13 and lots of symptoms with Topamax

Hi Im 13 and Im currently take 75mg Topamax daily for migraines and would like to know if it could be the possible cause of the various symptoms I am having:

1)rare chest pain in the center between the ribs. its very sharp and i cant sit when its present
2)memory disasters, very poor memory, i used to have a photographic memory
3)low concentration, cant think or try to focus much
4)fatigue, drowsiness, always wanting to sleep
5)getting paranoid at night
6)dizziness
7)i had this before the medication but never indoors now everywhere; i try to stand or am standing and i cant or have difficulty with my balance. this happens at the same time that a black cloud forms around the sides of my eyes and spreads towards the middle
8)i hyperventilate in my sleep, this also happened before the medication, but the breathing trouble seems to have increased. i occasionally wake up with no air and cant breathe for a few seconds
9)almost always nauseated to the point where i cant stand
10)recently diarrhea.
11)dry lips and mouth even though i drink plenty of water
12)im allergic to nickel but my skin itches like crazy even when i havent come in contact with it for days to weeks! i could be wearing a long sleeve shirt and my arms will itch like there is no tomorrow!


my mri and eeg came out clean, except for the hyperventilation while sleeping during eeg...
id like to know whats going on with my body and it its reversible, because this happens on a daily basis. thank you so much in advance!

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Topiramate (or Topamax) is an antiepileptic medication that is also used for migraine prevention. It is a good medication but it does have side effects, many of which you have described above. These include the concentration and memory difficulties, chest pain, fatigue/drowsiness, dizziness, paranoia, dry lips/eyes, GI changes, etc. Many people can tolerate these side effects or may not have side effects. If the medication is causing you many side effects as you describe, it would be worthwhile to discuss with your physician changing you medication to another one for migraine prevention.

Regarding the hyperventilation: I am not sure if it is related to the medication. Topiramate can cause shortness of breath. Are you an anxious person? If it is bothersome and worrisome, you should have a formal sleep study.

You need to discuss your symptoms with your physician. Again, it may be worthwhile changing your medication.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.