Topamax is the brand name for topiramate, a drug prescribed for the treatment of certain types of seizures. Patients who experience tonic-clonic or partial seizures or have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, as well as some adult migraine headache sufferers, may benefit from the use of Topamax. Although Topamax is an effective treatment, patients and caregivers should be aware of the possible side effects of using Topamax and report them to a health care provider.
Common Side Effects
Topamax side effects that do not require a doctor's attention are nausea, tremors and breast pain (in women). According to the Mayo Clinic, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience clumsiness or unsteadiness, prickling, burning or tingling sensations, dizziness, confusion, unusual weakness or tiredness or confusion. A physician should also be contacted if the patient experiences vision problems of any type, such as double vision, blurred vision, decreasing vision or eye pain, or uncontrolled or continuous eye movement, eye pressure or eye redness. PSYweb.com states that other common but serious side effects include respiratory infections, speech, memory or language problems, slowing of physical or mental activity, nervousness and trouble paying attention. Women should report menstrual pain or changes.
Less-common Side Effects
Side effects of Topamax that are less common but may be ignored (unless they continue and are bothersome) include constipation, back pain, chest pain, leg pain, heartburn, increased sweating and hot flushes. Contact a medical professional if you experience any of the following: weight changes, a decrease in appetite, sore throat, fever or chills, stomach or abdominal pain, irritated, red or bleeding gums or any mental or mood changes, such as agitation, aggression, irritability, apathy or depression.
Rare Side Effects
In rare instances, side effects requiring medical attention have occurred. These include urination problems, such as painful or difficulty urinating, bloody urine, increased frequency of urination and loss of bladder control. Other rare side effects that need medical attention include buzzing or ringing in the ears and hearing loss, decrease in sexual desire or performance, nosebleeds, eye pain, itching, lower side or back pain, trouble breathing, swelling, pale skin or skin rash.
Unknown Occurrence
Side effects that may be attributed to Topamax and should be reported to the patient's physician include lesions or blisters in the mouth or other areas, peeling or loosening skin, yellowing of the eyes or skin, bloating, diarrhea and clay-colored stool. Other unknown occurrence side effects are coughing, confusion, fever, muscle or joint pain, increased breath rate and tenderness or pain in the stomach or upper abdomen.
