Most Topamax side effects arent permanent, and go away with time. However, missing doses may cause you to have symptoms of the condition youre using Topamax to treat. Apparently it does make soda taste weird!!!!!!!!!!! Weird Taste in Your Mouth? These Medications Could Be the Cause I take 500mcg a day. Learn about the drugs side effects and how to. The Topamax sprinkle capsule or Qudexy XR extended-release capsule may be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on a small amount (1 teaspoon) of soft food (eg, applesauce). Doing so can worsen certain side effects of Topamax, such as dizziness and sleepiness. What I learned and what the Dr. Reccomended was take B vitamins every day. Most of the participants did lose weight while on the drug, significantly more than the placebo group, however, the side effects discouraged some from continuing the trial. It can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Topiramate is used alone or with other medications to prevent and control seizures ( epilepsy ). This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. The drug can cause side effects such as sleepiness or diarrhea in a breastfed child. Food & smells have been really off too will this adjust this itself out? These side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat. Topamax (topiramate) is a prescription drug thats used to treat epilepsy and help prevent migraine headaches. bruising under the skin. Hair loss from Topamax is generally reversible. and our Your doctor can help determine whether treatment with Topamax is safe for you. Learn. For me (i was eventually on 250 mg for migraines) every time I increased my dose I had those symptoms for about 2 or 3 days and then would subside until my next increase.I did discuss the anxiety with my Dr. and he prescribed xanax which helped a lot. Yes, the risk of side effects from Topamax can depend on the strength you take. To enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry, visit the registrys site. Just started topamax, (topiramate) soda tastes awful.will this go Symptoms can include: feeling agitated, aggressive, or irritable, losing interest in activities you normally enjoy, Ask the tough question: Are you considering suicide?. Topamax can be prescribed for weight loss. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. The conditions and factors to consider include: Bone problems, such as osteoporosis. Talk with your childs doctor about your childs risk of side effects from Topamax. In rare cases, Topamax can cause metabolic acidosis (too much acid in your blood). Topamax: Side effects and what to do about them - Medical News Today Theyre also more likely to be born small for their gestational age. Topamax Withdrawal Symptoms | Discontinuation Reactions * To learn more about this side effect, see the Side effects explained section below. Any hair you lose while taking Topamax is expected to grow back after you stop taking the drug. For me it stopped controlling my headaches after about 9 months. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com. It may not be safe to use Topamax while breastfeeding. At the time of writing, 12 months had passed since topiramate initiation and the patients sense of carbonation had not returned to normal. She was also experiencing mild hand and feet paresthesia, which are commonly reported adverse effects of the medication.14 Bloodwork performed 10 months after topiramate initiation indicated that all values were within normal limits, with the exception of a low alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level (38 U/L [reference range, 50-136 U/L] and low creatinine concentration (0.7 mg/dL [reference range, 0.8-1.3 mg/dL]; neither low value was deemed concerning. Can You Tell if You or Someone Else is About to Have a Seizure? You should not drink alcohol while youre taking Topamax. For the most part, side effects of Topamax in children are similar to those in adults. Dysgeusia is a taste disorder. This type of diet may raise the level of acid in your blood. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Topamax can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely. Talk with your childs doctor, or a pharmacist, if you have questions about Topamaxs side effects in children. Treatment with Topamax can cause a variety of cognitive side effects. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Examples of mood changes you may notice while taking Topamax include: Tell your doctor right away if you have mood changes while taking Topamax. Dysgeusia can be caused by many different factors, including infection, some medications and vitamin deficiencies. But other medications used to treat epilepsy are known to cause liver problems. They can suggest ways to ease your symptoms. It is growing back. Topamax can increase your risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. But the following side effects may be more likely to happen in children: Also, when Topamax is taken by children, it may cause reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Theyll likely recommend you stop taking the drug and try another treatment for your condition. Rarely, Topamax may cause mood changes. Weight loss is a common side effect of Topamax. Liver problems. You may have mild side effects from Topamax. Salty foods taste saltier to me. Although the sense of carbonation when drinking with a straw was not as intense as it was prior to topiramate initiation, she noticed considerable improvement; the straw enhanced the carbonation taste sensation enough to make some carbonated beverages palatable.. A meta-analytic comparison of topiramate-related adverse drug reactions in epilepsy and migraine. Although rare, Topamax can also cause a glaucoma attack. Talk with your doctor if you have hair loss while taking Topamax. Topamax making carbonated drinks taste flat? Most side effects tend to go away soon after you start or stop taking the drug. Topiramate is a second-generation antiepileptic drug that is used in the treatment of seizure disorders and migraine headaches. Your doctor can talk with you about the risks and benefits of taking Topamax while breastfeeding. Dysgeusia is a medical condition defined as an alteration of the sense of taste.1 Certain medications can lead to dysgeusia through various mechanisms of action involving