I was recently prescribed topamax for reoccurring migraines, but the cognitive impairment and memory loss side effect is something that I just absolutely cannot have. Besides, I already take vyvanse to help me in that area...so its not like its perfect in the first place. I'm also a serious college student with big goals for grad school - I can't afford to have *any* "psychomotor slowing" if you know what I mean...

So I'd lke to hear from anyone who takes/took it if they experienced this, and what dose? I'm supposed to start with a very low dose (25mg) and up to 50mg but I'm still scared for the reasons I listed above...

Thanks!

no one? :(

I got those effects from Topamax. The problem was that I did not realize it. The slow titration up to 75mg masked the evil effects. A few months after I stopped, I decided to try it again, at 75mg a day (instead of 15...30... etc.). The cognitive impairment was obvious.

I would say to skip the titration, but that's something you should discuss with your doctor.

Thanks...I think I may wait to try it though. Final exams are coming up. I can't afford to be messing around with something that could potentially cause cognitive impairment... :(

I also take Topamax every day for Migraine prevention. My dose is 100 mg twice a day. Topamax should always be titrated up when starting. I also suffered from some "cognitive impairment" as I started the Topamax. However, as I got used to taking it and as the dose was titrated up properly, I found that my "cognitive impairment" improved and completely disappeared!! Keep in mind though, that everyone may respond to medications differently.

I also take Topamax every day for Migraine prevention. My dose is 100 mg twice a day. Topamax should always be titrated up when starting. I also suffered from some "cognitive impairment" as I started the Topamax. However, as I got used to taking it and as the dose was titrated up properly, I found that my "cognitive impairment" improved and completely disappeared!! Keep in mind though, that everyone may respond to medications differently.

wow thanks, so far thats the first I've heard that it was temporary. How long did it take for it to disappear completely? That's one side effect that I just really want to avoid if possible, because I am planning to get my doctorate degree and cognitive impairment is the last thing I need...but the migraines are debilitating and almost every day, so that's an impairment in itself...:( I still haven't tried the topamax yet because final exams aren't over, but I'm debating on whether its worth trying or not, since I have to start studying for the GMAT as soon as school is over...

I also take Topamax every day for Migraine prevention. My dose is 100 mg twice a day. Topamax should always be titrated up when starting. I also suffered from some "cognitive impairment" as I started the Topamax. However, as I got used to taking it and as the dose was titrated up properly, I found that my "cognitive impairment" improved and completely disappeared!! Keep in mind though, that everyone may respond to medications differently.

That's what I thought happened with me, but instead of having less cognitive impairment, I just noticed it less.

Reading the PI sheet one gets the impression that rapid titration causes impairment. I wonder how they ruled out the possibility that slow titration masked the [self reported] impairment. If you suddenly lose 10 IQ points (or whatever) from one day to the next you'll notice it. If it takes a few months, you probably will not.

I am not advising against a slow titration; I would advise that one consider asking one's trusted friends loved ones to keep an eye out for signs of gradual impairment.

That's what I thought happened with me, but instead of having less cognitive impairment, I just noticed it less.

Reading the PI sheet one gets the impression that rapid titration causes impairment. I wonder how they ruled out the possibility that slow titration masked the [self reported] impairment. If you suddenly lose 10 IQ points (or whatever) from one day to the next you'll notice it. If it takes a few months, you probably will not.

I am not advising against a slow titration; I would advise that one consider asking one's trusted friends loved ones to keep an eye out for signs of gradual impairment.

Thanks. I did ask everyone around me to let me know if they think I'm acting weird. I'm studying for the GMAT now that school is over and I haven't taken any practice tests yet but I think those will be good indicators as to whether my IQ is getting worse over time. I also switched from topamax to a similar, newer anticonvulsant, zonegran, which is supposed to work just as well with less chance of bad side effects. So far its been a week and I actually feel slightly better, more like my old self and not in a huge fog, but I know it hasnt really been long enough to tell and that could be due to placebo effect anyway.