Topamax - Restless Leg Syndrome Message Board

brightangel · 05-19-2001, 01:53 PM

Has anyone tried Topamax for RLS? Does it work? Also what are side effects? I'm hoping weight loss and anxiety control

Thomas1of12 · 09-05-2005, 08:02 PM

Greetings,

I have "super RLS" both my parents have normal cases. I have been through everything you can think of.

Topamax is for migrane headaches......I am sorry to say that unless you have a VERY MILD case of RLS, you just wasted your money it. I think I spent about $300 on it.....the doctors read a study, funded by drug companies that states that topamax can be used against RLS. THE FDA HAS NOT APPROVED TOPAMAX FOR TREATMENT OF RLS. What the doctors are doing is what's called "off labeling" - they write you a script for a drug that MAY help you, but is not intended to treat your specific disorder.

I am only 34 years old and have had chronic RLS for my entire life.

wrightus4 · 09-07-2005, 02:31 PM

Hi! Be very, very careful with Topamax. Research it first and find out what other people's experiences have been while on it. I was given Topamax as a trial for my migraines, and it was an awful experience. At first it increased my RLS significantly, then it turned to numbness and tingling which was actually very painful. I was also a walking zombie, staring into space, forgetting thiings...plus a whole string of other side effects. I know all medication works differently on different people, but this one is nothing to play around with. Also, if you do try it (although I have never heard of prescribing it for RLS), you cannot just stop taking it, as it could cause seizures. You have to slowly wean yourself off.
Hope that helps a little!