chemosensory pathways, such as taste, smell, and salivation.2 The majority of cases of taste dysfunction due to medication use cited in the literature involved hypogeusia (partially impaired sense of taste) or the more general dysgeusia.3 Dysgeusia has been reported with use of antibiotics (eg, clindamycin, metronidazole, fluoroquinolones), neurologic medications (eg, central nervous system stimulants, muscle relaxants), and psychotropics (eg, tricyclic antidepressants, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers) as well as antihistamines, antineoplastics, smoking cessation aids, and antifungals, among others.4, Metallic taste following medication administration is a commonly reported medication-induced dysgeusia. . This can help you make informed decisions about the treatments you take during pregnancy. A 39-year-old Caucasian woman with longstanding epilepsy was initiated on topiramate therapy after experiencing a generalized seizure (she reported not taking any antiepileptic medication for years). You can take Topamax with food or without it. In studies, this side effect was more common in people who took the drug to treat epilepsy than to prevent migraine headaches. Like most drugs, Topamax can cause an allergic reaction in some people. They may suggest medication to manage your symptoms. Below are answers to a few frequently asked questions about Topamaxs side effects. bleeding. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. Specifically, the drug can cause decreased growth in children. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include: For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. During your Topamax treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects youre having. I want real experience please not someone posting side effects to the medicine as I've read those already. Highlights of prescribing informationTopamax, A method for estimating the probability of adverse drug reactions, Topiramate in the treatment of partial and generalized epilepsy, Topiramate as an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes, Carbonic anhydraseIV mediates the fizz of carbonated beverages, Side effects of acetazolamide: the champagne blues, Altered taste secondary to acetazolamide therapy, Energy and nutrient consumption of patients with dysgeusia, The effect of different methods of drinking a carbonated beverage on the pH of dental plaque: an in vivo study, Preventive effects of zinc sulfate on taste alterations in patients under irradiation for head and neck cancers: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Drinking alcohol while taking Topamax can increase your risk of certain side effects and increase the chance that theyll be serious. For example, you may have a higher risk for certain side effects if you take higher doses of Topamax. These problems include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe, what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect, how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect, what your symptoms were from the side effect, what other medications you were also taking, any other information you feel is important. Its possible to have weight loss from taking Topamax. A patient lost her ability to taste carbonation in all carbonated beverages immediately following topiramate initiation and found that drinking through a straw mitigated the flat taste. What Foods Taste Different Now? - The Topamax Trip I've been on Topamax for two months and I still can't stand to smell food, or taste what I eat or drink. However, you should not stop taking Topamax unless your doctor recommends this. Everything tastes sweet. Maria Charbonneau, PharmD, Courtney Doyle-Campbell, PharmD, AHSCP-CHC, Corey Laskey, PharmD, BCPP, Kam Capoccia, PharmD, BCPS, CDE, Carbonation dysgeusia associated with topiramate, American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, Volume 77, Issue 14, 15 July 2020, Pages 11131116, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/zxaa123. This was also reported by people taking the drug to treat epilepsy, but it was less common. This may make some side effects more likely. Topamax for migraine - HealingWell Linde et al11 noted a significant difference in taste disturbance adverse effects with topiramate vs placebo use in a meta-analysis of 9 trials involving a total of 1,737 participants. These side effects may include kidney stones and high blood levels of ammonia (a waste product made by your body). For these reasons, you should not stop taking Topamax unless your doctor tells you its safe to do so. If you have thoughts of harming yourself while taking Topamax, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Topamax may cause several side effects. Biotin is very important. Youll likely take Topamax long term if you and your doctor agree that its working well for you. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. Available for Android and iOS devices. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Oh, yeah. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. Although not common, Topamax can cause eye problems. What are the serious side effects of Topamax? For a general overview of Topamax, including details about its uses, see this article. Children are less likely than adults to experience the following side effects from Topamax: Also, children taking Topamax may experience decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Learn about the drugs dosages, forms, and more. Taking Topamax can cause hair loss as a side effect. But there havent been studies done on Topamax withdrawal. Uses. Topamax (topiramate) tablets, for oral use; Topamax (topiramate capsules) sprinkle capsules, for oral use. They can recommend ways to reach or maintain a weight thats healthy for you. Some side effects can cause long-term effects if they arent treated, such as increased pressure in your eye. