NOTE: NONE OF THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE! I AM NOT A DOCTOR!
Topamax is a brand name for topiramate.
USE:
Topamax is used for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Usual dose is 100-400 mg a day. Blood-level monitoring is not needed, but gradual increase is required.
SIDE EFFECTS:
From Surviving Manic Depression:
sleepiness, decreased concentration, fatigue, numbness of hands or feet, dizziness, ringing ears, weight loss, kidney stones, decreased appetite.
Some symptoms appear at the start of medication therapy and fade over time.
ARTICLES:
Topiramate (Topomax): Negative response to Topamax's use for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
Started using in November 2004. Side effects: memory fuzziness/loss, sleepiness, nausea, weight loss, tingling in feet, change of tastes, headaches, and dehydration. When I first started this drug I didn't want to eat at all, I felt sick all day long and that last for over a week. I have to stay on top of staying hydrated and will get really bad headaches if I don't drink enough water or if I try mixing too much alcohol with this drug (and the others I am taking).
At this point (January 2005) I can't say if I'd recommend this drug or not. I have not been able to determine if the benefits worth the side effects or not.
written on July 14, 2004; modified on January 3, 2005.