Topomax Side Effects: Trading Migraine for Weight Loss and Brain Fog

February 9, 2017/

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My treatment plans change depending on what preventative or abortive medications work for me at the time. Some examples of preventive are Topomax and Botox. I get Botox but the effectiveness is hit or miss and I get different side effects from the injections each time. I never know how I’m going to feel the days after, the effectiveness of the areas, and the time before it kicks in and wears off. This is the same as all preventatives with me. The most profound side effects that I experienced were Topomax weight loss and brain fog.

Weighing the side effects and effectiveness is really what I have battled with for years. So I took my medication vacation before I had children and haven’t gone back to any (daily preventative) pills. Before this “vacation” and a ton of reflection, I didn’t understand the side effects that I was getting from the variety of medications that I tried. I have a hypersensitive body and brain which probably seems obvious. But growing up I didn’t understand the risks and damage that these meds were doing to me while I was under the impression that they would help.

Migraine Preventive

I have taken dozens of different preventatives over the years….none of which are specifically made for migraine sufferers. They have been anti-seizure, blood pressure, depression, and more. None of which I am diagnosed with. But in an attempt to curb these daily headaches and migraine I have tried it. I always trusted my doctor would steer me in the right direction but what I have learned is to trust yourself!

Topmax Side Effects

I was on Topomax for the longest amount of time and from what I remember was the most effective for the greatest amount of time for me. Memory loss, fuzziness, and concentration issues are just a few of the many side effects I had from Topomax. I started out on a low dosage and slowly increased it to keep up with my growing migraines.

Topomax weight loss happened quickly along with other side effects mentally. I was tired, confused, losing words, moody, dizzy, lost hair, had altered tastes in foods, and more. The crazy thing is, I didn’t understand that these were side effects of the medication until years after I was off it.

I remember reporting some of my issues to my doctor but thought it was just associated with migraine pain and everything else that comes with it. The hindsight made me realize that I wasn’t crazy. The drugs I was given to help me were hurting me! It’s beyond frustrating to think I was taking these meds and they were making me worse.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten prescriptions and read the side effects and been both horrified and terrified. But most of the time I read it once I’ve bought it and it’s too late. I don’t have the money to be throwing away something that holds hope for me. The risks now just don’t outweigh the benefit to me. I have never felt great on anything, so why continue to take anything? Nothing has been approved for my diagnosis so why am I a human guinea pig in the meantime?

Migraine Medication

This is not to say that I don’t think they work and no one should take them. Everyone is so different which is why the battle is real for all of us. None of us are the same and don’t get the results or side effects the same. I don’t necessarily regret taking these meds that didn’t work for me. I regret not being more informed!!!!!!! Feeling like I was crazy, a hypochondriac, and a waste of time and money searching for relief was frustrating. I regret not listening to my body and understanding the side effects of my medications.

Topomax Weight Loss

Side effects made my condition worse, gave me other issues to deal with, and caused a lot of problems throughout my journey. I didn’t understand that my growing and changing body would require changing meds and it wasn’t a fail. Now, I see it as another move in my game of chess. I can now check those things off my list and say “I tried it and no thank you right now.”

Topomax Brain Fog

Does that mean I’ll never go back on them? Of course not. I will do whatever I can to feel better. Some days are more desperate than others but most of the time I try to be realistic and think both short and long term. I used to think my doctor was going to give me something to leave with that would cure me and make me feel normal. I didn’t understand that it’s a journey and there are no cures. It’s a combination and balance in my life that I need to look for. I think if I was going to give some advice it would be, “Understand what you are taking, both preventative and rescue. Understand how they work together and dosages. Read and understand the side effects and risks of any medication that you use. Be careful, be safe, and hopefully be well!”

[UPDATED: AIMOVIG and Nurtec]

Do you take preventative medication for migraine?

What side effects have you had?

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Sarah Rathsack

I tell stories of My Migraine Life. Living life through Migraine consists of advocacy, treatment, prevention, and searching for health and happiness in a positive honest way. My kids, husband, dog, family and friends motivate me to make a difference in the Migraine World.

Posted in Migraine, Treatments

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Deb Rathsack on August 21, 2015 at 1:08 pm

Well written – gives pause to rethink what we all are doing when we just pop a pill for a symptom and sometimes create 3 other symptoms
Sally Harrold on August 21, 2015 at 1:51 pm

I, too, have tried a number of medications over the years, both for my migraines and for my other chronic pain issues. I found out the hard way that trusting your doctors to make wise choices for you isn’t always a wise decision. Most doctors are honorable and trustworthy; mine was not. I became chemically dependent upon the pain meds he prescribed so freely. I was fortunate enough to get off these meds and start fresh. I do take Topomax and it kept me migraine free for almost 7 years. They’ve come back, not as bad as they were, but I’m coping. I have to admit, I’m very nervous about taking medications without a lot of research first after what I went through.
mymigrainelife on August 21, 2015 at 3:24 pm

Thanks for your story & honesty, Sally. I know you are not the only one who has experienced that & can relate!
Wendy Schaetzke on August 22, 2015 at 12:28 am

Always love reading your posts Sarah and pray for you often!
Syn Etc on August 23, 2015 at 12:30 am

I completely get and respect your decision. I was chronic from 13-26 and only was on a preventative if it was being prescribed for another reason, usually psych.

