Side effects of topamax symptoms and conditions

I had all of the above side effects when I was on this crap. Topamax is highly dangerous. I now have developed Narcolepsy, have problems with my joints, my memory has trouble here and there for simple things. I am only 29, and haven't taken this stuff for about 4 yrs. I have permanent problems now that I have to live with for the rest of my life. I didn't have a choice in the matter. I was ordered by the court to take a psychological evaluation. They asked some questions and determined that I was Bi polar. Topamax was the drug they put me on, and look where I'm at now. I also have Migraines, which I had way before this poison, and my advice to everyone is that this stuff is dangerous, don't take it!

I had a few of ,what I now know, to be side effects of TOPAMAX. I asked the doctor for help in getting rid of them & he changed me from CARBAMEZAPINE (for my EPILEPSY) to LAMOTRIGINE. This was like pouring petrol onto a fire to try put it out (!!!) as one weakens TOPAMAX & the other STRENGTHENS it. I went from a few mild problems to being tired out, forgetting the name of a town I lived for 2 years, shaky hand, eczema, spots, sinusitis, throat infection, vivid dreams & before fits seeing bed buds crawling all over the bed & big lumps growing inside me. After fits ,whilst still in a daze, walking round falling everywhere!!

on Topamax 1 mo experienced nightmares, could not spell, remember my address, phone #, ringing in ear and since off drug going on 2 mos. also altered personality; slight hair loss; trouble driving. Trouble typing. Horrible drug............

Topamax has completely altered my life. I had a year and a half of daily migraines, with only a day or two of let-up each month -- my migraines are "common", not "classical", just to clarify, and my symptoms are more like that of a stroke victim's.
Now I only have bad premenstrual migraines (no solution to that yet). I still have migraines with Topamax, but it is like they have been pushed way down.....
I'm on 200 mg/day.
Side effects of Topamax: Mostly marvellous! The sexual side effects I really want to say something about, because I couldn't find anything about this when I first had them. Please allow me, and forgive me for graphically saying this -- this is about anatomy, and I needed to know I wasn't alone when I first experienced this: I experience marvellous spasms in my anus and vaginal walls sometimes, especially during sex, and I've had spontaneous near-orgasms a few times (though once in a grocery store, which was NOT NOT NOT pleasant). My libido has skyrocketed. It's been wonderful. It's been beautiful.
Sometimes I get a definite "Topamax buzz", especially in the afternoon. I sleep much better, and with a migraine can actually push myself, whereas before it was the end of the world. I can push myself, period. That used to be an impossibility.
Definitely, Topamax impairs my ability to speak sometimes. But my ability to think? It's improved 100%. I used to be a writer, and have now returned to this. It would have been unthinkable before Topamax.
I have intense tingling in my extremities, which can be awful at times. I find the negative side effects most unpleasant some days, like the facial twitches -- mostly the left side of my mouth, and sometimes both of my eyelids (like right at this moment). The fatigue, blech.
But honestly, compared to the migraines symptoms, these side effects are a dream. .....And the weight loss is a bit worrisome at times -- though my body looks great I always have to worry that I'm eating enough. I am getting my life back now. Topamax has some wretched side effects, but some beautiful ones too -- it re-opened my mind, gave me focus again.... and the migraines were hell. I am so very very grateful for Topamax.