Topamax Side Effects

Topamax, as with all prescription medicines, has some side effects, ranging from common to severe. While not all Topamax users will experience these side effects, they have been reported through clinical trials and by patients actively taking the medication. In most cases where side effects occur, they are minor and can be treated with ease by a healthcare provider. Some minor effects may not require treatment at all.

Topamax and Birth Defects

Most recently, Topamax has been associated with birth defects as a side effect for pregnant women taking the medication. It is possible that the fetus can develop birth defects such as spina bifida or oral clefts. The FDA has warned Johnson & Johnson and Ortho-McNeil that the medication's warnings need to be more concise regarding pregnancy, and the drug is currently Category C. Women who are either pregnant or are attempting to become pregnant and are taking Topamax should consult with a physician immediately.

Common Side Effects of Topamax in Adult Users

Researchers have studied Topamax in numerous clinical trials. In these trials, a group of individuals taking Topamax is compared with people who are not taking it. This allows experts to see which side effects occur, how often, and how they can be compared to the group that does not take the drug. From these studies it was concluded that the most common side effects in adult users were: - Tingling and burning sensations (50% of users) - Fatigue (30%) - Dizziness (32%) - Drowsiness, occurred in approximately 29% of people who took the drug - Physical and mental capacity slows down or delays (21%) - Nervousness (19%) - Coordination problems (16%) - Upper respiratory infections of the variety typical in a common cold (18%) - Weight loss (16%) - Taste changes and loss of appetite (15%) - Difficulty focusing/paying attention and confusion (14%) - Nausea (14%) In addition to the above symptoms, some Topamax users also experienced the following, which occurred in about 5 to 13 percent of people: - Memory loss - Diarrhea - Language/speech trouble - Anxiety - Injury - Insomnia - Sinus infection - Problems with mood - Viral infection - Decrease in sense of touch - Changes in walking pattern (gait) - Abdominal pain - Weakness - Sore throat - Joint pain - Back pain - Indigestion - Dry mouth Erectile dysfunctional is another side effect of the drug, though the percentage of users who experienced it was not recorded.

Common Side Effects in Children

The side effects of Topamax in kids are comparable to the side effects in adults. Some additional effects observed in kids but not in adults are as follows: - Constipation - Runny or irritated nose - Bronchitis - Bruising - Fever - Increased salivation - Hair loss - Aggressive behavior Some Topamax side effects are much more serious than others. A few problems that should immediately be reported to a physician are listed below, though this list is not all inclusive: - Chest pain - Depression - Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, which could be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism - Fainting - Paranoia or hallucinations - Vision problems, particularly those that occur with pain in the eye - Decreased sweating, particularly when it occurs with a fever - Rapid breathing, which could be associated with metabolic acidosis - Suicidal thoughts and behavior - Kidney stones - Blood clots - Low or high blood pressure - High blood sugar - Signs of an allergic reaction, including rash, hives, swelling, itching, wheezing, trouble swallowing or breathing

Other Side Effects

Some side effects of Topamax occur less frequently than those listed above. The following symptoms occurred in three percent or less, and it is difficult to ascertain if they are the results of Topamax use or if they are caused by other factors: - Hot flashes or flushing - Hemorrhoids - High cholesterol - Decreased libido - Ear infection - Acne - Gastrointestinal reflux disease - Blurry vision - Sensitivity to sun - Urinary tract infection You may some or none of the above side effects. There is no way to predict how each individual person will respond to Topamax. The information in this article covers many Topamax side effects, but it does not cover all of them. For more information about the drug and its side effects, contact a physician.