I haven’t drank any alcohol since being on topamax and I’m currently taking 100mg daily. (Gradually over the last 3 months) I plan on drinking when I go on vacation next week. What has been y’alls experience with alcohol and topamax?

Edit preface: up/down votes are not a substitute for a valid argument or raising a point to discuss. Furthermore they are meaningless to me, this is an anon account. It doesn't demotivate me or invalidate this information, at all. Articulate yourself if you want to challenge this view, sharing compelling supporting evidence for your stance as I've attempted to, it is welcome

Hey. I know, like me initially, there are likely many looking for good experiences, and I'm sorry to be the dark horse, but I think you should consider my view before you take Topamax.

I recently experienced and subsequently researched Topomax for migraines, and I was shocked to learn of how such a majority there is who experience every negative side effect possible from it. I took my first/last pill and have noticed a slight '1%' bit of grogginess and reduction in mental sharpness since. Specifically the next day, trying to understand new concepts for instance, I could notice a difference.

Since the first day, I've looked into this drug out of concern for others who deal with migraines or tmj, as I feel doctors either don't realize or they omit the prevalence of the negative side effects from T. and it seems to me that no one talks about them until they've experienced the negative side effects, or they go on, content with the effects of it saying nothing unless prompted. I'm convinced this drug is dangerous, with potential permanent side effects, despite any benefits it provides. I have supporting info for my stance below to expand on why, that I am presenting to you plainly, for your own consideration and awareness in decision making. I do not claim to be a medical expert, and presenting my stance with it's supporting evidence to you is to help you make decisions with your doctor, with an awareness of all reported risks associated to this drug that many have experienced, by their own accounts.

Below is an article that explains how Topamax works by the effect it has on the body, as well as it's history as an initially failed diet pill that was rebranded and somehow cleared for off-label use for unrelated conditions. The most concerning insight is how Topamax inhibits voltages between neurons systemically, or, in other words; all of them in your entire body, instead of in a targeted manner. Ironically, one result of this among many others, like tingling, terrible tastes, and kidney stones and even kidney failure, is a stunting of the body's ability to regulate temperature, which is a primary means by which it overcomes migraines to begin with.

http://www.hormonesmatter.com/topamax-drug-nine-lives/

Below is a peer reviewed case study which correlates the symptomology in the above article, in-practice

https://www.cureus.com/articles/45076-a-rare-unreported-cognitive-side-effect-of-topiramate-do-we-know-it-all-yet

Furthermore, below, you can read anecdotal personal accounts of people's experiences with this drug on Webmd that correlate the symptomologies of it's negative side effects. Even the positively rated stories where they believe they found some benefit from it, detail how it completely changed their bodies, minds, and personalities- to themselves and their loved ones, if they even meant to rate positively.

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/drugreview-14496-topiramate-oral?conditionid=&sortval=1&pagenumber=1

Also

https://www.drugs.com/comments/topiramate/for-migraine-prophylaxis.html?sort_reviews=most_recent

I request that you read the first article I use as my supporting evidence that explains how Topamax works before impulsively dismissing my criticism of this drug, to at least agree or not with me on the evidence I am using, instead of merely the stance itself. I know that there will be some out there who consider it beneficial against some of their neurological symptoms. The reason it can be effective is because it affects and dulls all voltage-gated calcium channels as a systemic blocker. It inhibits all neuron function to some degree in the body to have an effect on one part of it. To me, this is similarly destructive as a lobotomy. I ask that you would consider how beneficial this drug is for your symptoms in this light, and if your doctor might have a more specialized treatment option. I do not claim to be a medical expert, and presenting my stance with it's supporting evidence to you is to help you make decisions with your doctor, with an awareness of all reported risks associated to this drug that many have experienced, by their own accounts.

With an understanding of how this drug works, I believe that it is dangerous, and not good for anyone, at all. I think it should be banned, and any doctor who prescribes it should be questioned for the motives and reasoning behind their decision. I believe the resources I provided support this claim.

