Question:
Topamax and memory problems?
2009-09-09 10:19:46 UTC
Approx. 2-3 years ago I was prescribed Topamax as a weight loss drug. I haven\'t taken Topamax for approx. 2 years now. I don\'t recall having memory problems at the time I was taking Topamax. However, my memory, since stopping the medication, has become increasingly slower. I struggle to remember simple words and have difficulty carrying on a conversation. I no longer enjoy social settings because of these problems. My work (reading, analyzing and writing) is suffering. Can my memory and thought problems be linked to when I took Topamax and is there anything that can reverse these problems?
Three answers:
floppyturtle
2009-09-09 10:35:33 UTC
I am so, so sorry. I know what it's like, I was on Topamax for over 2 years. It nearly ruined my academic career, I went from a gifted student to failing out of college. I actually had bouts of amnesia and there are portions of my memory from those years that are just missing.



I didn't feel like I had fully regained my memory until about 3 years after I stopped taking it, and there have been times when I felt like my brain was relapsing. The only probable reason why I was able to regain my memory is because I stopped taking it at 19. Young brains recover more easily. Topamax works by lessening the synapses in your brain. I don't know why on earth anyone ever thought that could be a good thing. Synapses are what allow you to think.



After stopping it, I started doing mental exercises that are often recommended for older people. Playing word games, solving brainteasers, building puzzles, anything that stimulates your brain will help. The memory game is also good (it's normally played by children, the one where you flip over all the cards and try to match up pairs).



If you look up 'memory loss and Topamax' you'll be shocked at what you find.



It seriously disturbs me that Topamax is prescribed as a weight loss drug. It's bad enough that it's even FDA approved. I was using it for neurological problems. A lot of neurological drugs have bad side effects, so I can understand that. But losing weight is not worth losing your mind. The worst part is most doctors never even mention anything about its mental effects, and as far as I know memory loss is still considered a 'rare' side effect, even though every person I've ever spoken to about it has experienced it.
2016-05-19 07:18:05 UTC
Those are all normal side effects for Topamax... it is like is makes you stupid. So much so that it has the nickname of Stupamax. If the side effects don't go away in a couple of months then they will probably not go away unless you stop taking it.
?
2009-09-10 07:14:36 UTC
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