Comments on: Topamax may cause language disturbances

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:58:48 +0000

I have been on increasing doses of Topamax, and now the generic form, for 9 years. I have never had any of the side effects everyone is complaining about. I have speech, and writing difficulty associated with my migraines. The Topamax did not cause mine or worsen them. I have found some relief with it, though not enough by my standards. I am currently on 400mg per day in divided doses. My doc is planning to increase the dosage over the next 3 months to 600. Hopefully I will gain more relief from my daily migraines and constant aura.

By: Etheljean Deal

Etheljean Deal — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:31:16 +0000

“Could the extremely high dose have given me permanent side affects??”

It may take a while to re-wire your brain again, but so far my side effects have almost disappeared after two years.

By: Sheryl M

Sheryl M — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:20:55 +0000

I have a question. I took Topamax 2 years ago for about a year. I started taking it with my regular dr. then when the 100 mg a day dose didn’t help, I was sent to a neurologist. He upped my dosage steadily until I was at 300 mg a day! I quickly lost 35 lbs, and my mind as well! I never knew where I was, I was in a constant “fog”. I was still having migraines! I finally stopped seeing this “quack” and my regular Dr. helped me to get off Topamax. My question is: What about permanent side affects? I still get that “can’t think of the right word” thing, and that was NEVER a problem for me before. I also have some short term memory problems that weren’t a problem before I took this drug! Could the extremely high dose have given me permanent side affects??

By: Carole

Carole — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:29:07 +0000

I have been taking Topamax for the past 7 or 8 years, I cant say that it has made my “fog” any worse than normal. Apart from having Migraine I also have Hemicrania Continua and I also suffer from Fibromyalgia and fibrofog is a well known symptom. Therefore I could not tell to be honest if it was being made worse by the drug. What I do know is that fibro makes you incredibly sensitive to most meds and yet I get no side affects from Topamax at all except in the first 18 mths I did loose weight which is apparently quite normal. I also get pins and needles. But like everything in this life you have to balance it out. What would you rather have that or be bed-bound and in severe pain????

By: Tenecka

Tenecka — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:16:57 +0000

Anne- Thanks for the feedback. I am really anxious about the procedure. I am supposed to confirm my appointment on 5/18/30 (Monday), so I am sure that you can understand how emotional and overwhelming this process has been for me. At any rate, I have spent the past month trying to find out as much information as i can, before finalizing my decision. My research tells me that i may be a better candidate for PRK, instead of Lasik since the procedure doesn’t create as much pressure to the eye.

If anyone else has an experience that they can share, please feel free to do so. The more the better. Thanks

By: Anne Cassidy

Anne Cassidy — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:35:31 +0000

Tenecka~ A 40-year migraine sufferer, I had Lasik approx 2 years ago. I noticed no change in my migraines, but am thrilled with my vision. I consider it one of the best things I have ever done for myself, right behind following the 1-2-3 program prescribed by David Buchholz in his book ‘Heal Your Headache’. After years of having increasing headaches and migraine symptoms (to the point 6 months ago, when due to rebound, they were almost daily) I feel alive again! I can actually go weeks now with no symptoms and attended the first family event in years (my daughter’s graduation from nursing school) that was not ruined by migraine! Best wishes with your Lasik!

By: Tenecka

Tenecka — Sat, 16 May 2009 15:56:50 +0000

Okay guys, it has been a while since I posted any comments; however, i would like to update everyone. Despite the many challenges that i encountered along the way, by the grace of God, i managed to successfully complete the MBA program on December 13. I stopped taking topomax 4 months; however, due to a gradual onset of migraines, three weeks ago i started taking the drug again (50mg). I am doing well, no headaches.

As i have mentioned from previous comments, i have been diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri (which is under control). My reason for posting my comment today is that i am interested in having Lasik surgery and wanted to know if anyone has had the procedure and if they would be willing to share their experience with me. Specifically how it affected their condition (headaches, vision, etc.) Thanks

By: Patrice Marotta

Patrice Marotta — Sat, 16 May 2009 02:49:44 +0000

Topomax caused high blood pressure in me so i got off of it and my blood pressure returned to normal.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:03:30 +0000

I tried Topamax in 2007, and immediately started having loud Tinnitus which felt and sounded like a high pressure air leak in my brain. I stopped the Topamax after a couple of weeks due to the high pressure in my brain sensation, and was put on Pamelor which has reduced my migraine frequency tremendously. I continue to have the Tinnitus, which I can’t help but to believe is due to the Topamax.

By: Etheljean Deal

Etheljean Deal — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:04:20 +0000

It may be a hopeful note for some of you … After a year and three months without Topamaxx, I have regained my ability to read, write, and speak without stuttering or word loss. i don’t know if the recent mild concussion helped, but I can say that after my concussion, I was able to write more fluently than in the previous year.