Ending Topamax - Epilepsy Message Board

j2006 · 11-19-2007, 05:09 AM

I had an EEG done last week and it was decided that I am not having seizures. My doctor has taking me off of Topamax.

I am having a tough time with this. I am dizzy and a bit emotional as well as being bloated.

Anyone have these side effects when ending Topa?

life_is_good · 11-19-2007, 08:35 AM

Need some clarification. So you're coming off of all seizure meds? Just be sure your dr. feels it's absolutely safe for you to do this...I was w/o seizure meds for several years and then suddenly started having seizures again. I now know I have to be on them for life. Have your dr. monitor your EEG frequently for any seizure activity, just to be on the safe side.

Topamax does mess with the emotions, so it's understandable that you're feeling a bit emotional right now. As for the bloating, that would also make sense, as it did control the appetite, so you may put back a few pounds.

Wishing you the best of luck, that's terrific news!

j2006 · 11-19-2007, 09:15 AM

The doctors were never really sure that I was having seizures. I had an EEG come back abnormal and to be on the safe side the put me on meds. Now that the last EEG came back fine they said it was fine to come off. I was only on 25mg of Topamx - not even a dose that would control seizures anyway.

Although I am a bit scared to come off - I have to put my trust in these doctors or I will drive myslef crazy. I am scheduled to go back to the the DRs in 2 months for a follow up.

I am only 10 days being on Zoloft so It very well could be the Zoloft but for 8 days I didn't get dizzy or feel bad. It was only when I came off the Topa.

I just didn't know how long it would take to adjust being off of Topamx.

does anyone know?

Travis from MN · 11-19-2007, 10:54 AM

Being it takes about a week for your body to adapt to Topa when starting on it with the 25, I'd guess it may be the same for withdrawing from it. Were you told to just stop it cold? I'd guess with 5-10 days to steady (from the books) it would be the same for our systems to shed it. See how you are after one week.

I have dropped 50mg this year (one pill) with no problems adjusting or in transit.

--Travis

j2006 · 11-19-2007, 12:00 PM

This helps so much!

Yes I was told to just stop taking it as I was at the lowest dose. I will wait the week and see how I feel after that.

These meds can get confusing - especially since I started the Zoloft and then after 5 days went off Topa.

Thank you so much!