Skip Navigation

About Lawsuits

Suboxone Tooth Decay

Depo-Provera

Ozempic Wegovy and Mounjaro

Bard PowerPort

See if you qualify for compensation
See if you qualify for compensation

Topamax Lawsuits

|||
Austin Kirk

Add Your Comments

The epilepsy and migraine drug Topamax, which is also available as generic topiramate, has been associated with an increased risk of major birth defects. Research has found higher than expected rates of babies born with cleft lips, cleft palates, genital defects and other birth malformations when the drug is used during pregnancy.

TOPAMAX LAWSUIT STATUS: After a string of court losses, the makers of Topamax agreed to settlements for undisclosed amounts in about 76 Topamax birth defect lawsuits.

>>SUBMIT INFORMATION ABOUT A TOPAMAX BIRTH DEFECT FOR A LAWYER TO REVIEW A POTENTIAL LAWSUIT<<

Learn More About

Topamax Lawsuits

Side effects of Topamax during pregnancy linked to birth defect risk.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION
|||
|||

Learn More About

Topamax Lawsuits

Side effects of Topamax during pregnancy linked to birth defect risk.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

MANUFACTURER: Topamax is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Generic Topamax versions have been available since 2006.

OVERVIEW: Topamax (generic topiramate) was first introduced as a medication to treat epilepsy, which is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, uncontrolled seizures. In 2004, the FDA approved Topamax for an additional use of treating migraines, and it has since become one of the most widely prescribed migraine medications in the United States. The drug is also often prescribed off-label to treat bipolar disorder.

TOPAMAX BIRTH DEFECT SIDE EFFECTS: In March 2011, the FDA issued a warning that Topamax side effects may increase the risk of oral cleft birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, among babies born to mothers who took the drug during the first trimester of pregnancy. As a result of inadequate warnings previously provided, many women were not aware they may be exposing their baby to a potential risk of Topamax birth defects.

The FDA has urged doctors to avoid giving Topamax to pregnant women or women who are of child-bearing age and at a high risk of pregnancy. Alternative epilepsy drugs may not carry the same risk for the unborn child.

In July 2008, a small study published in the medical journal Neurology identified a potential link between the use of Topamax during pregnancy to an increased risk of serious birth defects. Children born to women who used Topamax during pregnancy were found to develop a cleft lip or palate at a rate 11 times hirer than would be expected in the general population. The study also indicated that children exposed to Topamax developed genital defects at a rate 14 times higher than would be expected.

The FDA required new warnings in 2011 after data from the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry found that children born to mothers who took Topamax during the first trimester of pregnancy experienced an oral cleft about 1.4% of the time, compared to a prevalence rate of between 0.33% and 0.55% associated with other epilepsy drugs.

TOPAMAX CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE LAWYERS: Potential lawsuits and class action claims are being reviewed by Topamax lawyers as a result of the drug makers’ failure to adequately research their medication or warn about the potential risk of cleft lip or cleft palate when Topamax is used during pregnancy.

Tags: Birth Defect, Cleft Palate and Lip, Epilepsy, Genital Defect, Migraines, Suicide, Topamax
Image Credit: |||

