eye problems-side effect from Topamax?

[katyone]

I take 100mg Topamax (actually I take the generic Topiramate) once per day.  I've been on and off of this for a few years.  But started taking the generic last year due to the insurance company making me switch.  Anyway, when I switched to the generic, I have since started having a lot of pressure behind my left eye and into my cheek.  Also, sometimes behind my right eye, but that's rarely.  It's daily behind my left eye.  This has been going on for a few months.  Over the past couple of months I am now having shaking in the left eye...side to side shaking, like a nsytagmus.  When I saw my PCP in Nov, I was only having the pressure and he thought it was due to tension in a nerve along the side of my head and offered to give me some sort of shots...which I didn't want.  But, now the eye shaking and the increased pressure is scaring me.  Is this likely side effects from the Topiramate?  I have also noticed that when my eye is shaking that sometimes I also feel a shaking sensation in the back of my head, like almost like my brain is shaking just in the back near the neck.  Sound weird? Hard to explain.  It's not the same sensation I feel with vertigo.  I can't get an appt w/the eye dr until next month...they are booked.  I can't get an appt w/my PCP until next week.  Any advice?  Thank you so much.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You're welcome. Push them hard.
JCH MD

[katyone]

Thank you for your advice!  I will try to get them to move up my appt as soon as possible.  They couldn't get me in until next month, but I will call them back and explain to them about the problems I am having.  Maybe they can get me in sooner.  Thank you so much!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Since topomax can cause acute angle closure glaucoma in both eyes I recommend you call an opthalmologist, explain your situation and ask for an emergency exam today. They probably can't do a complete exam with dilation and glasses check but they can make sure you do not have the ultra serious angle closure.  If you live in USA find an eye MD near you at www.aao.org

JCH MD