[ER-RN2]

Hi all. I was just started on Topamax a few weeks a go for chronic flank pain related to my interstital cystits. I have read through some other posts regarding topamax but thought I would start a new up to date thread. I know that this is given for multiple diagnosis but has it helped for you? Any major side effects? I've slowly increasing my dosages each week per his directions and seem to be doing ok. The pain doesn't seem to be as bad as it was so that is good too. I guess the main thing that I have noticed since taking it is that everything that I eat or drink (more drinks than foods) tastes weird. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!!!

[AlexCCRN]

Topiramate label use: anti-seizure and migraine prophylaxis. Investigational use in infantile spasms, neuropathic pain, cluster HA. Teratogenic & enter breast milk. Can reduce serum HCO2 up to 67% - risk for metabolic acidosis - must be monitored. ARs > 10% include dizziness, ataxia, somnolence, psychomotor retardation, memory difficulties, fatigue. Use caution in conjunction with any anticholinergic drugs.

[BlocDoc]

Originally Posted by ER-RN2

Hi all. I was just started on Topamax a few weeks a go for chronic flank pain related to my interstital cystits. I have read through some other posts regarding topamax but thought I would start a new up to date thread. I know that this is given for multiple diagnosis but has it helped for you? Any major side effects? I've slowly increasing my dosages each week per his directions and seem to be doing ok. The pain doesn't seem to be as bad as it was so that is good too. I guess the main thing that I have noticed since taking it is that everything that I eat or drink (more drinks than foods) tastes weird. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!!!

Topomax exerts clinical effects consistent with a group of drugs known as central membrane stabilizers. While an off-label use (very legal!) they are helpful in the treatment of neuropathic pain, manifested as pain arising from central pain sensitization- Other drugs include Amitriptyline, gabapentin, tegretol and most recently, pregabalin.

read:http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/en/pain/mi.../science4.html

Hope this will help!

[LCRN]

Hello,
I've been taking topamax for about 3 years for neuropathic pain in my knee s/p multiple surgeries. The major side effects that I've come across is numbness and tingling in my hands and lips that comes and goes. I find it's present more when I'm stressed out. I also started taking at bedtime but found that it kept me up so now I take it in the am. Other than that I am expriencing less pain and really have no complaints about the medication. I use it in combination with neurontin (gabapentin) which has been a great drug for me as well.

Good Luck-

[Patient]

I couldn't take it. Tried it for 2 months and couldn't feel a thing in my hands and feet, and as already posted, everything I ate or drank tasted like... well... arse. :-) Since it wasn't even touching my pain, the doc agreed it was useless to continue. I have heard of many people who get relief and very few side effects, so hope you're one of them.

[rehab nurse]

i stopped taking it as well, switched to depakote.

i had too many side effects that i couldn't handle. somnolence, i had altered taste of everything, very very sleepy, blunted thought process, tingling in my arms and lips (constant) but worse right after taking a dose, etc.

was just too much for me. i stopped it after three weeks. i did not notice an improvement in my pain or in my migraines. i've had much better luck with depakote.

i wish you the best!!! everyone's different in their response to meds. hopefully it will help you and not give you too many s/e.