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Your doctor can help determine whether treatment with Topamax is safe for you. This side effect was somewhat common in clinical trials. Last medically reviewed on October 24, 2022. So I've been on Topamax since around September and I've only lost like 3 lbs unfortunately lol. Or they may recommend switching from Topamax to a different treatment for your condition. Your doctor may prescribe a temporary treatment to help you manage these side effects for a short period of time. Foaming at the mouth is a rare physical symptom of opioid overdose, seizures, rabies, and poisoning. And some may be easily managed, too. what were you taking it for if you don't mind me asking? This should cause side effects of the drug to go away. No one told me that so I'm letting you know. It's not common but it can happen and did to me. You can also see Topamaxs prescribing information or talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Symptoms of these conditions may include: Tell your doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you notice any of the above symptoms while youre taking Topamax. If you take Topamax during pregnancy, consider enrolling in the drugs pregnancy registry. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. You could also download a reminder app on your phone. If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support: If youre calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. I lost a bunch of weight on Topamax, for several reasons. Najafizade et al24 demonstrated that zinc supplementation increased perception of all sweet, sour, bitter, and salty tastes among patients with head or neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Did anyone experience things tasting weird afterwards? I get compliments on it everyday! But taking the drug with food may help lessen any stomach problems you have. If they do decide to prescribe Topamax, they may start you with a lower dose than usual. Following a ketogenic (keto) diet can increase acid levels in your blood. Mild side effects can occur with Topamax use. Weird topamax side effect? : r/migraine - Reddit And do not stop using Topamax unless your doctor recommends it. They can help you figure out if youre having other mood changes that could cause these side effects. However, when considering the addition of topiramate therapy, one should educate the patient regarding potential side effects and methods to mitigate them in order to ensure medication adherence, enhanced chronic disease state management, and improved overall quality of life. a common cold. Do not break, crush, or chew it. Forgetting stuff at the grocery store, where I put my keys, stuff like that. Some of these side effects are mild, while others can be more serious. You should level out. If I have side effects from Topamax, will I need to take a lower dose of the drug? The suggestion of drinking carbonated beverages through a straw to mitigate carbonation dysgeusia is an interesting recommendation. I can't drink sodas anymore because they taste just awful - and milk chocolate tastes bad, but dark chocolate tastes fine. Topamax is also commonly used to prevent migraine headaches in adults. Those of you on Topamax - what foods and drinks taste weird now? All rights reserved. South-facing chalet in the municipality of Villard sur Doron. Youll get first-hand stories from people living with this condition as well as tips for managing symptoms. No matter the type of carbonated beverage, each one tasted flat to her since starting topiramate therapy. Or you may notice a metallic or unusual taste in your mouth. Its possible to have hair loss while taking Topamax. Find out what's popular at Intermarch Contact in Villard-sur-Doron, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes in real-time and see activity Topamax (topiramate) is a brand-name anticonvulsant drug that works in the brain to prevent seizures. However, whether zinc supplementation may be beneficial for carbonation dysgeusia remains to be established. If Topamax is taken by a child, their doctor will monitor their growth. If this condition isnt treated, it can lead to osteoporosis. Examples of behavior and mood shifts Topamax can cause include: If you have any unusual shifts in mood while taking Topamax, call your doctor right away. Taking Melatonin: Can You Mix Melatonin and Alcohol? These side effects are described above. 7 Its use has been associated with weight loss; nausea and other gastrointestinal adverse effects; paresthesia in the hands, feet, or face; and cognitive and behavioral changes, including memory impairment, confusion, This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments. An allergic reaction is possible after using Topamax. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. If you have questions about Topamax and hair loss, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The following day, the patient was seen by her primary care physician, who switched from levetiracetam to topiramate 25 mg by mouth twice daily, with titration to topiramate 100 mg by mouth twice daily for maintenance therapy after 3 weeks. Liver problems. More common side effects in people taking Topamax for epilepsy include: More common side effects in people taking Topamax to prevent migraine headaches include: * For more information about this side effect, see Side effect specifics below. Most people with epilepsy have warning signs during the prodromal or aura stages of a seizure, allowing extra time to get help. Topamax dosage for migraines. Having diarrhea while taking Topamax can increase your risk of metabolic acidosis. If you have weight loss while taking the drug, its possible you could gain weight after you stop taking Topamax. I put up with the side effects for a year because it worked but when it stopped working it was no longer worth it for me. Some rare side effects caused by Topamax may require treatment to make them go away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Topamax. You may be at higher risk of bone complications from metabolic acidosis if you already have bone problems. If you have bone problems before starting Topamax treatment, you may have a higher risk of bone problems related to high acid levels. Topiramate ( Qudexy XR, Topamax, Trokendi XR) Valproic acid If the drugs don't work, you might have surgery to remove the damaged sensory receptors (olfactory mucosa) in your nasal cavity. The topiramate level was not rechecked after the first determination 17 days after topiramate initiation. Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. The sprinkle capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and poured onto food. Is this a side effect? The taste of food/drink however will remain the same the entire time you are on Topamax no matter what the dose. