Topamax is an anticonvulsant that is most commonly used to treat seizures. It can also be used for treating obesity, pain syndromes and alcohol cravings in people who are alcohol abusers. This drug has a number of side effects that can physically and mentally impact users. Learning about these side effects can help patients make the best treatment decisions.
Cognitive Effects
Doctors from the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center indicate that Topamax can have several effects on cognitive function. Users may find that they have difficulty concentrating or retrieving the words they want to use from their memory banks. People who use Topamax may also become more easily confused and have difficulty remembering things. If these side effects persist, a dosage adjustment may be considered.
Dizziness
The neurology department at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions lists dizziness as one of the most common side effects of the drug Topamax. Because dizziness can lead to a loss of balance and an increased risk for serious falls, an adjustment to the dosage of Topamax may be needed. If dizziness persists and interferes with daily activities, an alternate drug may need to be considered.
Fatigue and Drowsiness
Medical professionals at UC Davis indicate that a common side effect of Topamax is a tired feeling or feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. Reducing the amount of Topamax that is taken in each dose can help to reduce or eliminate these side effects. If these effects continue to be bothersome, other epilepsy drugs may be used to achieve anticonvulsant effects without the side effects.
Psychological Effects
Doctors from the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center list several psychological side effects of Topamax. The most common are nervousness and depression. An adjustment in the dosage of Topamax being taken is often enough to reduce these side effects to manageable levels. If nervousness or depression become severe, alternate drug therapies may be needed.
Poor Coordination
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions indicate that one of the most common side effects of Topamax is poor coordination. This side effect can be accompanied by slow functioning, which causes people taking Topamax to move more slowly than usual. Because poor coordination can lead to falls or injuries, it is important that people taking Topamax are closely monitored.
Speech Disorders
Related to poor coordination and slow functioning is the problem of speech disorders when taking Topamax. Speech disorders can include stuttering and slurred speech, making it difficult for people experiencing this side effects to perform their job duties. If these speech disorders begin to interfere with daily activities, it may be necessary to decrease the dosage of Topamax or use an alternate drug.
Unusual Sensations
Professionals from the University of Virginia Center for Addiction Research and Education list tingling sensations in the arms and feet as a common side effect of Topamax. These sensations may present as a feeling of prickling or pins and needles. This side effect is usually mild and is not enough to interfere with Topamax therapy.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Several gastrointestinal side effects can occur with the use of Topamax for epilepsy and other conditions. The UVA Center for Addiction Research and Education lists diarrhea, change in taste, nausea and weight loss as possible gastrointestinal side effects of this drug. Taking Topamax with food may help to alleviate some of these symptoms.