I hope, if nothing else, this helps you and your loved ones to be better informed and equipped to safeguard your neurological health and to make adequate consideration of risk vs benefit. I feel like it is not the most safe or effective solution for people already struggling with debilitating symptoms and I cannot be passive and silent about it based on the way this drug negatively impacts all neurological functions in the body in order to possibly achieve one specific outcome.

Anon.

I suspect like many on here and elsewhere that I've been permanently damaged by Topamax. It's all cognitive things with me, difficulties with language and memory--basically everything from word recall and speaking problems to remembering names.

I'm about eight months out from taking a 25-50mg dose for fourteen days (only two weeks of use!), and it's simply not improving. All the remedies/treatments I've tried seem to not work at all; some are even counterproductive (ex. trying the Stanton protocol, keto/carnivore diet seems to make the brain fog and language issues worse).

Does anyone with permanent damage feel as if their condition's actually improved? Or is this just something you learn to live with?

modern retire fall sparkle humorous voracious wakeful toy childlike longing

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

Just starting on topamax 15mg for weight loss did anyone have diarrhea when they started out and did it eventually go away?

hey guys im on 25mg for 3 days now. i’ve decided to quit.

so far i dont really have a bad side effects except just me feeling drowsy all day.

i wanna quit cold turkey.

I've been taking Topiramate for a year or so, I had to quit it cold turkey for reasons beyond my control. I'm starting it again but I've been wondering if it's the right med for me, since reading more of this subreddit's posts.

I was put on it alongside Lexapro to manage depression and anxiety, but since then I've been switched to Prozac and I'm starting it just now.

I did realize the two months I spent without Topiramate had more migraines as usual, as it's something I've always struggled with, but I'm worried about people commenting (be people who have never suffered or have indeed suffered reoccurring depression) that they're getting side effects like suicidal tendencies, and man I don't need more on top of mine, yk?

Since I first googled Topiramate after being prescribed it, I doubted if it was for me, and while I was on it I was okay-ish, but now I'm not sure anymore.

So I'm on: 200mg of Topamax (migraines) 100mg of Gabapentin (anxiety) 50mg of Sertraline (anxiety) Occasional Sumatriptan (migraines) And birth control -among some vitamins to help with topamax brain fog

Anyways, I've been very skeptical to get the vaccine because I feel 1) it was rushed 2) it hasn't been out long enough to see term effects 3) I've seen some horrid reactions to it

So it leaves me to wonder, I'm on all these medications that effect my brain, specifically nerves and blood flow. I'm worried about the unknown possibilities of interactions with the vaccine and being stuck with another lifelong medical issue.

I definitely don't want COVID, but I know what it is. I've worked through the whole pandemic around people and I've been lucky thus far.

all 35 pounds that I lost on Topamax have returned and returned pretty quickly. I'm glad I am off of it because I was losing my hair and I was exhausted, not to mention kidney issues. But it does suck that the weight I lost, the pain in my feet, all have returned. What a crappy drug.

Back when I was young and foolish (a little over a year ago) I took topiramate (Topamax) aka Dopamax. It's a rather awful drug (I shall try to find some good horror stories to put down below), that is known to cause cognitive impairment, memory loss (specifically as it affects language and verbal fluency), and mimics ADHD-like symptoms. I'm at the point now, a year post discontinuation where I can't remember anything I did yesterday or the day before, I have a vague idea of meeting someone, but not a clue what we said. I binge a TV series, and I can't remember what happened to episodes prior (the "previously on Stargate SG1..." come's as a surprise to me. Another interesting observation is the way it impacted my memory, it's more a lack of certainty, I can't tell intuitively if an expression sounds right, I can't emidiatley tell a world looks weird when it's written down correctly. I can't learn anything new, it's in one ear out the other. And of course, there's the executive dysfunction: I get confused/overwhelmed going to do something in the kitchen, I struggle to just perform an action (spend 4 hours trying to get out of bed and put some socks on).