376 Comments

Mike
Just started taking topiramate yesterday, low dose 25 mg, one tab before I go to bed for my paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia/choreoathetosis and after just one dose, this morning much improvement with my balance (single leg standing and tandem walk), tremor and writhing when extending arms, ability to repeat same movement with hands ie finger tapping. Some evidence in the literature for it’s use is this disease I have which is related to epilepsy. A bit drowsy this morning but that’s fine if it helps control my symptoms: Yuan-Gui Huang et al. Topiramate therapy for paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis. Mov Disord . 2005 Jan;20(1):75-7. doi: 10.1002/mds.20283. Abstract We observed the clinical efficacy of topiramate for paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis (PKC). Topiramate was administered as a monotherapy with titrated dosages to 8 patients with PKC. Target daily dose of topiramate was 100 to 200 mg; the follow-up period ranged from 8 months to 2 years. All of the patients became attack-free, and side effects were mild. The results show that topiramate is effective as a monotherapy for treating patients with PKC. The response to topiramate indicates that the disease may be caused by an ion channel defect. PMID: 15390133 DOI: 10.1002/mds.20283
Paris
relationship ended because of this
Melissa
My daughter has been on this medicine for a total of 15 years now for seizures . she’s had four children in the time span. Her seizures would stop when she’d be pregnant and she would quit taking it. but one pregnancy they did not. The doctors told her that the risk of her not taking it would be worse than taking it .My granddaughter is nine and has severe bipolar, emotional and other disorders, my daughter has all the sluggish feet numbing hair loss memory loss issues is all the other people above. Our main concern is trying to figure out what it neurologically wrong with our grandchild.
Lisa
I started Topamax just over 2 years ago to help with migraines. It induced mania and severe depression with my bipolar disorder. It put me into a state of severe psychosis. I also experienced several other side effects like memory loss, slowing of mental and physical activity, rapid eye movements in the morning, blurred vision for the rest of the day, rapid weight loss, clumsiness (I would randomly fall over, drop things unexpectedly, running into things), memory issues and daily brain fog, repeated outburst to loved ones, and over-sensitivity to things people said to me (not my norm). I stopped taking the drug about a month ago and most of my symptoms have started to fade.
Dee
I was given Topomax in 2006 for nerve pain. I lost 2/3rd of my hair this past year and weaned myself off this drug.2006-2023. I was under pain Management and never explained any risks. I am now on Menoxidile and another hair med to try and stop alopecia, which I never had. I had a beautiful full head of hair and now its thin, and very brittle. These docs also had me on Oxicontin from 2006-2021, when I again weaned my self off that pain med. I was on 200 mg of Topomax per day.
Mareca
I was on Topamax for a year it caused memory lost , mood swings , severe depression, hands and leg numbness
Jane
Was prescribed Topamax 100mg. twice when I left the hospital after stroke did not have any affects from stroke. Voice normal. Started taking the meds when taken second pill noted started getting a little hoarse. Gradually got worse. Seen NP and she changed med stated it should go away. It is now 7 months after stopping med i still have hoarseness. It is making my life very difficult. Seen by specialist they will not document it was the topamax. But Dr. verbal stated it is probably due to topamax.
Youlanda
I have been on topamax aka topiramate from 2008 until present. From 800 mg a day now down to 100 mg a day. I tried to inform my doctor that for some strange reason I was forgetting things and couldn’t remember stuff. What is the scary part of it all is you forget so, fast. So, in order to help myself I skip day’s so, I want forget so fast.
Terra
I’ve been taking Topamax for about 5 yrs now I didn’t realize this could be the reason I’m so forgetful, sluggish, my mood swings are terrible and we won’t even talk about my panic attacks and major anxiety and depression symptoms OMG are they off the wall at times! I can’t keep up when speaking sometimes and puns and needles in both hands and sometimes even my feet as well! I get blurry vision and confusion on top of virtigo and it makes me dizzy and I fall down down at times! I just thought I was extremely clumsy lol. I have tingling in both hands and sometimes my feet as well. I never imagined it would be my medicine that was causing it until I read these articles. Can someone please help me determine if I have a case or not??? Thanks so much for help given! Have a nice day!!!
Shelly
Topamax ruined my life. Caused epilepsy, took my career (nursing) Forgetfulness, pain/ numbness in hands and feet. Tons more symptoms that were unbearable. Totally loose train of thought/ words when speaking. I look like an uneducated fool when that happens. Neurologist said brain fog would clear up after stopping use.. it has not yet and it has been over 10 years. destitute since loosing disability in late 2014.
