since starting topamax in may 08, 50mg twice daily, i have had co...

I had the same horrible pain under the rib and in the back right shoulder blade.....Had ALL test for gallbladder and intestinal problems. This went on for months!
Finally after totally losing my memory, my word recall, developing horrible social fears and depression - I took myself off of Topomax. It took only about a week for the pain to go away and my head to begin clearing. I was taking 100mg. twice a day of what I believe to be the most evil, legal drug in America.........Oh, did I mention that I became such a zombie that I lost my job as a Hotel General Manager. This occured just as I was becoming aware of how horrible (after 16 months) that I was feeling - physically and mentally.
On the up side - I am recovering alcoholic and the Topomax removed ALL cravings for alcohol - I never drank. I now write this off to being so fucked up by the Topomax, that I didn't need to drink. Also, I lost 85 pounds in just over a year..........I was taking this evil stuff for bipolar.

Good Luck -
Tony

My son had constant abdominal pain. He only took the drug for 4 1/2 months. I insisted to his doctor that he stop taking Topamax. The side effects were worse than his migraines.

I had the exact same thing happen to me and I never thought it could be the Topomax. I have epilepsy and migraines, so they figured it would be a perfect drug for me. Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. I remember one occasion, I was home alone with my newborn niece. I went to pick her up and was in so much pain, I nearly dropped her. Thank God I didn't! I called the doc and he said it was probably a broken rib and sent me for x-rays. No broken ribs, so "just take tylenol". The only thing that works for my migraines is painkillers. The docs refuse to prescribe anymore narcotics for me. They feel that I'm an addict and seeking drugs. I told the doc as I left, I hope he gets a migraine and fast, so he could understand. I don't know if it's because I take anti-depressants and he feels it's all in my head, or if he thinks I'm an addict (which I certainly am not) or he just honestly doesn't care. I've been off of Topomax for a while due to lack of insurance. Now, I have it and I'm actually to the point where I'm going to ask for more. I can't handle the frequency of the migraines and the intense pain anymore!