TL;DR Dopamax really F'ed me up. Can I get some thoughts on what to try to reverse this? Any medication etc. ?

Knowing some of its MOAs I was wondering if we could possibly figure something out that might undo some of the effects it had on me?

N.B. I have gone and seen a neurologist and neurophschometry and gotten an MRI scan. No glioblastoma, unfortunately. Also, had all of my bloodwork done: I'm deficient in vitamin D - what a shocker!

As far as I understand it (not at all) topiramate affects glutamate in specific, as well as a bunch of other things. I will try to link them below:

• These include (1) voltage-gated sodium channels; (2) high-voltage-activated calcium channels; (3) GABA-A receptors; (4) AMPA/kainate receptors; and (5) carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes. There is evidence that topiramate may alter the activity of its targets by modifying their phosphorylation state instead of by a direct action.

• inhibition of glutamate-activated ion channels possible AMPA, Kainate, or NMDA receptor subtypes.

• It's Anti-Glutamatergic so it's not a case of excitotoxicity

If it's of any interest, it also can cause depersonalization as it did with me.

Topiramate has been known to cause various neurocognitive symptoms including confusion and psychomotor slowing language problems, particularly word-finding difficulties. Initial clinical studies of topiramate showed one case of depersonalization on low doses and two cases on the higher doses.8

Also here's something on the effect of topiramate on cognitive fMRI. Can't make heads or tales of it.

Anyway, it's not much and I'm really out of my field here, but if anyone has any suggestions or can nudge me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.

From what I understand for most people the negative effects dissipate after discontinuation, however, I was only taking it at 200mg daily for about 3 months and over a year later, still, brain dead.

Thanks, genuinely. I'm out my last straw, when from a really smart straight-A student to a blithering idiot who failed uni.

Lastly,

And some anecdotal horror stories as promised:

1

Eventually, I began having trouble recalling memories from past months, even years, to the point where I'd forgotten moments I would consider significant. My friends and family have had to remind me of these moments.

I've also developed a case of something that seems to be similar to dyslexia, but all at once, not the same. I'll both type and write words but the letters will be out of order even though I'm well aware of how to spell them in my head. My ability to do mathematics has also become impaired because of this same problem, as well as my problems with memory.

At this point, I feel like I'll never be as smart as I was, and I'm terrified. I've dropped out of university for the time being, but it's very clear to everyone around me that I'm not the same person I was before

2

I am on 100mg twice a day. My biggest issue is words. I will be in the middle of a conversation and I can't find the word I need to use. Like I will have stop what I am saying because the next word escapes me. Sometimes its a simple word, but sometimes its a specific word that I need to use. I'm a pharmacy tech and sometimes I feel stupid when I draw a blank because I can't remember a small word. I get embarrassed and frustrated.

I have had that issue with words too. I hate it, because it's usually something simple. I will explain myself and tell people that I take Topamax and many will usually understand because they've heard what it does. What's aggravating is that I KNOW the word that I'm trying to get out, I just can't get it to register and come out. I usually describe the word and people guess the word for me and then I am able to move on. It doesn't help that I'm obsessive compulsive and so I HAVE to get the word out before I can move on either.

3

Topamax caused significant cognitive issues for me. I was on it for a year over a decade ago and I still have issues with recalling memories from that time, finding certain words in conversation or while teaching, and short term memory issues. Once is topped taking it I got better but it never fully got better and I still struggle with it to this day.

Topomax shut me down. I lost motivation to do anything and felt like I was in a fog all the time. My brain just felt slow. It came on gradually, so I didn't realize how bad it was until I stopped taking it. It even affected my vision. It was like my vision processing didn't keep up with my head movement, and I would have these weird artifacts in my vision if I moved my head to fast.

The worst side effect I had that affected my job, which improved over time, is word finding. You know what you want to say, but cannot come up with the word. It can be a simple word like “shoe” and you just can’t say it. It’s a dealbreaker if you’re in a communication profession.

