Topomax

[admin]

i have been on topomax for weight loss for about 2 1/2 weeks and i have gone from 163 to 154 pounds. so it does help you lose weight. the problem is the side effects.....i have had
blurred vission, chest pain, constipation, heartburn bloating slurred speech, ringing in my ears inability to concetrate dizziness tired but unable to sleep unable to catch my breath even to talk, muscles feel weak and sore, abdominal pain back pain, breast pain, soar throat, drastic mood swings, depression, constant sweating, tast buds changes(everything tastes bad) and i am terribly bothered by sunlight as soon as i walk out the door. has anyone had this many problems with this medication. i am only taking 25mg once a day. my doctor says that the side effects should fade but i am not sure i can handle the wait.

[admin]

I have a friend that had took one 10mg pill of Topomax last Friday, and today a week later had a very severe loss of vision. A doctor had told her she could take it for wieght loss. She took it the one time and she felt so awful that she didn't take it any more after that. She went to the hospital this evening and the doctors were baffled. She didn't think to mention the Topomax initially when she arrived there. The doctor was so stunned to see a very healthy 28 year woman suffering such serious glaucoma without any prior vision problems whatsoever. When she recalled that she had took the Topomax, she imediatly let the doctor know.
They have so far given her she siad about 500 eye drops of all sorts, they started a red and green lazer surgery to help reduce the swelling. The treatments have only reduced the swelling a little bit. They have advised her that if her swelling peeks back up to 50 that she may permanently loose her vision. They also said that if they can't fix the problem that she my lose an eye, and they were also gracious enough to tell her that if they do get the it resolved that they will be famous because the damage is so severe and from their knowledge there are no other case studies of this sort of reaction from Topomax.
They transfered her to another hospital to be observed by a specialist and hopefully they will not have to do an emergency surgery. Prior to this, she had 20/20 vision and has now been forwarned that if they are able to repair the problem her vision may not begin to show improvement for 2 months from now. Please let me know if anyone has had any comparible reactions!!!!!

[admin]

I too tried this drug for migraine control.(200 mg daily)
Not only did it NOT reduce the frequency of headaches,it made my nose "numb" altered how many foods and beverages tasted. WORST(and scariest) of all,is after only 4 and 1/2 months, I was beginning to develop BOTH kidney stones and glaucoma.
Watch her like a hawk for ANY change in vision (blurring)........the blurring is very subtle and nearly undetectable.Have her eyes examined before the dose increases..and get regular urine tests to check for "crystals" froming in her urine that can lead to kidney stones.

[admin]

It took me 4 and 1/2 MONTHS to begin to develop galucoma. After hearing of my eye exam results (increased intra-occular pressure), the prescribing Dr. then ordered a couple of extensive urine tests. Sure enough, I was developing kidney stones,too.
I had been taking 200 mg.each day . I no longer take it.

[admin]

I just started my 2nd week of Topomax (50mg).. took it last night and all day today I have felt odd, cold but clammy face and hands (with 85 degree weather). And generally just not feeling normal. The worst part is my eyelids have been twitching for over 2 hours now. Anyone have ideas? I felt fine with the 1st weeks 25mg, no side effects besides the 10 pounds of weight loss that was welcomed. My Dr. has me working up to a 200mg regular doseage for migranes.. which have almost completly subsided, thankfully... I'm hoping I can stay on the Topomax

[admin]

I've been diagnosed with manic depression and have been off any meds for that for two years now. I went on Topomax a week and a day ago and have not noticed any sort of depression type side effect, I have actually noticed a lift in my spirits though, which is wonderfun, I hope you get the same. be careful with the weightloss though, Ive lost over 10lbs in 6 days.

[sml648]

My experience with Topamax was horrible I had no weight loss not even an ounce. I had swelling in my face, hands, feet, and my abdomen. I looked like I was 6 months pregnant. I was short of breath all the time. I had diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, and kidney pain(low back area). I had protein in my urine. I broke out with a rash on my arms and face. I was very angry and agitated with everyone around me. I felt like I was loosing control. After about 8 months I was up to 300 mg every night and I had a major reaction to this medication. My primary care physician is tapering me off slowly in hopes I will not have a seizure. I was taking it for pain management(Neuropathy). I have decided to deal with the pain and try using all natural herbs.So please everyone be aware of all side effects no matter how rare because you could be that 1 out of a 10,000.

[sml648]

Yes I get mood swings, agitation, and anger also. It seems to be getting worse now that my dose has been increase again. I'm taking 300mg every night for Neuropathy.

[admin]

It is great to finally have found this forum and know that I am not alone! I am 28 years old and have been suffering severe migraines for 23 years. For the last few years they have been blinding and daily and I am thankful to have finally found topomax. I was told by several neurologists that the key to suffering fewer side effects is to increase very slowly in order to build up more of a tolerance. I started with 25mg and stayed there for over a month to ensure I would have no problems, then slowly but surely up to 100mg. I suffer occasional tingling, hair thinning(which is rare) and some taste abnormalities. My advice to anyone looking for advice is that side effects sometimes are enough to drive you crazy but in the odd chance that this drug could work for you it is worth a try. My condition is still present but not daily and I feel more like a person than I have in years.

[admin]

DO NOT EVER TAKE THIS!!!!This medicine is Horrible!! I took ONLY 1 pill 100mg. And i could have went blind. I took the pill on May 7th on May 14th, My vison was blurry. Well now i have glaucoma. WITH ONLY TAKING 1 pill. This medicine should not be giving out. THe medicine was perscribed in my sons name but was intended for me to take to lose wieght, I am getting married in July thought it would be great to lose a few lbs. Now i may not be able to see the same. It has made my fingtips tingelly and some things don't taste right. I would not even take the chance with this drug.