Stephanie
I have been on topamax since 1998 had to stay on it for two births. Both kids have severe birth defects. I was told it was safer to be on it, then not.
Dee
I have been on Topamax for about 5 or 6 years a 100 mg 2 times a day I can’t remember anything I stay Confused a lot I lost Weight at 1st now I ain’t lost anything didn’t know about a lawsuit going on with this im 54 and now I just don’t want to do nothing anymore if anyone else feels like this take these pills please let me know
Leeann
I was on Topamax for migraines. For the 1st week, 25mg, I was having the usual pins and needles feelings in my hands, along with flat soda sensations. Then the 2nd week for 50 mg I started having severe panic attacks and anxiety issues. Couldn’t grocery shop anymore, or get my kids hair cut. The inability to make simple decisions (Do you want a receipt? Should I take an umbrella?) The Third week, 75mg, the panic attacks seemed to fade away, and so did the anxiety so I thought I was adjusting well… the 4th week I started thinking about suicide. It took me 5 days to get the help I needed to get of the medication. By the time someone got back to me, I was crying in the floor , begging for help. Its a dangerous medication and the side effects are dangerous. It should be pulled from the market.
Ramona
I was prescribed Topamax for chronic migraine approximately 3 years ago. I was put in a step up dosage over maybe a 6 week period. While it helped the migraine tremendously the memory issues and other personality changes were in my opinion too high a cost to continue. I followed my doctors instructions and quit taking age less than 2 months. The memory issues I experimenced during treatment were tolerated as a posible side effect with the expectation of these passing when no longer on the medication. However my memory issues have continued and progressively gotten worse. It has made basic conversations frustrating and more than once I have struggled to figure out where I was while taking a regular route to work and other locations.
Stephanie
Pain in both my hands was keeping me from a good night’s sleep. My Pain doctor prescribed topimax though I expressed my concern for choosing topimax, since I was certain that my pains was carpal tunnel. My doctor said if I didn’t take my meds proper I’d be non-compliant. There was no improvement in my hands. It got worse. They increased the dosage to 100 MG. Topimax permanently damaged me. I was unable to speak and make any sense. I couldn’t focus or follow through with anything. I can’t remember my children or my life to this day. Topimax cost me my marriage and I didn’t even want the meds. How many people must suffer before something is done about this horrible drug?
Jessica
I took Topamax for years to prevent migraines, and it worked great! I experienced the “lost word & forgetful” issues, but after several weeks those problems cleared up. I lost weight and felt fantastic! I have always been a heavy water-drinker, but it wasn’t enough. I began to get kidney stones something awful! I’m hoping to go back on it though. I need the headache and migraine help, plus I need to lose weight, big time.
JACKIE
I was given Topamate for sieazures and migranes in June of 2020 according to the bottle that’s the only way I know that. Because I don’t remember much about anything anything anymore I’m constantly questioning myself about how things happened and how I am supposed to be doing this or that . I can’t keep a job and after I have sieazures wake up lost and afraid. i feel like a alzhiemers patient. I’m not 40 They ruined everything I can’t even file my taxes or get log into my email accounts…I can’t remember family members names and I have days I don’t remember who I am .
Shania
My pain clinic doctor started me on 25mg of Topamax for nerve pain and now I’m up to 75mg. My memory sucks and sometimes it really scares me that I forget so quick and no matter how hard I try, I just can’t remember stuff. I have a lot of gas and bowl problems (diarrhea). I’ve noticed that I have trouble finding the right words when I’m speaking. I hate this medicine and what it’s doing to me! It needs to be taken off the shelf!
laura
Dr prescribed topmax and I took it for 2 months, I am like someone with DIMENTIA. I forget where I am going, what I went to the store for, it’s horrible. No one told me this would cause memory loss. I stopped taking it 3 weeks ago, yes the severe headaches came back, but not my memory. Why is no one going after the manufacture for this. They have ruined our lives!!!
Claudia
I was prescribed Topiramate 50mg tablets on October 10, 2020 by an MD in Arizona. Within 1.5 weeks my memory was destroyed. It has been a year and it has not improved at all. I am an RN and will need to stop working as a nurse due to this. I feel this medication was prescribed without serious consideration of the side effects especially since he diagnosed me with seizure “like” episodes after tests showed nothing!
