Topamax is a drug originally designed for use with epileptic patients. It’s now become the drug of choice for prescription to migraine sufferers. Other conditions this drug is being used for include: bipolar disorder, obesity, alcoholism, post-traumatic stress disorder, bulimia nervosa, obsessive compulsive disorder among other conditions that it is being investigated for.

It is designed to be taken continuously in order to prevent migraine attacks from occurring. To its credit it has helped in preventing migraines and for many people who suffer with very frequent migraine attacks as they had few alternatives.

The purpose of this article is to give a full account of the pros and cons for taking a drug like topamax so that my fellow migraine sufferers can make an informed decision.

Through my research on topamax users I’ve found that many discontinue using it because of its severe side effects while others continue using it reasoning that the side effects are worth the result of relief from migraines.

The side effects that have been most commonly experienced by patients on topamax include:

-psychomotor slowing

-memory problems (short term memory loss)

-fatigue

-feelings of pins and needles

-confusion

-somnolence (increased desire for sleep also called hypersomnia)

-upper respiratory tract infections

-diarrhea

-nausea

-loss of appetite (leading to rapid weight loss)

-dizziness

-kidney stones

And recently the FDA has issued a notification alerting physicians and patients about the risk of vision loss through the development of acute myopia or glaucoma. The initial symptom of this is pain in or around the eyes which typically occurs within the first month of usage.

The cost of topamax in the United States ranges from a whopping $120 to over $400 respectively for 25mg to 200mg bottles containing 60 tablets.

So does topamax help migraineurs?

Pros: As I stated earlier it has definitely shown that it does help to reduce occurrences of migraine attacks.

Cons: Mild to severe to devastating side effects potentially worse than your migraines.

My personal view is that based on all the possible side-effects a decision to go on a drug like this should not be taken lightly and only after all other alternatives have been explored. After all why would you want to simply trade one problem for another? At least your migraines are free!

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