Taste sensation symptoms and conditions

I conducted a search for "long term effects of Topamax" and discovered this site, and am so glad to have done so. I have been on Topamax for around 2 years now, at the 200mg level, for chronic, sustained migraines. I have figured out, through tracking, that I will get a migraine lasting 3-4 days during ovulation and again on my period. The Topamax has helped considerably with the headaches, although I do still get at least one per month. It is generally not of the same duration, though, and is fairly easily controlled with pain meds.

I've been a bit worried, though, about continuing the drug for life, as it seems I need to do to control these headaches--thus the search. I, too, have experienced the "mental fog," and general decreased cognitive abilities. I am an extremely intelligent person, a writer, a former English teacher. Why am I unable to pluck words from my brain when I need them?

I've also experienced the tingling and numbness in various extremities, sensitivity to cold, blurred vision, fatigue, and loss of taste sensation. I've also become a royal bitch to my husband and children--although I had no idea that this could be related to this medication. I feel relieved to know this now...to know that I can change and be the person I once was. I don't like myself very much right now, but it's like trying to stop a runaway train. I can no sooner prevent or alter my knee-jerk reaction to things than I can stop that train.

I've been off of the Topamax for approximately two weeks now, and have already gained 5 pounds, although I work out 2-3 hours daily and play competitive volleyball 2-3 times per week for several additional hours. I had initially lost around 18 pounds and kept it off, even when my appetite returned. I'm uncertain, though, why I'm gaining the weight back so rapidly. I'm eating fewer than 1500 calories/day and exercising like crazy. It doesn't make sense.

I don't care about the weight, though. My chief concern is the return of my cognitive function. Has anyone experienced a return to their prior cognitive state after getting off of this medication?

Some of you have even mentioned some things you can just buy off the pharmacy shelf. Remember, even those Flintstone's vitamins are drugs too. I picked just a couple of common medications that people may get for themselves or their kids. I know Amoxicillin is a prescription but I am sure it is very commonly used.

Tylenol- Bloody or black, tarry stools; bloody or cloudy urine; fever with or without chills (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated); pain in lower back and/or side (severe and/or sharp); pinpoint red spots on skin; skin rash, hives, or itching; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth; sore throat (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated); sudden decrease in amount of urine; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness. Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine or pale stools; unusual fatigue; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Ibuprofen/Motrin/Advil - Nausea, epigastric pain, heartburn, diarrhea, abdominal distress, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, constipation, abdominal cramps or pain, Dizziness, headache, nervousness, Depression, insomnia, confusion, emotional liability, somnolence, aseptic meningitis with fever and coma, Paresthesias, hallucinations, Syndrome of abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting

Amoxicillin - Reversible hyperactivity, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, convulsions, behavioral changes, and/or dizziness have been reported rarely. Dizziness, fatigue; insomnia; reversible hyperactivity, Urticaria; maculopapular to exfoliative dermatitis; vesicular eruptions; erythema multiforme; skin rashes, itchy eyes, glossitis; stomatitis; sore or dry mouth or tongue; black “hairy” tongue; abnormal taste sensation; laryngospasm; laryngeal edema. anorexia; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain or cramps; epigastric distress; diarrhea or bloody diarrhea; rectal bleeding; flatulence; enterocolitis

I experienced severe glucose level swings with Levaquin, and I mean severe.

Then, I developed urinary incontinence and diarrhea which lasted for weeks. Then, the tightness and pain in the achilles started.

I was weak, and I am not sure that I have recovered from it yet, as I continue to exhibit an altered taste sensation, and have a horrible metallic taste and no amount of brushing or gargling can clear it.

My feet and legs have begun to burn and tingle, but I have back problems, so I am not sure that it is related to Levaquin.

Overall, I think this is a very dangerous drug, indeed.

Had a heart attack? 10 years ago, now 57.
Cardioligist wanted bad C under 100. 2 years ago
80 mg Zocor was really killing me. Lost taste
sensation, fingers got arthritic?, muscle cramps.
But, bad C went to 90. I felt like ***.
1 year ago I stopped Zocor, finger movement
came back, cramping stopped, still can't drink
cola as taste is still affected.
Dr started Zetia (non Satin) which works in the
gastric track. Side affect minimal and is minor gas
at nite and stool slightly loose. bad C went to 120
but Dr now wants bad C to 70 or less, as new studies
show.
Put me on Lipitor 10 mg a month or so ago along with
the Zetia. All fine till last week... Now upset stomach
all day, with Nausea and sometimes dry heaves. Head
light headed, dizzy like in a fog, and can't walk without
holding on to wall. Outside I must look like a drunk.
Cramping on finges is returning. Had 2 strips bacon one
morning and remembered it through belches all day
with aggrivated symptoms.
I got the message.... And STOPPED the LIPITOR 4 days
ago and no more nausea, I can walk without loosing balance
and finger movement slowly returning. I can live with the
vivid dreams......