ranona
Topamax ruined my life. I can no longer function in day to day life without making notes. I was started out on a low dose and it was raised over time. i have trouble finding words, simple math now has to be done with a calculator. outings to the store must be carefully planned. i get lost trying to go places I have been to many times.so I can no longer drive because I am easily confused. how am i supposed to work when i cannot hold a decent adult conversation. someone please help!!!
Andrea Robin
I am 70 years old and I have had chronic headaches every day of my life since the year 2000, aproximately.I too started out low 25 mg. of Topamax but was gradually over the years bumped up from 25mg. to 800 mg . a day.I feel like my life has been robbed so many of the things I once did I can no longer do. I forget terribly, I can’t spell anymore, I can’t add except with calculator anymore, Constipation, I had kidney stones, throw up a lot because I am so nauseated all the time, I have lost a lot of my hearing, my sight has gotten much worse,I simply can’t even do my housework as well anymore for many years.Please Topamax is a very dangerous drug and I am so regretful of ever taking any amount of this drug. My problems are far too many to even list.Someone help us get compensation.
Rachel
I took topomax for some length of time around 2007-2011. I would have to get medical records to know exactly dates. This was treatment for migraines. Initially, the meds seemed to work but I began having issues with extreme weight loss, fatigue, kidney stones, uti’s ( was hospitalized three times but suffered for years from repetitive infections including sepsis. At some point, suicidal ideation became prevalent, i began experiencing visual hallucinations, lost my peripheral vision on top of rapid onset eyesight issues. It became so bad, I could not drive or walk. Experienced neuropathy, white matter brain disease, suffered a TIA wherein I had to learn to walk and talk all over again. My masters degree was no longer useful because I could not form words, spoke words backwards, high levels of anxiety etc. By 2012, I had to stop working. I have chronic kidney disease, auto immune issues, carotid artery disease, interstitial cystitis, bladder issues, continued migraines, weakness and numbness in limbs, neuropathy etc. I have dealt with this for almost 10 years. Topomax ruined my life. My urologist took me off the medicine stating my urological issues were due in large part to the medicine. I not only suffered loss of work, but incurred a lot of medical bills and have paid for a private neurologist out of pocket to get help just to function on a low level. Stress brings on symptomatic problems. I have stenosis in my neck. I could go on and on. This is a dangerous drug I wish I had never taken. My life was charged forever.
Amanda
I was put on this 4 year ago to help with my migraines was only on it for about 3 weeks if that and ended up coming home from work and falling to the floor and rushed to the hospital from not being able to breathe I had found out that I had 3 blood clots in both of my lungs one the size of a baseball and the other 2 were the size of golf balls. I could have died now I as so scared to take anything for my migraines.
Haley
I started having migraines very frequently my freshman year of high school. My pediatrician recommended for me to go see a neurologist as my mom and aunt both have chronic migraines. I was prescribed 25mg of topiramate when I was 15. The dosage was upped to 50mg when I was 16 due to it not fully eliminating my migraines. At first the medicine worked wonders and I had no serious side effects and I felt like my life was improved. Then I noticed my weight began to fluctuate and I started to have neuropathy in my hands and feet. I’m currently 17 and still on topirimate (hopefully off of it soon). The past year and half has been a nightmare due to side effects and I’m just connecting the dots to it being topiramate. I’ve had terrible joint pains in my knees which isn’t common for an active 17 year old. I’ve been to urgent care and my pediatrician with acid reflux and what we thought was gallbladder issues. I’ve had times where my vision goes blurry randomly but quickly comes back. Recently the neuropathy in my hands and feet is getting so terrible it will sting and burn for long periods of time. My neurologist told me this could happen but to just drink water and it will go away. Drinking water does not help this. I’ve also had an increase in dental issues and now my headaches have been happening more frequently. I have also had mental health issues and I thought it may have been because I am a teenager but it was much more prevalent after I started to taking topiramate. I’ve had issues with constipation and bowel movements and I’m beginning to wonder what has this medication done to my body. I have a neurology appointment next week and I do not want to be on topiramate any longer.
Johnna
