After 2 days of taking a low dose of Topamax, I feel so tired and dizzy. Hope it doesn't last too long. So glad I don't have to go anywhere for a few days...

~Jaime~

Oh, I'm one of the one's talking about the side-effects. But believe me, if it weren't doing me more good than the annoying side-effects,I wouldn't still be on it! In my opinion, it's an excellent drug,and I'm glad I'm on it! Every drug has side effects,even the drugs they give you to counteract side effects have side effects! But regardless of the short term memory loss,I'm glad I'm on it,and I'm even thinking of having my dose increased! Not everyone has the same side effects, everyone is different, some people share experiences with the same. But you might not experience the same. Like Topamax doesn't make me drowsy or dizzy,but it seems to effect you that way now, any time you first start a medication, you may feel certain effects that may wear off after your body gets used to the drug. So don't lose hope and feel like you're going to be dizzy and drowsy the whole time,that will probably wear off after 2-3 weeks,when your body gets used to the new drug! When I started it,I didn't feel anything. See what I mean, how people react differently to different drugs? Don't worry,it took years,before it even effected my memory! It may not even effect you in that way! Good luck!

Nope, haven't had those. But good luck,and I hope everything goes okay with it!

Hang in there. Hopefully you are just taking the low dose at night. Thats the way you are supposed to start on it.

I know for me, this drug is a godsend for my migraines. It is the only drug that has ever worked for me. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but it certainly has for me!

Jaime,

I had quite a few side effects when I started taking Topamax in March. Extreme tiredness, thirsty, soda was flat, memory loss. I could go on and on, however most of the side effects have subsided to tolerable after about a month. I still have a problem will the memory and I don't drink soda anymore but the pain in my leg (meralgia paresthetica) has been much much better. Those are sacrifices I am willing to make. Take care and feel better.

Doing OK, taking the night time dose, but haven't completed the first week on the low dose yet. Still feel dizzy and nauseous mostly. But I guess things might change when I start taking the higher dose...

~Jaime~

2 weeks on the Topamax, and I'm feeling OK so far. Still having dizziness and nausea, but it seems to be helping lessen the headaches, even on the low dose of 50mg. Hope it continues when I raise the dose again tomorrow!

~Jaime~

well, this is humorous. I was going to reply to this post - then I read the thread and saw that I already HAD replied to this post... I just forgot that I already had! ha ha ha.
and now I am increasing my dose from 150 mg to 200 mg. We'll see whether I can even remember how to spell or write.

I think I spoke too soon...my stomach is not liking this higer dose of Topamax, I have had nothing but dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and stomach pains for the last few days! I went to my Dr. yesterday, but he just told me to keep taking it, and it should settle down soon, and gave me some meds for the diarrhea. I sure hope it settles down soon, the stomach pains have been so bad, I can't sleep, and I'm always running to the bathroom!
I know it sounds crazy, but I think I'd rather put up with the headaches than the stomach pains, right now!

~Jaime~

I posted before on this thread...but wanted to add that the memory issues have been very tough for me with reference to Topamax. I can't stress that enough. You can take Aricept to help a little with this problem. Not all doctors are willing to do this for you, however my guess is if you are having work related difficulties or big problems at home due to memory loss...they would be willing to try. I feel compelled to take it due to my very very difficult migraine problem, but the memory loss in and of itself is also a big problem. I think those who take it, should take the lowest dosage possible....one that helps with the problem at hand, but causes the very least amount of difficulties. BTW, have you ever thought about how Topamax might influence your driving? Your personal relationship? Your ability to work, get a promotion, go to school....learn...advance in life? Yes, it's better than being in daily chronic pain, but did you want to have a very serious problem in addition to the one you already suffer from? Please weigh all the pros and cons and make your decision carefully.