Topamax can alter the excretion of bicarbonate, and hence it also may cause kidney stones.

A warning letter was sent to doctors several years ago to watch for low serum bicarb in patients.

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=...s_9ecvDzikYVow

Acidosis leads to altered feelings in the periphery... called paresthesias.

Other anti-seizure drugs do not have this effect on the kidneys.

I really appreciate how willing you are to respond.. and how quickly you respond... but I am not a doctor, a nurse, and have not studied in the medical field. I have a very hard time with medical terms and just can't comprehend things like this. I'm sorry... I just don't understand it.

I don't think I have kidney stones, because I'm pretty sure I'd be aware if I did... though I am not sure how sudden the onset is with kidney stones.

What I am trying to find out, though, is if it is a concern in general with the kidneys.

My doctors have told me to stay away from ibuprofen, aleve, aspirin, etc--indefinitely. I haven't taken anything except for tylenol for a headache my whole life. When I see the word "kidney", I automatically see that as a red flag... but it may not be. Maybe Topamax is just fine for my kidney. That's what I'm asking. And maybe nobody here knows--maybe it's a question for my doctor. (Which, by the way, I do plan to ask my doctor. I just thought I'd ask here in the meantime.)

Well my opinion is that it is not 'just fine' for the kidneys.

I'd ask for another anti-seizure drug, if it were me.

If it is not working well, then that alone would be a reason to change.
This drug also causes vision defects, among other things.

Okay, thank you... I will do that.

I haven't noticed any bad side effects, but I haven't noticed any positive changes either. I care about my one kidney too much to damage it. The last thing I need is to worry about a kidney transplant years down the road... I have enough medical problems!

Yupyupyupyup! Seems like there isn't anything (prescription) that any of us take for PN that is actually good for us...if it doesn't make you feel better, then kick it to the curb!

I was given celebrex for my arthritis, by a rheumatologist. I asked her about my at risk cardiac profile and arrhythmias...."Oh it's fine".

Later, my cardiologist said, "I would not take it if I were you".....so, one doc may say it is fine, another not.

I have kidney issues, exactly what we are discussing here, the low bicarb. Mine isn't due to medication as far as I know, because I am not on that much....however, I would not risk your precious kidney function on this drug, when you can get the same effect from other medication.

Also, I read your history and was wondering if they ever tested you for autoimmune diseases, and things such as Raynauds? I may have missed this in another post of yours, but, I figured you could tell me quicker than I would find it.

When they tested me at Mayo, they took 18 viles of blood and tested for a LOT of different things...she spouted off a ton of things that I had never heard of... so I'm not sure. My family doctor had also tested for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other things... not sure about Raynauds specifically. I don't know anything about that one.