Does Topamax mess with your brain? In general terms, all presented data suggest that up to 10% of patients treated with topiramate may complain of cognitive problems.
What are the serious side effects of Topamax? Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney stones (such as severe back/side/abdominal/groin pain, fever, chills, painful/frequent urination, bloody/pink urine), rapid breathing, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, bone pain, broken bones, loss of consciousness, unusual
Can Topamax make migraines worse? Topiramate has been shown to be highly effective for preventive treatment of migraine and its use has been significantly increased in the last few years. However, around 10% of migraineurs develop a worsening of their symptoms while on topiramate.
What are the long term side effects of topiramate? To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of topiramate. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
Does Topamax mess with your brain? – Additional Questions
What vitamins should not be taken with topiramate?
Mixing topiramate with herbal remedies and supplements
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you need to take high doses of vitamin C or calcium supplements. Taking these supplements can increase a risk of kidney stones.
What should you not take with Topamax?
What not to take with topiramate?
- Valproic acid (brand name examples: Depakote).
- Zonisamide (brand name example: Zonegran).
- Glaucoma medications, including eye drops.
- Birth control pills.
- Any medicines that impair or decrease your thinking, concentration, or muscle coordination.
How long can you be on topiramate?
How long to take it for. Once your epilepsy is under control, you’ll usually need to keep taking topiramate for many years. If you’re taking topiramate for migraine you may be able to stop taking it after 6 to 12 months. Your doctor will help you do this gradually.
Can you take Topamax forever?
Topamax is safe for long-term use when taken as prescribed. However, several common and potentially severe side effects have been reported by a small number of patients. There are also quite a few drugs that can cause harmful interactions or become ineffective when taken in conjunction with Topamax.
What happens when you stop taking topiramate?
Common Topamax withdrawal symptoms include anger, anxiety, appetite changes, trouble concentrating, confusion, dehydration, depersonalization, depression, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, migraines, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, muscle pain, nausea, panic attacks, seizures, shaking, sweating, thought changes,
Do the side effects of topiramate go away?
Most Topamax side effects aren’t permanent, and go away with time. For example, fatigue (low energy) and feelings of burning or numbness in your hands and feet may go away as you continue taking Topamax. Your doctor may prescribe a temporary treatment to help you manage these side effects for a short period of time.
Does topiramate affect sleep?
The use of alcohol or other medicines that affect the CNS with topiramate may worsen the side effects of this medicine, such as dizziness, poor concentration, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and trouble with sleeping.
Is it better to take Topamax in the morning or at night?
If you are taking it once a day, then it’s best taken at bedtime.
How does Topamax make you feel?
Topamax can sometimes cause personality changes that affect the way people behave, react, feel, or interact with others. For example, the drug may cause agitation, aggression, or other behavior problems. Topamax may also cause mood changes, such as anxiety, mood swings, and depression.
Does Topamax give you energy?
Animal studies suggest that topiramate increases energy expenditure and inhibits appetite, thereby reducing caloric intake [26, 36, 39].
Does Topamax cause brain fog?
Brain fog can be a symptom of migraine attacks and it is also a side effect of Topamax.
Will 25 mg of Topamax cause weight loss?
Yes, topiramate (Topamax) has been shown to cause weight loss when used for both seizure control and migraine prevention. Topiramate (used by itself) is not specifically approved by the FDA for weight loss, but some doctors may prescribe it if you have seizures or migraine and need to lose weight, too.
How long does it take to start losing weight on Topamax?
It can take some time to see weight loss results from taking Topamax. Some people may not notice a difference until they’ve taken the drug for at least four months, while other people may start to lose weight in their first month of taking it. Weight loss results from topiramate are proven to increase over time.
Does topiramate speed up your metabolism?
Topiramate reduced food intake acutely and increased metabolic rate. There were also significant reductions in leptin, insulin, and corticosterone.
What is the best time to take Topamax for weight loss?
Take this medicine once a day in the morning, with or without food. Avoid taking this medicine in the evening to prevent trouble sleeping. Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
How long before Topamax works for migraines?
You’ll likely not notice Topamax working right away when you first start using it. It may take 1 month for your migraine attacks to become less frequent and 2 to 3 months for Topamax to become fully effective. Keep your doctor updated on your symptoms while taking Topamax.
Can you lose weight on 50 mg of Topamax?
Weight-loss and loss of appetite are common adverse effects in persons 16 years and older who are taking 50 mg or 400 mg of topiramate per day. Patients using a 50mg/day dose lost 6% of their body weight, and weight loss was found in 17% of patients using 400mg/day.