I was prescribed Topamax as a preventative for migraines by my neurologist. I have taken Topamax for probably the last 20 from 500mg to 100mg over the years years. I have been in hell and going to doctor after doctor and because I don’t know what is wrong with me or what to do? Recently diagnosed with neuropathy and Fibromyalgia I difficultly with processing of information, slower thinking, difficultly planning and learning. Horrible word recall, remembering where I am going in the car, mental fatigue, vision changes. Hands and feet issues numbness, tingling in my hands and feet, my feet feel wet, the carpet feels wet, shoes feel wet,(I’m Not diabetic) All over body aches Stiffness and weakness in back and neck, joint pain, mobility problems with balance And vertigo. Pain deep muscle pain, muscles weakness. Bone pain, Shooting burning pain, pins and needles in various places of my body, Depression and anxiety issues. Sexual problems difficultly with natural lubricant, difficultly Now to reaching orgasm, less or (Non existent interested) in sex than before. Bladder control empty the bladder completely. UTI so severe I was in the ER. Bowel issues with constipation.
Jennifer
Also, call the FDA. The more complaints they get, the more we can do to illuminate the full range of side effects. (1-888-463-6332).
Jennifer
You can’t “respond” to others on here, but I want to comment on Lauren’s post from 2016. this is the first time I’ve seen anyone post about facial changes. I took the drug at 25mg/day for three years. I stopped in the last year because I felt like it was ageing me. I mean my gorgeous skin and plump cheeks were headed south. My skin tone kind of changed a little. Anyway, I had been on it because I have compulsive tendencies and it really addressed that. I trusted my doctor. he only told me about the most common side effects. “Dry skin” which is listed on the scrip, is far from “this med will dry out your whole body and fat and muscles”. Has this happened to others? I am trying to gather anecdotal evidence to give to Jannessen, the maker of TM. I HATE that my whole life I’ve dealt with anxiety that results in depression. But I wish I’d known what I do now. I would have never traded premature ageing for being 10 pounds less. I would have doubled-down on therapy or something….
Christina
I took topiramate for a short period of time starting in 2017. At the beginning things were good. My migraines were gone and I lost a little weight. Then after getting a refill I noticed the pill looked different. My life will forever be changed after this refill. My migraines came back (or so I thought) my vision went from 20/20 to not being able to read a giant sign. I talked with my primary care dr and she said the vision problems were from the migraines. While I did have vision problems while having migraines this was completely different. It was only in my right eye and it stayed even when not having a headache. Work was crazy busy and I put it off since my primary dr said it was fine.. (dont ever do this). I called my optometrist office and they said I couldn’t see them because it hadn’t been a year since my last appointment. I finally got in with an opthamologist through my health insurance and found out my pressure was 38 and my angles were very narrow and I was having attacks. I was sent to UCLA within a few weeks. I have since had 2 laser procedures and 6 eye surgeries between both eyes. While it started in my right eye once stopping the pressure meds for my right eye it caused my left eye to have attacks as well. My vision which was perfect to begin with is at the point where I cant even get the correct prescription needed because my eyes are so different. I wish I never took this medication. It has made my life hell for the last 2 years.
Melissa
I had beautiful teeth, 7 years later they have halfway rotted out. I would have never taken it if I knew this was going to happen. I have no insurance either so I suffer.
Mary
I was on this drug for a little over four weeks. Every symptom in the book–incredibly dry mouth, ulcers in mouth and tongue, loose tooth, vision problems. The doctor who prescribed did no oversight, so my primary care doctor ran a blood panel. She called me on a Saturday to tell me to go to the ER immediately, as my white blood count was 2,500% above normal. They put me on a full course of steroids, but I was still so addled in mind and body I tried to kill myself a week later. If this drug helps you, great. But it nearly killed me–anyone taking this drug should have weekly blood work for at least the first month.
Lana
People all I can say is get off the Drug now!!! before you have any damage to your once healthy body. I just found out I have Glaucoma facing laser surgery on my eyes. If that’s not enough eye surgery. The Dr. told me I was a year from losing my eye sight completely. Very upsetting for us all. (Eye drops for the rest of my Life)
Melissa
I’ve been on Topamax for three years and just found out i have renal cysts on both my kidneys. A “rare” side effect. I am scared to death, certain the cause is this medication. I don’t know what I’ll do.
Kelly
