Topamax and muscle problems? - Epilepsy Message Board

david45249 · 01-09-2007, 01:26 PM

Hey. My doctor gradually put me on Topamax for migraines. I was on it for about 3 months, didn't notice an improvement and suddenly stopped taking it. I didn't know that I had to be gradually taken off. Soon after my legs became sore and a few months later my hands became sore. It has been a total of about 6 months. Did the Topamax cause the muscle problem or is that just coincidence? Thanks for the help, I really need it.

David

Travis from MN · 01-09-2007, 09:51 PM

Call your Doc on this.

I've lost strength and endurence due to the Topa. Not a lot I can do about it. I could pull 10 miles on bike before; last time I tried I could barely pull 2 and I was exhausted. Needless to say the bike has been collecting dust since.

Topa took a slow ramp up to start for me, 25mg/week. I'm sure they would lower a patient at a similar rate to avoid shock (withdrawl) to the system.

Again, I'd strongly advise calling your Doc.
You may have to go over to the traditional meds commonly perscribed for migrains that knock you out for the rest of the day after taken. (My friend was on those before being changed to Topa)

--Travis

david45249 · 01-10-2007, 03:53 PM

Thanks Travis. I've been off of Topamax for several months now and my symptoms seem to be getting worse. I called the doctor and he said the symptoms would go away when the medicine gets out of my system. Surely it is out by now. Has anyone had muscle issues after getting off of Topamax? Thanks.

raymae · 03-11-2007, 01:41 PM

my 14 year old son has been on topiramate for around 6 years, 5 years ago he stopped walking and has been wheelchair bound, many investigations have been done and they can find no reason why he shouldnt beable to walk. he is severley disabled so can not tell us what side effects he is having on his medications, he also takes epilim and has just started taking lamotrogine (in hope of eventually stopping the topiramate) we feel that his mobility and general quality of life have been hindered by the topiramate. although it made a wonderful improvement on his seizures, he is very withdrawn and now unable to walk. i am praying that once the drug is out of his system things will improve but theres always a chance that the damage has been done and is not so easily fixed even once the drug has stopped. wish you all the best and i hope you see improvements in your condition soon.