Topamax Weirdness

Since October 2013 I took Topamax because I have severe nightmares due to childhood trauma. My psychiatrist upped the dose to 200 mg in the morning and 200 mg in the evening. Now I have hair loss but since the last time she upped the dose I feel really weird. It is like my thoughts live their own life. Sometimes I think this is how it must feel like when you are close to a psychosis. I know that what I am thinking is weird (no, no suicidal thoughts) but I can't stop it. Can't even give an example. There is a lot of chaos in my head and not about my childhood. I have been in therapy for that. This is very weird and I am sort of tired of it. My family and friends notice it too. Here in The Netherlands the doctors are kind of: "It will pass like" with side effects. But I am not so sure about that. We don't have groups and forums like this. When I started to take Topamax my psychiatrist said: "Don't read all the side effects otherwise you will never use it. Trust me it is okay." I hadn't been sleeping normal for decades so yes I was willing to take anything. But with the extremely thinning hair and the weird chaotic thoughts I am reaching out to you. Does anyone recognize this? Can anyone help me out or am I really going insane now?

REPLY

REPORT

Hi I am on 200mg of Topamax twice daily since 2009 because of severe hemiplegic migraines. I also had seizures. Although the seizures are controlled and the migraines not as severe I too live in a strange world. My family feel it is hard to get through to me and my thoughts are very jumbled. Sounds, smells and touch are all very intense. This may be part of my headache auras or maybe its these tablets. I cannot tell. Lots of people on here who don't have my condition who seem pretty sane to me, seem to have a lot of the same experiences. Problem is what is worse? My seizures and being almost bed bound or being away with the fairies!!! I think that you are probably ok and I would say if these tablets are making you feel bad then they are not right for you. If you were not like this before taking them then it must surely be side effects. Minor side effects should be gone by now. Could you not return to your doctor and don't mention forums but show your hair and say how feel and ask whether there is anything else you can try. Good Luck.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi, I too am on Top a max but I am on 800 mg 400 mg twice daily. I have epilepsy and I am glad I know now I'm not the only one dealing with the freaky side effects . I have dealt with them for a while. I have to take another medication for seizures too and I had to keep telling my doctors that it wasn't in my head and the side effects were not going away. Remember that they are there to help you. Take care.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi, I have been using Topamax for depression for 12 months and must admit that it has been very sucessful. The one major...

114 REPLIES

After trying two antidepressants and multiple therapists, my doctor has decided to prescribe me Topamax for my binge eat...

31 REPLIES

I'm on 100mg of Topamax 3 times a day. I've been on it for over 2 years now. I day all 3 doses at once. I take i...

15 REPLIES

I cant stand the hideous side effects of any of the other bipolar drugs anymore .I take 450mg lithium now. Hoping topama...

11 REPLIES

If you're thinking about taking Topamax or you're taking Topamax, please do your research and consider other alt...

9 REPLIES

Hi everyone. My 14 year old daughter has been on topamax (25 mg twice daily) for a number of years. She is being treated...

7 REPLIES

I was on this drug for a long time for a mood disorder. I kept complaining of shortness of breath on small amounts of ex...

5 REPLIES

I have been on Topamax for about 4 months and am now having double vision. I was taking 25mg a day and was told by my ey...

4 REPLIES

I took this once years ago for a mood stabilizer. I'm now on it again for weight loss. But I'm not seeing result...

3 REPLIES

Hi. I was on Topamax 50mg at bedtime only for a month. I lost 15 lbs, fuzzy brain, but most of all terrible thoughts of ...

3 REPLIES