Topamax Problems - Epilepsy Message Board

Melissa180 · 12-20-2008, 04:51 PM

I have taken topamax everyday for about a year and a half for my seizures and never had problems until I had a break through seizure a few months ago and my dose had to be up'd. Since then its felt like I'm a different person, I am depressed, disconnected and have no motivation. Not to mention I get a lot of my legs falling asleep for hours where I cant move them correctly. My face gets tingly for long periods of times as do my fingers. I have had problems with my memory function and speech issues. But I am curious anyone has the same problems. I have tried to talk to my neurologist about the problems and he kind of blows it off. He tells me to drink more water and eat bananas for potassium and says that will solve the problem of the tingling and legs falling asleep because its just side effects from the Topamax.

I have already been on Lamictal for years prior to the Topamax and out of no where I had a side effect that almost killed me.

My biggest issues are the depression and the Limbs falling asleep and the tingling... Does anyone else have these issues on Topamax or is my neurologist just lazy?

soccerschmee14 · 12-21-2008, 01:57 AM

i have been on topamax for a yr now (plus depakote) and i havent really had the side effects that you mention. i have recently had some anxiety but i dont think thats attributed to the topamax. i have also heard of the drinking water tip for ppl taking this med, however i heard that for the lack of sweating side effect. i would say you should talk to another neuro that actually takes your concerns seriously.

Travis from MN · 12-21-2008, 01:00 PM

I've had the symptoms of barely any motivation, stamina/energy down the drains. Example I can't do bicycle runs of 10 miles like I did before. Even a 2 mile run totally exhausts me now, where I could pull 10 before no problem.

The speech issue, if temporary can be with the levels coming up in your system. Same with trying to think of words (memory functions). I had that happen when they raised my levels.

I've never had limbs fall asleep or problems with moving them.

When was the last time you had levels drawn? It may be a good idea to get those done if it's been a bit since the increase to see if thats the problem. You may have to apply pressure on the doctor seeing they are ignoring you.

Soccer addressed the sweating reducing (becoming nothing).

There can also be the issue with food (how it effects the persons appetite) in cases. I had that happen to me and just had to learn how to adapt without the help of doctors, but with the help of THIS BOARD.

--Travis

Melissa180 · 12-22-2008, 10:41 AM

I have had the problems where I forget to eat. But my husband helps me on that and leaves me reminders or calls and tells me to eat something. Cause I am never hungry since I started on Topamax.

I havent had what Soccer is talking about.

Last time I went to see my neurologist I spoke to him about checking my levels because my regular physician was curious. He said there was no need to do that with Topamax. When I told my regular physician she was very upset that he neglected to do it. He hasn't ever checked my levels.

But you are completely right I have no energy to do anything, no motivation. And when someone tries to get me to get motivated I take it offensively, thats not like me. I am concerned. I have started to have panic attacks, getting angry all the time and honestly I think the people around me are getting fed up with it.

Travis from MN · 12-22-2008, 10:55 AM

I hope you are not at the county hospital downtown. I remember the last Dr I had there who was not of much help to me. I had to correct HIM on issues a number of times. He would ignore me or tell me things would go away when he SHOULD have been paying more attention to it. Last I knew this doctor was HEAD Doc of Neurology.

I'm planning on checking out the University. They have a Epilepsy clinic that not that many know of. It gets good recommendations from people even at the State level. Thats how I found out about it, through a contact in the cities (I'm a good drive away).

Doesn't hurt to check the U out if you are down in the metro area. Especially if you may consider changing doctors.

--Travis