Topamax side effects

[fearfactor]

I am supposed to start taking Topamax for migraines.  I hear the side effects are bad.  The one I'm worried about most is the possible problems with electrolyte disturbances.  Is anyone on Topamax?  Have you experienced the electrolyte disturbance or any other problems?

[LeffureLeflure]

My most adverse side effect was this and it's a BIG ONE!!
I get pneumonia nearly every year, I received the pneumonia shots every other year .. however this medication topomax if you have issues/susceptible with bronchitis or colds in general you will fight them CONSTANTLY!!  
I love everything about this med when gradually increased is the key..
But for me my immune system is at Zero and I get gravely ill .. FYI
Hope this helps someone fighting colds, sever colds, bronchitis or pneumonia.

[Jolenebeth]

Be very careful with Topomax if you have experience vision changes.  After one week on Topomax for migraines, I suffered a glaucoma attack with eye pressure of 52 in left eye and 45 in right eye.  I have permanent loss of sight in large portions of my peripheral vision. If not for a very proactive ophthalmologist, I would be blind.  I know that Topomax helps some, but its side effects gave me the greatest scare in my life. ANY blurriness is cause for concern.  Get your eye pressure checked after a few days when you start the medication.  I've been there...Don't wish it on anyone.

[brick424]

well for me personally, I will take it again. I had a very bad experience on it and would never have thought a doctor prescribed drug could do that to me or any one else.
I was to start it in 25mg portions meaning every week I went up 25 until reaching 100mg and at the same time I was decreasing my old med. when I got 50mg into it I was off the charts tripping. I couldn't remember words and could talk in whole sentences. I studdered and felt like a rere. I was given this by my head dr. and he couldn't see me when well during these events so I went to my regular one and he knew exactly what it was when I mentioned the big trem.

needless to say I quit and all is well once again. just my normal crazy is enough for me.

[criss55]

I started Topamax 1 week ago and in the 2nd week of increase had extremely bad reaction to med. Memory loss, physical shakes, and emotional breakdown, and with all of this I could remember all of this but couldn't do anything about. With this occurring, only thing I could do was go back to bed and sleep for 10 hours, and I had slept for 9 hours the night before.

[Krissygirl333]

I've been in Topamax for Chronic Migraines . I get 12-15 a month. It doesn't help with frequency , but does help me with intensity .
Mine was just increased to 300 mg. I've been on it about 7 or 8 yrs.
take as directed. Drink plenty of water, because that is what you are directed to do, and try it. I have no problems to complain about.
Sometimes, ppl read things and you think you have a problem bigger than what it is.

[coletrain57]

My neurologist put me on Topamax two weeks ago for back pain and because I've gained so much weight because I haven't been able to exercise due to the back issue.  After two weeks at 25mg, I am still very fatigued and dizzy, my vision seems to be getting worse, and I have GAINED 6 pounds, not to mention the fact that I haven't experienced any pain relief.  Has anyone else gained weight on this?  It just doesn't seem worth all the side effects.