Topamax is the brand name for topiramate, an anti-seizure medication commonly used to treat migraines. According to New York University's Langone Medical Center, most patients who take Topamax experience no or few side effects.
Who Should Take Topamax
Topamax is safe for most patients. If you are prone to kidney stones or suffer from kidney disease, you should not take Topamax.
Common Side Effects of Topamax
Common side effects of Topamax include fatigue, numbness and tingling, most often in arms and legs, weight loss, changes in the ability to taste food, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, vision problems, clumsiness, drowsiness, menstrual changes or pain, nervousness, and speech problems.
According to the Lagone Medical Center, these problems occur more frequently in patients who take higher dosages of Topamax.
Less Common Side Effects of Topamax
While taking Topamax, some people may experience additional side effects such as hearing loss, itching, poor bladder control, eye pain or redness, swelling, or skin rashes. These side effects are rare, but patients should monitor them in case the side effects indicate a serious condition.
Serious Side Effects of Topamax
Experiencing serious Topamax side effects is rare. It is still important to be aware of these serious side effects when taking Topamax. Careful vigilance results in early detection and treatment should one of the following conditions occur.
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures Topamax, warns that some people may experience suicidal thoughts and an increase in anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. This occurs in less than one percent of patients.
Topamax may also cause lowered levels of bicarbonate in the blood stream. This leads to an increase in blood acidity, which can cause kidney stones or bone disease.
In some cases, Topamax may cause a Glaucoma-like condition in which vision becomes blurred. The condition usually occurs rapidly and is accompanied by pain in the affected eye. Early detection is important; if the condition isn't treated, permanent vision loss may result.
Warnings
If you experience side effects when taking Topamax, you should discuss the situation with a health care professional. Do not quit taking Topamax without speaking to your doctor first, since this can cause additional health problems.
Topamax may also lower the effectiveness of birth control pills. Women who use this method of contraception should discuss the situation with their doctors.
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