Topamax Problems - Epilepsy Message Board

wcblum · 10-12-2005, 10:11 AM

I started taking Topamax in April of 2005. The fatigue got to a point I could not take it anymore. Even when my doctor reduced the medication from 100mg to 25mg, there was no change. I have been off the medication for one week now, but I am not noticing a significant change in the fatigue. Has anyone else had this happen? How long does it take the Topamax to get out of your system? About three days after I stopped taking the Topamax, I also started have periodic episodes of heart palpatations that have not stopped yet. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm worried I'll never get over this fatigue. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

ChelseaMomof2 · 10-12-2005, 02:04 PM

I take Topamax also. I have been for one year now. At first, it was going well, but for the last couple months, I have noticed my hair falling out like crazy. I have also noticed a lot of fatigue, and am having my thyroid checked by an endocrinologist on the first of November. But Topamax can have some quirky side effects, that's for sure. I don't know how long it takes to get out of your system, but if someone else would like to answer, I'd like to know because I may be switching meds if they find my thyroid is fine (because obviously it's the Topamax that's making my hair fall out).

Best of luck to you.

Eilidh1 · 10-12-2005, 05:07 PM

Hey all

Topamax's half-life is 21 hours and should take 4-5 days on average to get out your system. If your fatigue is not reducing, perhaps this is linked to weight loss you may have had. That was my story. I lost a lot of weight and it took a while after coming off Topamax for me to regain my appetite, weight and energy.

Good luck,
Eilidh
x

Travis from MN · 10-13-2005, 09:21 AM

First question would be: are you on any other meds.

Topa was an adjunctive therapy for me.

I noticed a drop in energy when I reached 300mg of Topa. I couldn't pull my 10 mile bike runs anymore. I was doing those daily. I tried a 2 mile run and I was exhausted. In my case Topa drained me of energy.

Now I am at 450/day of it. 500 was even worse. I noticed a change in the way I feel from 500 to the 450 drop. At this level my blood results are in the 10's now (they were in the 4's prior at 400/day)

I feel lack of energy is the big side effect on my case. It's *not* "SAD" (Seasonal Affective Disorder ; depression or moodiness caused by lack of natural sunlight). It lasts all year round. SAD typically occurs winter time with the shorter daylight.

The eating problem started at 200mg. Topa made me mentally think I was not hungry. That I overcame by starting to fill my fridge and drawers with snack foods to eat during the day, and one REAL meal at night.

Hope that can help.

OH BTW, I noted a HUGE problem with the 25's (non coated) when I was scribed the 50mg's. I had to reorder the 50's that had the coating on the pill. The 25's caused an irritation in my stomach and another effect thats hard to describe unless you've felt it. Almost felt as if I had a high dose of a med all of a sudden.