I took this medicine only 2 months and had the effects of driving somewhere and not even remember how I got there or why I was there. And then there’s other times where I could watch a movie with my kids and then it got so bad for her I wouldn’t even come out of my room with me I was just so tired and then also I couldn’t remember who I was who other people were. It was a horrible drug and I see some of you guys 12 years year and a half I just hardly believe you guys could stay on the down low cuz I was on it for 2 months and it affected me that bad I guess people are different than other people I just don’t understand but that medicine must be up I’ve been off that medicine for like two and a half years now and I still have memory loss. Sometimes I cannot even I can’t come up with the name of a street the name of what I’m trying to say and I mean I know but I’m what I want to say that I can’t just I can’t come up with it out of my head and it bothers me really bad. Sure I can’t remember where I’m going or what I’m trying to do or if I go into another room why did I go in there or I go to another town and I had to call my husband why did I go to this town and he’s like I don’t know anybody I don’t know what you went there for. And just really bothers me and makes me cry to know I have really severe depression over it
Zack
I went on Topamax (the generic version) after I explained to my primary I was having 4 to 5 migraines a month. The medication stopped the headaches but gave me pins and needle feeling in my toes and heels. I went into my doc. And had blood work done and everything came back normal. I also had bouts of shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing. Unsure of it was related. The worst side effect is my memory loss and difficulty concentrating and forming sentences. This has played a huge impact in my personal and professional life. I quit grad school something I had been working on for 6 yrs. Because I couldn’t concentrate and focus. Very sad everyone in my family was SHOCKED! I then started having thoughts of sucide.. never attempted but I did have thoughts. However, as soon as I quit taking this medicine my migraines came back. This medication does act as a mood stabilizer for me and I feel like I can function more productively while on it. I feel I personally need to continue taking if I want to have a pain free life also. I think I just need to find the right dosage.. if there is a thing. I was taking 25mg twice a day. I’m going to cut this back to 12.5mg twice a day and monitor myself more closely and visit with my primary more often.. Warning, be very careful with this drug and use it with caution. It can be dangerous.
Crystal
I am so glad I found this site. I was put on Topamax right after having a stroke right I had a stroke at 37, due to pain and headaches. It has almost been a year now and I feel like I am slowly dying. The weight loss was no concern at first but now, I am loosing myself. I have every symptom I have read and I got a new neuro recently who finally after a year of unexplained issues, for the first time had full bloodwork panel done. I was sent to the ER due to the sodium level results the minute the dr saw me for a follow up so my money went to that and i have I have not had the money to go back to see what the Dr option is. However, I know my metabolic acidosis is scary….and I pray but yet fear each day what my next day is going to be like.
Lauren
Topomax is a poison, a neurotoxin. It is not a drug that should ever be prescribed for less than life threatening conditions, no exceptions. It can cause elevated ammonia in the blood and even metabolic acidosis, which I wonder is the reason behind why it inflicts such a high degree of cognitive and brain damage over long term use for many people. I was only on this crap for 21 or so days. In my case, I developed trouble breathing, tremors, fatigue, severe tingly sensations, and swelling behind my eyes that made them go bloodshot red (early stage of glaucoma). I also became dehydrated, something this drug is notorious for. I went from having plenty of energy to being physically very ill with a flu-like symptomology at 22 years old. I am also thinking it caused or contributed to muscle tone dysfunction and extreme tension in my face; my TMJ is screwed up now, and other facial muscles are not where they should be. I also am wondering if this drug is responsible in some way for the rapid hearing loss in the low frequencies I am experiencing. I started the drug on Sept. 3 at 25 mg. That week I noticed a bit of hearing loss; once I escalated to 50 mg, it was pretty predictable that I would lose a chunk of my low frequency hearing every day. When I started tapering off last week to 25 mg, my low frequency hearing started plummeting like crazy. My last dose was Sept. 21; a few days later, I suffered a 10 db loss in my low frequencies in a single day. It’s still going down really fast despite being off the drug. So there you go; just sharing a few words of wisdom and a personal story to warn people away from this drug! It will ruin your health!
Starr
