Topamax Side Effects

Everyone reacts differently to different medications and there are a number of people that report experiencing topiramate side effects when used as prescribed. The majority of people find that the Topamax side effects are mild to moderate, although there are incidences of more severe reactions among a small number of users. Understanding how this medication affects your own body and the side effects of Topamax and alcohol will ensure that you are not unknowingly increasing the risks. Always discuss the topiramate side effects that you experience with your physician and pharmacist and if you think that you are experiencing severe complications, seek immediate medical care.

What are the Topamax side effects?

Most of the topiramate side effects are noticed within the first few weeks of regular use and tend to be milder in severity. The most common Topamax side effects include: numbness and tingling in the arms or legs; general fatigue; change in perceived taste of certain foods, especially carbonated beverages; unintended weight loss; loss of appetite; nausea; diarrhea; and difficulty with concentration or memory. If you are experiencing any of these topiramate side effects it is important to consult your doctor as soon as possible, as often a slight variation in dosage can alleviate the complication.

There are some topiramate side effects that are rare, but nonetheless more severe and you should seek immediate medical attention if you notice or experience any of these symptoms. These serious Topamax side effects include: decrease in vision; increased pressure in the eye; decreased sweating and subsequent high fever; increased level of acid in the blood, which leads to brittle bones and kidney stones; suicidal thoughts and depression; increase in aggression; impulsiveness; mania; confusion; and complications with pregnancy. It is important not to stop taking Topamax without consulting your physician, as abruptly halting the consumption of topiramate can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Topamax and alcohol

Alcohol can affect most medications effectiveness and caution should be taken when you are on medication and are thinking about having a drink. While the prescription for topiramate doesn’t usually explicitly want against avoiding alcohol, the drowsy side effects of the medication can be exacerbated by the alcohol. It is important to remember that if you are going to mix Topamax and alcohol that you pace yourself and do so with caution. It has been reported that the medication lowers the perceived tolerance to alcohol and can increase the downer effects of both substances.

The Topamax side effects listed will give you a good idea of what to expect, but there may be some symptoms that are missing from this list. Consult with your physician immediately if you think that the topiramate side effects are causing any pain or discomfort. Taking Topamax as prescribed can decrease the likelihood of side effects, but it won’t eliminate them.