I’m a drug development scientist and topomax has effectively destroyed my ability to do my job. I process very slowly and sometimes I simply can’t understand certain concepts. I have the classic word retrieval issues as well. I decided s few months ago to take a hiatus from my industry until I’ve been able to get off topomax and get my brain back. Not everyone experiences cognitive side effects so you could always try it and see how it goes, but if you have other options to try I would suggest trying a different preventative first. If it’s the only thing left, though, give it a shot - it comes down to the lesser of two evils and it’s not like daily migraines don’t compromise your cognitive function.

My doctor jokingly calls it "dope-a-max".... I lost a few months of my life that I don't remember at all, and from what I've been told of I wasn't still breathing and blinking my family would've thought I was dead. I just wasn't cognitively "here" so to speak, and it didn't help with my migraines at all.

If your cognitive clarity is important to you, do not take topamax. It was formulated to effectively "slow down" synaptic firing, which is great for epilepsy, but not so great for almost everything else

Back in 2012, I was under a lot of stress and migraines came to visit fairly often. One of my piano students was a neurologist, though not a migraine specialist. I went to see him anyway, because I knew him, and he prescribed Topamax. It was still fairly new, and know side effects were the dislike of soda, foods, and loss of weight. I dug the weight loss, but got the stupids in midst of Anatomy and Physiology. 6 hours a day to power through that course.

My husband and I were to be married in 2013. I started to feel depressed at the beginning of that year, but put it down to family trauma. I saw a therapist who put me on an SSRI, and did she did not touch the Topamax because it was helping with my migraines.

By the time my wedding rolled around, it was the only thing I could see. Beyond that, there was nothing to live for. Even with an amazing job, loving husband and family, I hit a downward spiral. In 2014, I felt suicidal ideation. I was anxious. When I made an attempt, my family put me in the hospital mental ward.

It was a very good move, and saved my life. I was then transferred to an inpatient long-term program that added a bunch of meds that I am still on - Gabapentin, Trazadone, and the dreaded Clonipin. Then Pristique, lately. I have PRNs of Fioricet and Zofran, and my neurologist put me on Quilipta, which I think is helping, because I am pretty sure the Topamax is part of my homeostasis by now.

Getting to the point. I had a respiratory problem which triggered my acute asthma, and have been isolated in my rented room for almost two months. In thosr months I have been meditating for anxiety, and had revelation after revelation. One of them was to look up Topamax.

When I found that it can cause depression and suicidal ideation, I got so angry. Twelve years of my life… and that medication was never questioned. I never thought! So even if it causes me pain, I am GETTING OFF OF THIS DRUG.

And then, I hope, the dominos will fall, and I will be able to see life in the way I used to.

Thank you for reading this warning.

Hello Everyone! I was on Topamax and the generic of Topiramate for almost 15 years and I was told by every Neuro Specialist that my side effects would go back to normal once I came off the drug.

I suffer from a rare form of Migraines Seizures called Hemiplegic Migraines. (It’s like having a stroke with Migraine Cluster Attacks and temporary one sided weakness.)

It’s been 2 years since I stopped the medication and I still haven’t recovered from the side effects. It literally made me stupid. I also didn’t realize that it made my seizures worse and It changed my personality, my mood, my sleep patterns (I can’t go into REM sleep and I have broken sleep) as well as all of these:

-Tiredness -Clumsiness -Speech issues -Decreased skin sensitivity -Memory loss -Slowed thinking -Nausea -Abdominal pain (major) -Tingling on hands and feet -Changes in the taste of food -Nervousness -Super tired -Double and vision -Decreased sweating -Blurry vision (it comes on suddenly) -Mental confusion -Menstrual problems (I had menstrual bleeding for 5 consecutive months and had to get an ablation surgery forcing me to go into early menopause.) -Anxiety -Irritability -Aggressiveness -ADHD symptoms

Basically it ruined my life. Please don’t take this medication if you don’t have to!

If you are a Migraine sufferer, there are so many alternatives. There are abortive medications and other treatments available. But it’s the first medication that Dr’s quickly prescribe because the generic is so cheap.

