Topamax and negative side effects

I've been on Topomax for about 3-4 months now. I've had memory loss, slurred speech, decreased concentration (I have to re-read something several times to understand it) tingling in the hands and feet, depression, increased anger, loss of appetite, weight loss. I'm now at the point where I have a rash on my leg, severe nausea, and abnormal bleeding. I going to follow up with my neuro and PCP to see what's going on so we'll see. My migraines have decreased from 3-4 a week to maybe 1 a week, so it has been worth it so far so I can function for work and for my kids as a single mother. I've suffered from migraines for about 10 years and can't take the pain no more!!! If anyone has experienced the nausea, rashes or bleeding please reply.

I am a 62 yr old lady that was started on Topamax a little more than 2 yrs ago for migraines that were getting worse as I was aging. After the first "weaning on" period I have been taking 100mg a day at bedtime for the entire time. Initially, I had a lot of tingling in my hands and feet, but it subsided somewhat and never seemed like a big deal. The Topamax brought my migraines to a grinding halt. However, more recently I've noticed quite a number of new increasing symptoms that are bothersome and scary. Difficulty concentrating, a certain amount of confusion, and some eye pain that sometimes feels like pressure and my vision is blurry. My balance does not seem quite normal. I'm not really dizzy, but I have "missed" a step too many times lately. My mind functions do not seem all together "there". Normal functions like spelling, counting change, answering questions, like my address and phone number, aren't always easy especially if I'm under pressure or get upset. Backaches and joint pains are present, but since I have Degenerative Disc Disease it is hard to distinguish the source of the pain. The problem is I cannot determine if this is from the medication or if I am experiencing another kind problem. ? Most medications have side effects; however, if the benefits out weigh the (negative) side effects, it is worth it.

I've been taking Topamax for just slightly over two months to treat migraines and neuropathy and it has helped with both. My dr. also thought some of the side effects might be beneficial (i.e., wakefulness, weightloss, etc.). I wasn't prepared for all the negative side effects. I'm constantly thirsty (but everything tastes so bad I can't find anything to drink and I don't drink soda - so that's not the problem), I've have had a sore throat for the past two - three weeks, my tongue also burns and has streaky, red craters running over it. I'm incredibly crabby and my sex drive (which has never been a problem, is non-existent). I also seem to be craving sweets - maybe because they seem to be the only thing that tastes good. I'm currently taking 50mg 2x per day and I'm going to talk to my dr. about cutting each dose in half. If that doesn't help then I'm going to have to stop this med.

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.

I have been on Topamax since 5/2004 for depression. Currently down to 100mg/day

Negative side effects:
Memory loss
Aphasia
Weight gain (I actually began binge eating and gained 60 pounds on Topamax after having lost 120 pounds on atkins -pre topamax)
Sleep irregularity
Irritability
Leg cramps, stomach pain
Lethargy

Positive side effects
No more migraines, but I am not sure I have a brain left that can feel pain!
The depression is not crippling, but certainly not cured.

I take topamax for headaches. But the positive side effect is I have lost 46 lbs in 4 months. I have not experienced any negative side effects from this medication and it does help with not having headaches every day.