I just turned 40 and I have been on Topirimate/ Topamax for over 7 yrs. In the beginning, it seems it helped but it that was over 5 yrs ago. Now my perfect teeth that I had braces on, had costly dental work is gone down the toilet. My teeth started to just fall out of my mouth. I could not believe it. I’m so depressed I won’t leave the house because I pride myself on my dental hygiene. I will probably need dental implants or veneers. My memory is a complete waste. My short term memory is gone. Simple words I may want to say in a conversation to someone I can’t seem to articulate. I can’t remember things from a month, a week and it’s gotten so badly now I could be talking to someone and within 5 minutes or so I’ve forgotten the conversation so I have to memo every important conversation in my IPad or Tablet. Jaw pain is absolutely painful. There is so much more but this drug is awful and should be taken off the market! My migraines by the way occur at least 15-18 days of the month and making Topamax has only made it worse!
nisha
Took it for 2 months i had alot of side effects which i already knew where a possibility but i decided to give it a try anyway but after. About a month i noticed that my legs and stomach were rippling like dents and cottage cheese all over i qas wondering if anyone else had any of this while taking the medication…..i want my old body back too this for weight loss and bipolar disorder and ended up with a disqusting looking body at the young age of 29 i would’ve never taken it if i had of known about this this is the worst medicine in tje would
Cindy
I do not know what to say. If I do not take this med. I have no idea what my brain neurons might decide to do. I have had seizures for 11 years. This is one of the drugs that I been on for at least 9 of those years. It alone with the other ones I take keep my brain in order most of the time. I still get the side effects of the drug though. The positive one that I like is the weight lost. I never been severely overweight. Just a few pounds. I am short and birthed three children. When I started losing the weight it was a few pounds at a time. My clothes size started dropping. I officially Have gone from a size 10 to a 2/4 since being on this drug. Never dreamed that I would be wearing a size 2. Already wore glasses so can’t blame it on that for sure. Get the tingling all the time. As for memory….???? Can I blame it on this?
Beth
I was on Topamax and then the generic form for over 4 years. I have chronic migraines. I lost some weight but the affect didn’t last long. I had the usual side affects of tingling in handy and feet but I also started to have itchy scalp and half the thickness of my hair loss. I freaked out about that one. I have memory and dizziness issues as well. After I stopped taking it I still have memory issues and I have cataracts that have gotten worse. They went from barely noticeable to steering wheel white knuckles very quickly after I had stopped. I was not old enough to really get cataracts yet, there they are. I will have the surgery to have them removed but the lenses that are added and paid for by insurance will still cause a halo for me afterwards. To get the right cataract lenses it will cost me almost $4500.00. And I will still need glasses. Thank you Topamax. You are truly unforgettable.
Donna
This medicine need to be taken off the market, it will kill you
Abby
I was on topamax for no longer than 4 weeks. The symptoms became so unbearable that I stopped it myself, as I was only on 25mg, however, 6 weeks later I’m off of it but still feeling the side effects and they have significantly ruined my life. I became dysfunctional: my short term memory is gone, I forget what I’m saying mid sentence, I can’t remember how to drive to certain locations, I get confused about where I am. I get so confused that it caused me to take double the dose of my new mood stabilizers that I’m on due to the severe irritability the topamax caused me. All of my relationships are suffering; I nearly left my boyfriend of 7 years. My sex life is non existent. I became very suicidal and cut myself numerous times. My therapist of 8 years doesn’t believe me, she thinks it’s all in my head. I originally went on topamax for migraines and ended up so mentally dysfunctional. I’m in therapy and taking medications to treat the aftermath of the topamax rather than my initial issues. I’m so frustrated. I haven’t felt like myself in months, I just want to feel normal again.
Terri
I had the run of the mill side effects the first couple of months..brain fog, tingling in extremities. .etc. Nothing since. This drug DOES work for some. Saved me from having back surgery for herniated discs. And is currently the ONLY med I take for pain relief versus my previous 80mg/day oxy addiction. Maybe keep that in mind..some of u..demanding this drug be yanked off the market. Thankfully. .it’s NOT your call to make..
Adam
