Topamax Prescription Cough Syrup, Cortisone Shot, Upper Respiratory Problems, Mild Asthma, General Malaise

I wanted to share my experience with Topamax/Topiramate and its side effects.

I've been on 100 mg. tablets of Topiramate for one month and am not coming off. Within days of starting this medication, I started coughingand developed shortness of breath. The condition continued to get worse. After 4 weeks of the unrelenting cough and general malaise, I finally went to a general practitioner doctor, who informed me that I had Asthmatic Bronchitis.

Upper respiratory problems/infections" ARE listed as a side effect of Topamax, but i had hoped for the best. I have very mild asthma but have NEVER needed medication for it in my life, not even an inhaler. Now I'm on an inhaler, a prescription cough syrup, antibiotics AND had to get a cortisone shot to get rid of the infection.

Going on Topamax cost me a bundle in time, money & my health (and that's not even mentioning the $190 for the generic version, which is ridiculous.)

Please be VERY careful with this medication and others like it. The docs aren't always paying attention to all the side-effects (mine certainly didn't), and won't always fess up when wrong.
Trust your own body and keep a log of any & all changes. And go to a GP if/when you get ANY side-effects.This is a pretty serious drug.

PS: I should also mention some of the milder side-effects I had which did not bother me: Cognitive "slowness" (forgetfulness, etc.), loss of appetite/weight loss, mild fatigue, crying spells.