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Topamax

Topiramate

User Ratings
Out of 10
Satisfaction
6.3
6.5  Effectiveness
7  Side Effects
5.9  Holistic Benefits

RateADrug users have reported 11 Topamax side effects and 3 Topamax benefits.

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Drug Information
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Health Tips
Treatment Information
The generic name of this medication is topiramate and brand name is Topamax.

The active ingredient of this medication is topiramate.

Topamax is Manufactured by Pharmascience Inc.

It is primarily used in the prevention of migraine headaches.
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How does your Treatment Compare?
Choose a Condition:
Show results for:
BrandsEffectivenessHolistic BenefitsSide
Effects		Number of Ratings
Excedrin Migraine Caplets 9.14 7.78 2.09 22 Get Info
Excedrin Migraine Tablets 8.29 6.31 1.83 14 Get Info
Imitrex 7.64 5.92 3.1 25 Get Info
Topamax 6.88 5.47 5.12 25 Get Info
Maxalt-MLT 6.5 4.75 2.81 10 Get Info
View All About these Scores Get Your Score
Effectiveness of Topamax by Condition
Click on a condition to view RateADrug.com users ratings
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Effectiveness on "Migraine"
Bar Chart
About these Results  
Not at all Mildly Moderately Very Extremely
How effective is Topamax?  Get Your Score
Reported Changes in Health and Well-Being
Since taking Topamax, RateADrug survey participants noticed these changes in their health:
Effect on:Much WorseWorseNo ChangeBetterMuch Better
Appetite 8.9% 28.9% 40% 17.8% 4.4%
Balance/Equilibrium 2.2% 23.9% 60.9% 8.7% 4.3%
Blood Pressure 0% 6.8% 90.9% 2.3% 0%
Breathing 0% 9.3% 88.4% 2.3% 0%
Confidence 2.3% 11.4% 77.3% 6.8% 2.3%
Coordination/Motor Skills 4.4% 24.4% 60% 6.7% 4.4%
Digestion 2.2% 19.6% 73.9% 4.3% 0%
Emotional Well-being 10.9% 15.2% 54.3% 10.9% 8.7%
Energy 4.3% 39.1% 45.7% 8.7% 2.2%
Eyesight 6.8% 15.9% 72.7% 4.5% 0%
Memory 17.4% 28.3% 45.7% 6.5% 2.2%
Mental Clarity 15.6% 24.4% 46.7% 8.9% 4.4%
Pain 6.7% 15.6% 51.1% 22.2% 4.4%
Patience 6.5% 19.6% 60.9% 13% 0%
Sexual Health 4.7% 9.3% 83.7% 2.3% 0%
Skin Complexion 4.5% 6.8% 86.4% 2.3% 0%
Sleep 4.4% 20% 55.6% 20% 0%
Stress Level 4.5% 11.4% 70.5% 6.8% 6.8%
|
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Commonly Reported Topamax Side Effects
RateADrug survey participants experienced these commonly reported side effects:
Effect on:NoneMildModerateStrongSevere
Abdominal Pain 66.7% 0% 0% 33.3% 0%
Anemia 66.7% 0% 0% 33.3% 0%
Anxiety 66.7% 25% 8.3% 0% 0%
Apathy / Indifference 66.7% 0% 33.3% 0% 0%
Blurred Vision 80% 6.7% 6.7% 6.7% 0%
Chest Heaviness / Pressure 81.6% 5.3% 7.9% 2.6% 2.6%
Concentration / Focus Problems 33.3% 0% 0% 33.3% 33.3%
Confusion 72.7% 18.2% 9.1% 0% 0%
Constipation 89.7% 6.9% 3.4% 0% 0%
Coordination / Balance Problems 60% 20% 0% 0% 20%
Dehydration / Thirst 52% 20% 16% 12% 0%
Depression 73.3% 0% 6.7% 20% 0%
Dizziness 61.4% 20.5% 11.4% 6.8% 0%
Drowsiness 66.7% 13.3% 8.9% 8.9% 2.2%
Energy Loss 66.7% 0% 33.3% 0% 0%
Fatigue 58.7% 17.4% 10.9% 8.7% 4.3%
Feeling of Warmth 82.4% 5.9% 8.8% 2.9% 0%
Hair Growth 66.7% 0% 33.3% 0% 0%
Headache 76.7% 14% 2.3% 2.3% 4.7%
Hot Flashes / Flushing 84.2% 5.3% 7.9% 2.6% 0%
Impaired Thinking / Judgment 66.7% 0% 0% 0% 33.3%
Increased Urination 83.3% 6.7% 6.7% 3.3% 0%
Insomnia 90.9% 0% 9.1% 0% 0%
Irregular Heartbeat 90.9% 9.1% 0% 0% 0%
Lethargy 50% 25% 0% 25% 0%
Mood Swings 60% 13.3% 20% 0% 6.7%
Muscle Cramping 90.9% 9.1% 0% 0% 0%
Nausea 73.8% 14.3% 7.1% 2.4% 2.4%
Sensitivity to Light 81.8% 0% 9.1% 0% 9.1%
Stomach Ache 90.9% 9.1% 0% 0% 0%
Tingling Sensations 50% 13.2% 15.8% 10.5% 10.5%
Tremors 85.7% 7.1% 3.6% 3.6% 0%
Unusual Taste in Mouth 64.7% 20.6% 8.8% 2.9% 2.9%
|
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Less Commonly Reported Topamax Side Effects
RateADrug survey participants experienced less commonly reported side effects:
Effect on:NoneMildModerateStrongSevere
Change in Behavior 75.7% 10.8% 8.1% 2.7% 2.7%
Change in Weight 46.2% 17.9% 20.5% 10.3% 5.1%
Concentration / Focus Problems 33.3% 23.3% 20% 13.3% 10%
Confusion 48.3% 27.6% 10.3% 10.3% 3.4%
Decrease in Blood Pressure 97.3% 2.7% 0% 0% 0%
Dehydration / Thirst 60% 0% 40% 0% 0%
Depression 63.3% 16.7% 10% 6.7% 3.3%
Dry Mouth 65.8% 13.2% 13.2% 7.9% 0%
Eye Pressure 94.6% 5.4% 0% 0% 0%
Feeling of Warmth 75% 25% 0% 0% 0%
Hair Loss 0% 0% 0% 100% 0%
Infection 66.7% 33.3% 0% 0% 0%
Irregular Heartbeat 78.6% 10.7% 3.6% 3.6% 3.6%
Language Problems 73.7% 15.8% 5.3% 2.6% 2.6%
Migraine / Chronic Daily Headaches 81.1% 10.8% 0% 5.4% 2.7%
Osteoporosis / Loss of Bone Mass 97.3% 2.7% 0% 0% 0%
Reduced Libido 90.5% 0% 0% 9.5% 0%
Sexual Dysfunction 85.7% 7.1% 3.6% 3.6% 0%
Thinning / Loss of Hair 82.5% 12.5% 5% 0% 0%
Ulcer 97.3% 2.7% 0% 0% 0%
Unusual Taste in Mouth 75% 25% 0% 0% 0%
|
About these Scores  
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Episodes since taking Topamax
Since taking Topamax Rate a Drug survey participants reported these episodes:
Auto Accident 3.2%
Blindness 1.6%
Fall 4.8%
Hallucination 3.2%
Hospitalization 6.5%
Seizure 1.6%
About these Results  
How does your experience compare with other Topamax users?     Get Your Score