For me they never made a huge difference, knowing and understanding my headaches makes so much more. My mom also has been chronic her whole life and doesn’t take preventatives.

I am on Botox and Amitriptyline both have a small impact and the Amitriptyline I take for multiple conditions. I do hope to find sone relieve through preventatives as other medical conditions are my biggest migraine triggers now (Ménière’s).

Successful life with migraine always means keeping things in balance.
Tracy on August 25, 2015 at 10:22 am

Thank you. I needed this today. I’m seeing my Dr tomorrow and saying no more preventative meds. They never helped without Botox and I’m done.
mymigrainelife on August 25, 2015 at 11:28 am

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Good luck at the dr!
Amy B. on September 18, 2015 at 4:13 pm

You mentioned you get Botox. How long and what side effects have you experienced? Just received my first August 24th and some things I’ve experienced are diff swallowing, facial rash and itching, wheezing and some low anxiety.
mymigrainelife on September 18, 2015 at 4:35 pm

I have gotten it several times. Actually, on and off for years. Each time is different. Each time we try to tweak the placement & amount to try to problem solve. Like all the meds I’ve taken, not much works every time so I try to adapt things
Mitzi on May 11, 2016 at 9:14 pm

I can so relate!!! I am hypersensitive to so many meds. I get so many side effects that often they are making the effort to get well taking one step forward and two to three back. Thanks for posting. It helps to know we are not alone. Migraines for 30 years. About to try the surgery to avoid meds.
Jessica on September 12, 2016 at 4:56 pm

I started topamax two months ago. The first night my mind felt a little zappy but after that the only thing I experienced seemed to be really lucid dreams [not bad since they were like weird movies…not the scary type]. But now I’m noticing that I’ve been getting a tad dizzy at times and feeling some tingling in my hands and fingers periodically. Nothing major but something I’m noticing. Not sure if it’s in my head, a symptom of not eating enough [I’m chasing after a 20 month old] or a side effect of the medicine. What do you think? I’ve been happy with the results bc the intensity and frequency has improved dramatically. My dr just recently bumped me up from 20 mg to 35 mg so I’m still on a very low dose.
mymigrainelife on September 12, 2016 at 5:01 pm

Talk to your doctor about it and be aware of side effects. I too passed it off as me “being crazy” or something else. The biggest thing is to be aware and honest with yourself and Doctor. Once my dosage was upped my side effects increased. Everyone is different and I hope you find relief.
Jessica on September 12, 2016 at 5:29 pm

Thanks! I actually haven’t started the 35 mg yet. I go back in a few months so I’ll pay close attention. Look forward to more of your blogs.
mymigrainelife on September 12, 2016 at 5:39 pm

Good luck! Thank you!!!
ejrebel on February 10, 2017 at 6:07 pm

I’ve tried them all, my doctor even went into the archives for,meds that used to be used and aren’t anymore. We’ve tried combinations, various doses etc. I just had botox done for the first time a couple months back with no changes to my migraines. Ugh
mymigrainelife on February 10, 2017 at 6:38 pm

I’m sorry. Don’t give up! Have you tried a different doctor to see if they can help? I’ve recently been tested for allergies and am investigating as many natural reliefs as possible. Every little bit helps. Good luck!
ejrebel on February 10, 2017 at 7:17 pm

I’ve been to so many doctors and specialists over the years. Always trying something new or again.
mymigrainelife on February 10, 2017 at 7:25 pm

I’m totally there with you. It’s a journey that I was sure I would know more from. I’m still learning and trying everyday with little answers.
ejrebel on February 21, 2017 at 1:37 am

Just saw my passion specialist again, if I can switch insurances there are some clinical trials for implants and taser-like things to interrupt the nerve signals he thinks would be useful
Amy Ewald on July 27, 2018 at 12:43 pm

I got my first round of Botox for prevention. The day after I had a screaming migraine. I knew that might happen. Now I have a bruise by my eye, all the injection spots still hurt and it feels like my right temple is tightening like a screw. This is only going on Day 3. I know it takes up to 10 days for full effects and it may take several treatments, but I can barely touch half my face. I hope this is worth injected botulism into my face!
mymigrainelife on July 27, 2018 at 12:45 pm

Have you talked to your dr? I usually get meds after to help prevent a migraine from all the needles. Hopefully it calms down soon!
Amy Ewald on July 27, 2018 at 12:50 pm

My dentist did it, b/c my neurologist doesn’t do it. However, I do have all sorts of pain meds laying around. Some doctors happily give me highly addictive stuff to try and it sits in my cabinet with me worrying about taking it. I actually had a doctor give me a barbiturate to take INSTEAD of Motrin first, for my less painful migraines. Oy! Safe to say after I looked it up it has stayed in the back of the cabinet until last night. I took an Imitrex and it helped with the pain that day, but the side effects of that had me bedridden the rest of the day. I took one of those pills in the back of the cabinet last night the one’s I fear and it seemed to help last night. The pain isn’t really that bad, it’s just weird.
mymigrainelife on July 27, 2018 at 12:59 pm

I’m sorry you are going through so much! Can you consult your neurologist on what the best meds to take even though you didn’t get the botox from him?