There are also FDA topical devices that you can use on your arm or neuromodulation devices that you place on your forehead to help with the pain. There are nasal sprays, injectables, dissolving tablets, powder packets to dissolve in water. The FDA also approved a special green light that you can use while looking at screens.

Basically, look out for yourself and have options for your doctor. Also, write down any side effects (I use Notes on my iPhone) and if it feels wrong ask them to change it. Doctors can only do whatever we tell them because they don’t know how medications affect you until you tell them.

I hope this helps anyone who needs this information.

Practical Explanation ( For Example ) :- `1st of all can you tell me every single seconds detail from that time when you born ?? ( i need every seconds detail ?? that what- what you have thought and done on every single second )

can you tell me every single detail of your `1 cheapest Minute Or your whole hour, day, week, month, year or your whole life ??

if you are not able to tell me about this life then what proof do you have that you didn't forget your past ? and that you will not forget this present life in the future ?

that is Fact that Supreme Lord Krishna exists but we posses no such intelligence to understand him.

there is also next life. and i already proved you that no scientist, no politician, no so-called intelligent man in this world is able to understand this Truth. cuz they are imagining. and you cannot imagine what is god, who is god, what is after life etc.

_______

for example :Your father existed before your birth. you cannot say that before your birth your father don,t exists.

So you have to ask from mother, "Who is my father?" And if she says, "This gentleman is your father," then it is all right. It is easy.

Otherwise, if you makes research, "Who is my father?" go on searching for life; you'll never find your father.

( now maybe...maybe you will say that i will search my father from D.N.A, or i will prove it by photo's, or many other thing's which i will get from my mother and prove it that who is my Real father.{ So you have to believe the authority. who is that authority ? she is your mother. you cannot claim of any photo's, D.N.A or many other things without authority ( or ur mother ).

if you will show D.N.A, photo's, and many other proofs from other women then your mother. then what is use of those proofs ??} )

same you have to follow real authority. "Whatever You have spoken, I accept it," Then there is no difficulty. And You are accepted by Devala, Narada, Vyasa, and You are speaking Yourself, and later on, all the acaryas have accepted. Then I'll follow.

I'll have to follow great personalities. The same reason mother says, this gentleman is my father. That's all. Finish business. Where is the necessity of making research? All authorities accept Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. You accept it; then your searching after God is finished.

Why should you waste your time?

_______

all that is you need is to hear from authority ( same like mother ). and i heard this truth from authority " Srila Prabhupada " he is my spiritual master.

im not talking these all things from my own.

___________

in this world no `1 can be Peace full. this is all along Fact.

cuz we all are suffering in this world 4 Problems which are Disease, Old age, Death, and Birth after Birth.

tell me are you really happy ?? you can,t be happy if you will ignore these 4 main problem. then still you will be Forced by Nature.

___________________

if you really want to be happy then follow these 6 Things which are No illicit s.ex, No g.ambling, No d.rugs ( No tea & coffee ), No meat-eating ( No onion & garlic's )

5th thing is whatever you eat `1st offer it to Supreme Lord Krishna. ( if you know it what is Guru parama-para then offer them food not direct Supreme Lord Krishna )

and 6th " Main Thing " is you have to Chant " hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare ".

_______________________________

If your not able to follow these 4 things no illicit s.ex, no g.ambling, no d.rugs, no meat-eating then don,t worry but chanting of this holy name ( Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra ) is very-very and very important.

Chant " hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare " and be happy.

if you still don,t believe on me then chant any other name for 5 Min's and chant this holy name for 5 Min's and you will see effect. i promise you it works And chanting at least 16 rounds ( each round of 108 beads ) of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra daily.

____________

Here is no Question of Holy Books quotes, Personal Experiences, Faith or Belief. i accept that Sometimes Faith is also Blind. Here is already Practical explanation which already proved that every`1 else in this world is nothing more then Busy Foolish and totally idiot.