I’m 22 and was on topiramate for 2 months for Tourettes. Other than that I was perfectly healthy prior to this medicine. I began to develop panic attacks and quit cold turkey because I just wanted this drug out of me. After a week of pure Hell from withdrawals I was fine for a week, so I thought. Suddenly the panic attacks came back and I still have them every day and they cause a weird numbness in the left side of my body and I get random twitches in my body and I am also completely exhausted every day. The medicine worked until I began having the side effects. I have been in and out of the hospital all month because of the weird sensations these panic attacks give me and it constantly feels like my brain is on overload. Weird thing is all of my tests have come back normal. So now I am just awaiting my mri results to see if it caused any problems in my brain. I should have never been on this medicine and I feel for anyone that is still taking it. It is a toxic drug and I feel it is not safe.
Karen
I have been on Topamax twice; first from 1999-2008 and now for about a year. I thought it was a good medication. The first time, no problems. Sure there was the hand and feet tinging but that wore of. THIS time has been bad and I stopped it myself. I’ve been having terrible roaming body aches and pains. They rarely localize – they just pop up all over. Now my knees want to buckle under me when I’m in the tub. No position is good – I hurt no matter what. And, my legs jerk and quiver. Symptoms are worse at night (after 2 medication times). Another thing that was driving me nuts was the fact my sense of taste and smell is all messed up. I was having small visual hallucinations and smell hallucinations. I was already going through issues with my BiPolarism and memory so that I can’t be sure what Topamax’s role was in that was. All I know is I can’t take all these symptoms; I have to find answers. I was on 200mg/day both times so it’s not dose dependent.
LB
I was on Topomax in 2009 for 9 months due to being diagnosed as Bipolar (actually it was a PTSD episode after being traumatized in concentration-camp style by a mentor). I had what I call “brain zaps” that would make me black out and then come to. I also remember being able to think clearly with one thought at a time in my head which was the good part of it. Things did not excessively bother me and I pretty much felt like I could “float” through life no matter who was trying to upset me. Unfortunately, now in 2015 I have poor short-term memory ability, have lost a couple teeth, have brain zaps still occasionally, and generally have suffered. The thing is, what if they had NOT had Topomax for me back then. It would have been Depakote which has its own share of issues and side-effects. I’m glad for Topomax but not happy about the long-term issues that came with it.
Jessica
I was given a high dose of topamax for seizures, and now I am unable to work, or perform the most simple of self care tasks. I can barely type this message because of the brain fog. I was hospitalized for a week, and now walk with a walker because I can not stand without passing out. I am tired and dizzy all day and can’t think straight. I’ll admit, I have had thoughts of suicide as well. Maybe from the drug, maybe because of how it altered my life from the happy, active person I was before to an invalid who can’t even take care of myself. I have had all the hallmark symptoms of a topamax overdose including aphasia. The 2 weeks of extreme weight loss and anorexia was not worth the lifetime of disability. And it did not stop the seizures.
Tammie
I had been on topiramate and phentermine for a little over a year for weight loss and started having episodes this past November, that happen about once a month, which includes sneezing and then my face swells up, mainly my eye area, my nose closes off and then sometimes in a severe case my throat closes to breathing easily. Of course I’ve been to doctors I’ve been to allergist and with no help I’m starting to wonder if it’s the medication? Anyone having similar side effects from this med?
dimples 37
This drug has made my life a living ####… my memory is crap.. I would not recommend this drug to anyone ever…… I had tingling in my fingers and toes and the worst side effect is memory loss!!!
1 2 3 … 8

Share Your Story With Our Community

This field is hidden when viewing the form
I authorize the above comments be posted on this page
Post Comment
Weekly Digest Opt-In

Want your comments reviewed by a lawyer?

To have an attorney review your comments and contact you about a potential case, provide your contact information below. This will not be published.

NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

MORE TOP STORIES

Court Urged To Combine 5 AFFF Lawsuits For First MDL Bellwether Trial
Plaintiffs have asked the judge presiding over all AFFF lawsuits to consolidate five claims involving kidney cancer and testicular cancer injuries for the first bellwether trial in the federal MDL.
MORE ABOUT: AFFF LAWSUIT
Sports-Gambling-Addictions-Study
As sportsbooks have spread to 38 states, new data shows a sharp rise in gambling addiction-related help-seeking, suggesting that the platforms’ predatory designs may be fueling harmful, compulsive behaviors.
Depo Shot Lawsuit Filed Over Serious Brain Tumor Injuries
A product liability lawsuit over the side effects of the Depo shot states women worldwide were warned about brain tumor risks, but not those in the U.S.