Topiramate for migraines- side effects

Hi there,I tried topiramate last year didn’t help at all with my migraines and didn’t like the side effects 😢 I had a little weight loss,hair loss,pins and needles in hands,feet and face,felt really spaced out too,had to come off them,I’ve had migraines now for 12 years every single day has never gone away 😢 just started new medication last night and feel really spaced out already xx  

Thanks for your reply Jenny. What dose were you taking? Last time I took Topiramate I was on 100mg in two doses, it was a long long time ago I last took it so my memory is rather faded, but I can’t remember any side effects....... or maybe my loss of memory was a side effect 🤪

No I haven’t tried that drug. I’m just coming off propranolol at the moment, which was the only one I could take while breastfeeding. I am planning on starting Topiramate on Sunday. Apart from Topiramate 12 years ago I have mainly taken some form of beta blockers. I started with migraines when I was 16, I’m 45 now and only ever be migraine free when pregnant ( three babies) I am hoping once Mother Nature has decided to put me through the menopause they may stop altogether, I can hope anyway! 

Hi

I was on topiramate a couple of years ago - they did not help the migraines and they made me feel low in mood, tearful and agitated. I was intolerant of everyone. I did not lose weight. I have been on everything - propranolol and atenolol made my heart rate too low, amitriptyline made me lose concentration and clarity of thinking, pzitofen made me put on 2 stone in 3 months !! The GP eventually prescribed triptan injections which allowed me to function rather than being in bed throwing up all day and at one point a few years ago I was using them twice a week. I was having four to five migraines a week generally. I  saw a neurologist and he trialled Candesartan which is unlicensed and usually prescribed for hypertension or heart failure. It is the only thing that has worked and I have a migraine maybe every three to four months. I am even drinking alcohol again. 

I have my life back again after twenty years of suffering

Hope you get sorted out

 

UPDATE

I have been on topiramate for a month now, starting at 25mg, now on 100mg per day. My migraines have gone from an average of 20 per month right down to 5 since I started on topiramate and will hopefully drop further now I am on the full dose. I have had some expected side effects, mainly tiredness, a bit of dizziness and pins and needles, but they are starting to settle now my body is getting used to the tables. I have been on these before, with good outcome, so knew I just had to get through  the first few weeks, and to be honest, it really wasn't that back, certainly better than suffering chronic migraines! As for the weight loss side effect, since starting topiramate I have lost 12 pound in four weeks. This is without trying as the drug totally zaps your appetite, you do feel hungry and will eat, but after a few mouthfuls your full, I guess it would be what people who have had a gastric band would feel like???? I am taking a really good multi vitamin, just in case it continues ( I do have a spare 36 pounds to play with anyway!!) I have been taking note of my calorie intake, including fluids and its averaging at 800-1000 per day.

But the main point of this post is topiramate is has really change my life with regards with my migraines and I can enjoy time with my little boy and do normal family things again xxxx   

Hi I was recently prescribed Topimarate for chronic migraine. I have tried many different treatments over the years. This one was as much of a disappointment as most of the others. In fact it made life worse because I couldn't eat or sleep as well as having daily migraines. I lost 2 kg in one week so I stopped and immediately felt better.Although still with daily migraine which sometimes shifts with a triptan. However, one treatment that has worked for me in the past and has rescued me recently is 0.5 Rivotril (clonazepam) taken at night. I have chronic tinnitus and it helps with this too. I find tne side effects of this are minimal but everyone is different and has to find their own path in this debilitating condition.