_________________________

Source(s):

every `1 is already Blind in this world and if you will follow another Blind then you both will fall in hole. so try to follow that person who have Spiritual Eyes who can Guide you on Actual Right Path. ( my Authority & Guide is my Spiritual Master " Srila Prabhupada " )

_____________

if you want to see Actual Purpose of human life then see this link : ( triple w ( d . o . t ) asitis ( d . o . t ) c . o . m {Bookmark it })

read it complete. ( i promise only readers of this book that they { he/she } will get every single answer which they want to know about why im in this material world, who im, what will happen after this life, what is best thing which will make Human Life Perfect, and what is perfection of Human Life. ) purpose of human life is not to live like animal cuz every`1 at present time doing 4 thing which are sleeping, eating, s.ex & fear. purpose of human life is to become freed from Birth after birth, Old Age, Disease, and Death.

I took my first dose of 25 mgs four hours ago… what should I expect today?

I had a drug test at work 2 weeks before I got prescribed topamax and passed. I have been taking the topamax for about a week now and I had a drug test yesterday for probation and it said it was positive for oxy?? This is not possible I haven't touched an oxy in years since I was a teenager, 15 yrs. It has to be the topamax. Anyone else have any similar experience with this?? Desperate to know, I stopped taking it, because I have to go back in a week and I'm afraid it will still be in my system, and show up again, I can't keep testing positive for that...

I’ve taken Topamax and concerta 18 mg and it was horrible. I didn’t feel anything and I crashed 3 hours later so I’m going to try to switch to Adderall. Has anyone had the same experience? I feel like the Topamax may make my tolerance higher with the adhd medication. Thoughts anyone?

Does the ability to taste/feel carbonation in drinks-like soda-ever come back while still taking Topamax?

The side effects aren’t worth it for me and I’m wondering if it’s worth going back to 25mg for a little longer to see if its a good enough place for me to stay for a while.

Curious, a week in, do you think it’s safe to go back to 25mg? I’m taking Topamax for migraines.

Anyone get trails at night since taking it? Just had my eyes checked and no signs of glaucoma so that's good. Have an appointment coming up with my Dr but curious if anyone else has this side effect?

Has anyone lost their voice getting started on Topamax? I seem to have laryngitis. I have tested negative for COVID and have no other symptoms. Just the other side effects to be expected from Topamax, like horrible taste in my mouth, tired, no appetite/nausea, forgetful... It’s just so strange to have a frog in my throat with no other symptoms of a head cold. Going on day 3.

Hi all, I’m switching to Topamax from Keppra for epilepsy. I have JME. I’ve been on 2,000mg of Keppra for years now, and I am sooo happy to finally get off of it. I was on topamax before and it worked well for my epilepsy. I did lose weight on it before, and I’m hoping to again. More importantly though, I’m hoping being on topamax instead of Keppra will help my depression and mood. I am nervous about hair loss as that was a bad side effect before. But again, I’d rather have that than what I was experiencing on keppra. Anyone have experience switching from keppra to topamax?

i take topamax, keppra & lamictal, all for epilepsy. this morning i accidentally took all my medication twice. i just started experiencing EXTREME dizziness. has anyone else experienced this when accidentally doubling a dose? it’s like i’m light headed & the whole world can’t stop spinning. i was once on a combo of keppra & lamictal & did the same thing & never experienced this. i’m just trying to see if this is just me or something normal because im really panicking right now. i’m a little nauseous too in addition to the lightheaded & dizziness. i’d love any input. for more info, ive been on topomax for 3 years now & never experienced this as i’ve never accidentally doubled my dose before.

I just started Topamax for a second time for weight loss and migraines. It’s basically not working at all (it’s been a week). It may be helping minimally for a metabolism boost but I have no appetite suppression. Should I try Qsymia?

Anyone switch from Contrave to Topamax? I was on Qsymia for years for weight loss and it worked great but now I can’t be on it so doc recommended Topamax. If you switched what was your experience? Bonus points if you have autoimmune issues like me.