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. But again, it sounds like over 50% of people take topomax with great results. What are the mild side effects of Topamax? Everything tastes sweet. Click here for more links and local resources. anorexia, weight loss, difficulty with memory, taste perversion, diarrhea, hypoesthesia, nausea, abdominal pain and upper respiratory tract . For example, fatigue (low energy) and feelings of burning or numbness in your hands and feet may go away as you continue taking Topamax. So it may be hard for you to tell if sexual side effects are caused by Topamax itself or by certain mood changes the drug may cause. If taken during pregnancy, the drug can cause side effects in children. Apr 29, 2023 - Entire chalet for $233. At the time of dysgeusia development, topiramate was the only medication the patient was taking; thus there seems to have been a clear temporal relationship between topiramate use and the onset of her symptoms. 1 more week and I'm finished. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. Kidney problems may increase the level of acid in your blood. 1. ', Can someone tell me if I will ever enjoy Coca Cola ever again? People taking Topamax to prevent migraine headaches didnt report hair loss. It is hard while you are building up. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you. Topamax is a brand-name prescription medication that's FDA-approved in certain situations to: Prevent migraine headaches in adults as well as children ages 12 years and older. For more information about this side effect, see Side effect specifics below. Why does the taste of topamax (topiramate) stay in my mouth and how can I get it out? Topamax may cause mood changes, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Qsymia (Phentermine And Topiramate) Reviews | Everyday Health Carbonation dysgeusia associated with topiramate Its also important to know that suddenly stopping Topamax could cause or worsen seizures. You can register by visiting the program website or calling 888-233-2334. After you stop taking Topamax, the symptoms you were taking it for may return. If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. Having reduced BMD could indicate that you have weakened bones. Call your doctor if you have changes in taste while taking Topamax. I was wondering what foods taste different to you since taking Topamax? Topamax may cause serious side effects. Carbonic anhydrase is a zinc metalloenzyme that reversibly catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into carbonic acid (H2CO3), which rapidly dissociates to bicarbonate (HCO3-) and a free proton.18 Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide and dorzolamide, prevent this conversion and have been reported to alter carbonation taste perception.19 In one reported case, after taking acetazolamide to prevent altitude sickness mountain climbers noted that their beer tasted like dishwater.20 Another case report described a 31-year-old woman who took acetazolamide to prevent mountain sickness and, within 90 minutes, developed a bitter taste sensation on consuming carbonated soda, tea, and Mexican food.21 The symptoms resolved within 14 hours after acetazolamide discontinuation. How long does it take for Topamax to start working? So you may have migraine headaches or seizures more often, or they may be more severe. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. A high temperature for children ages 2 years and older is above 99.5F (37.5C). As with most drugs, Topamax can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Diarrhea. Below we provide information about Topamax and pregnancy and breastfeeding. Topamax may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. Following a ketogenic (keto) diet. Treatment with Topamax for migraine prevention is taken daily and is usually started slowly at lower doses. If you have liver problems, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, you may have an increased risk of high ammonia levels in your blood from taking Topamax. Lowered BMD could mean your bones are weakened. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. If youre concerned about weight changes after you start or stop Topamax, talk with your doctor. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. A throbbing headache can occur due to migraine, tension, or neuralgia. Learn more about some of the side effects Topamax may cause. However, its not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. Theyll advise whether its safe for you to take Topamax. Learn more. - oh yea - been prescribed this to help prevent seizures. Taking Topamax while pregnant can cause harm to the fetus. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. These results were consistent with results of bloodwork performed years previously; at that time, her bloodwork indicated all evaluated levels were within normal limits except for low concentrations of ALP (40 U/L) and creatinine (0.6 mg/dL). it totally sucks. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? 15 min from L. +0 GR gr07 24 April 2013 I'm on it for migraines. Talk with your doctor if youre concerned about your weight while taking Topamax. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. See additional information. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. inflammation of the gums. Talk with your doctor if you experience cognitive side effects while taking Topamax. You may be at higher risk if you already experience depression or suicidal thoughts. They are a BIG help and got my hair growing back. For me it stopped controlling my headaches after about 9 months. It completely knocks out the effects of the phentermine. Swallow the food mixture right away without chewing. You Ate or Drank Something Too Hot It seems too simple to be true, but eating or drinking something hot may temporarily cause your sense of taste to get weird. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems before starting Topamax treatment. More common side effects in people taking Topamax for migraine include: More common side effects in people taking Topamax for epilepsy include: Read on to learn about other mild and severe side effects that can happen with Topamax.