it for a whole month but i knew i couldn't and if i did i will probably have serious mental and physical problems, i never took it again and it's been half a year since the last time i took it and im still effected by it especially my stomach, yes it helped me with my migraine and my light sensitivity alot but at what cost?
the moral of the story: DO. NOT. TAKE. THIS. DRUG. Read More Read Less
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Debi | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
4/21/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I’ve been taking this medication for 20+ years. I had no idea until today that this is probably the cause of my “word-finding” difficulties. It’s been great for my migraine prevention. But Wow! I’m amazed at everything I’m reading. It all sounds so familiar. The tiredness too.
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Donna | 45-54 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
4/11/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
This medication . Nearly ruined my life . Extreme feelings of doom and hopelessness, depression, anxiety. Couldn't learn at my new job which I nearly quit because my brain wasn't functioning. I was driving past places I was meant to go to . Weirdly has taken away my urge to have a alcoholic drink and I used to love a bourbon. If I didn't have a child to take care of im not sure I'd still be here I felt so depressed. Thankfully I had the mind still to stop the medication. I now feel my normal self after a week . Still no urge for alcohol . The worst medication I have ever taken . I was on it to stop migraines. Read More Read Less
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Topamax | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
3/13/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I began taking Topamax for migraines following a concussion. Only been on it for 1 month and recently passed out in public, required CPR and hospitalization, My BP was at an extreme low as was my heart rate and sugar level. So please read the boring side effects, now what to look for.
As scary as it’s been, I’m blessed I’m able to share my experience, thanks to my sister who performed CPR and my daughter who held everyone together.
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JW | 25-34 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
3/5/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I'm really not sure how to put this but I've been on 25 MG for 4 days now for migraines. Hate that I had to rate the drug because I really cant rate it. Haven't had a migraine, but I have never experienced this weird side effect that carbonated beverages taste so awful. I thought it was the beverages I was drinking but now that I've googled it I see that Topamax can cause this. Wow..what a strange side effect? Not sure if I can maintain this medication. Also, feeling some pretty extreme existential dread. That could be a genuine reaction to life at the moment but I'm seeing that it has caused anxiety/depression in many others. I'm a bit concerned.Read More Read Less
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Topamax | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
2/27/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I was on this medication for 30 days and had all the same symptoms …confusion, loss of appetite, nothing tasted good, increased thirst. In addition to these side effects, I now have heart palpitations, which is a completely new experience for me. I’ve been off of this med for 8 weeks and still nothing taste right and my heart palpitations have gotten to the point where I need to get in and see my doctor again to find out what’s going on. If I could go back and decline ever using this medication, I definitely would.Read More Read Less
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Rachel | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
2/27/2024
Condition: Migraine Prevention
Overall rating 1.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
After experiencing severe early onset migraines since early adolescence, I was prescribed this medication as a preventive about two months ago on an escalating dosage supervised by a doctor.
As soon as a few days in, I began to experience constant tingling in my extremities, including my face. Food tastes almost universally bad. I’m never hungry, but I’m always thirsty, and I only want room temperature water. I feel tired nearly constantly. My joints hurt, my body feels heavy and achy, and I constantly feel like I’m at the precipice of Covid or flu. The worst part is the brain fog — I really can’t overstate how bad this is. I’ve only been on this medication for a couple months, and I’m a full-time grad student. There’s a very palpable difference between before and after starting this prescription. The haziness and slowness significantly outweigh any benefit this might have had for me. I haven’t had many migraines in the past two months, but overall, I’ve probably been *less* functional than I would have been without it.
All bodies are different, but this has been a very negative experience for me.
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K8520 | 25-34 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
2/6/2024
Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I was put on this medication along with Phentermine for weight loss and gave it 6 days before I called it quits.
-tingly sensations in my toes and fingers
-metallic taste in my mouth
- dry mouth/ extreme thirst
-forgetfulness
-extreme nausea
- change in taste for carbonated beverages
Granted I did lose 1.5 lbs in the 6 short days I was on it, I do not wish the side effects on anyone. I have not taken a dose in over 24 hours but am still feeling the side effects.
1
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Susan Cucci | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
2/5/2024
Condition: Other
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I'm on this medication for (it's taking me forever to think of why)... Oh yeah, mood stabilization for bipolar disorder. It seems to keep me at more of a down mood instead of manic and way down as without it. It causes brain fog, umm... heartburn, vivid dreams, unsteadiness, I can't think of the proper words to use when speaking when without the medication I have quite a vast vocabulary. I seem to have low motivation, I'm tired most of the time. This could be attributed to low B12 but my Dr also put me on supplements for that and they don't seem to be working so I'll go ahead and blame Topiramate. I do sleep a lot but I don't. Idk how to describe my sleeping pattern. Hell idk what to blame anymore. Me? You? Topiramate? Not taking anything correctly? Bipolar disorder? Where am I? I hope I lose weight on this junk. Read More Read Less
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