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User Comments about Topamax
21 Jan 2013 I recently stopped taking Topamax because it ruined me in more ways than one. I went from 130 pounds (5'7") to 105 pounds in about 2 months. I couldn't eat, I always felt full. I'm in college and my school work suffered because I had a mental fog all the time. I fumbled my words all the time and couldn't remember anything. It felt like I was losing brain function at age 22. Working in a pharmacy, I've heard several people with the same problem. Be very careful with this drug.
   —Posted by Anonymous
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21 Nov 2011 I have been taking topamax for a year helped me at first and lately my migranes are overwhelming but if i didn't take topamax they would be worse. They are very strong to the point where I want to cry on a daily basis and don't know my trigger. There are a lot of side effects but the headaches are unbeareable.
   —Posted by Anonymous
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17 Nov 2011 would not use it again.
   —Posted by sparkcat
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05 Jul 2011 Since this prescription makes my sleepy, I take it at bedtime and it helps me with sleep since one of the side effects is drowsiness and I wake up feeling refreshed. If you are on this medication, you must take it everyday as prescribed because if you do not you will still have migraines, Now I still have small headaches but nothing compared to what i was having before the prescription....I do have a three year old and a three month old.
   —Posted by erikahillyard
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23 Jun 2011 According to my Rheumatologist, it will take some time for the med. to get into my system before I begin to see good results I have only been on it about 6 weeks.
   —Posted by ckk
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