Topamax is a highly effective migraine preventive medication, according to several clinical trials reported on Topamax.com. The antiepileptic medication raises a patient's pain threshold to prevent head pain from occurring. Occasionally, seizures are a symptom of migraines, termed hemiplegic migraines, and Topamax will prevent the seizure symptom as well as the migraine. Topamax.com indicates that using any anti-seizure medication to prevent migraines requires daily long-term use, and stopping treatment requires a gradual step-down of dosage to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Confusion
Topamax.com indicates that a general sense of confusion is the most common side effect of Topamax. Confusion includes a general fog-like feeling, problems focusing or concentrating, slower reflexes and speech problems due to an inability to think of the proper word. This side effect may come and go or be persistently present. Fortunately, stopping Topamax stops this symptom; however, some migraines and seizures cause more harm than does the confusion.
Appetite
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., the manufacturer of Topamax, lists several side effects associated with appetite. Loss of appetite leading to weight loss is a typical side effect of Topamax. Patients usually equilibrate to a lower body weight over the long term that is still clinically healthy, according to Topamax.com. Another common side effect is a change in taste. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals reports that a change in food and drink preferences is common after taking Topamax for an extended time period. For instance, some people reported no longer enjoying carbonated beverages or spicy food after taking Topamax.
Personality Changes
Aggression, restlessness, shakiness and depression are possible side effects of Topamax. The likelihood of any occurring has not been studied long term; however, personality changes are reported often, according to the manufacturer and RelieveMigraineHeadache.com.
Blindness
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals indicates that Topamax may cause blindness. If you experience blurry vision or eye pain, regardless of whether it is associated with a migraine, consult a physician. If changes in vision are not treated immediately, they may become permanent and lead to eventual blindness over the long term.
Metabolic Acidosis
Topamax lowers the natural bicarbonate levels in blood, which can lead to elevated acidity. Hyperventilation and irregular heartbeat are typical predictors of metabolic acidosis. If you are having difficulty breathing and your heart is racing, seek medical help immediately. Metabolic acidosis may occur at any point in treatment, according to Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Suicidal Thoughts
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an amendment in 2008 to the warnings of antiepileptic medications, including Topamax, to include suicidal thoughts and behavior. "Patients being treated with antiepileptic drugs for any condition should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior." This policy was established based on data collected from 199 different clinical trials that showed that antiepileptic medication doubles a person's risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. The likelihood of suicidal behavior increases with time, according to the FDA.
Birth Defects
All antiepileptic medication risks birth defects if taken while pregnant, according to Epilepsy.com. If you plan on being pregnant, you need to plan in advance with your doctors since you will have to be weaned off Topamax over a several-month period before becoming pregnant. The severity of your migraines will need to be weighed against the probability of birth defects in consultation with a physician.
