Anyone using topamax?

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lzwtsn

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Hello,

My doctor is thinking of changing my epilepsy meds from lamotragene to topamax. Is anyone on it? If so, what have your side effects been? If you don't mind sharing.
Thanks so much!
 
Hi lzwtsn,

I was on Topamax from 2006 - 2008, when I was on the Topamax the main side effect I had was loss of appetite. Before I was put on the Topamax I was a little overweight but lost a bit of weight (approx 20 kilos over 2 years).

Hope the Topamax helps you.
 
I just started it about a week ago. So I am on a really small dose. So far I have had a bit of tingling in a couple of fingertips off and on (more off than on). I am not hungry and I am having to really pay attention to eating as I cannot afford to lose weight. Soda pop, once my favorite beverage, now tastes NASTY! But my colon will be happier (had cancer removed this summer). Every once in a while it takes a split second longer for me to respond than before. Everything is manageable so far. No migraines which has been a HUGE PLUS!

Susan
 
I'm slowly coming off topamax at the moment as I've lost too much weight and I've started having simple partials again.
I had tried tegretol and keppra before this and topamax was definatly the better one for me.
I started it in march 2012.the first 6 weeks were hell-I was completely out off it.
It took about 6 months for the tingling in the fingers and feet to go away.
I worked out that if you drink your soft drink/soda through a straw you can still get some bubbles :)
Was a bit of a disconnection feeling too-everything felt like I was doing it slow,so of your driving be careful.
I was abit withdrawn/depressed because I was constantly worried about having a seizure.
Not one headache though and now that I'm weening off and on epilim the headaches are back :( good luck!!!!!
 
 
I also discovered that if I took my night time dose by 6 pm then I was able to fall sleep at a fairly reasonable hour. If I took it later then that, I was up half the night.

Susan
 
I took Topamax I lost 71 lbs in a year that was the good part lol, but then started having seizures again so changed my meds...
 
I've taken Topamax (also known as Dopemax) off and on now for over 12 years. When I initially started it, I was on finally on a high dose and lost 25 lbs. Two well known side effects are loss of appetite and memory loss/trouble finding words. I'm now taking a much smaller dosage in addition to another med, so I don't feel as drugged now.
 
Thank you all very much!
After your responses and some exterior research, I think I'm taking another route.
I really appreciate your help!
 
I did the opposite, switched from top. to lamot.
Topamax worked great when it worked and the only side effect I had was constipation for a good year (OH DID THAT SUCK). Kept my weight steady tho and I actually liked it as an AED but after a few years, a few grand mals and many more partials I asked for something else.

May I ask why you're going off lamotrigine?
 
Heyy,
I was having issues with headaches, petite mals and major mood issues. I lowered my dose though, and I'm feeling much better. Looks like I won't need the Topamax after all.
 
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