Topamax Side effects?

Question

i've been on Topamax for two months now 50mg a day.. first month was great(no seizures YAY) and no side effects.. this second month though i've been having really bad side pains, constipation this whole month, back pain, and abdominal pain constantly.. i saw an internest they said i wasnt having an "infection" so that wasnt the problem so they wouldnt do anything for me so i went to another hospital and they said maybe my colone was irritated from eating lots of hot food lately so they gave me a laxative and stuff (sorry for the details) and it helped for a few days but i was still having the pains and after i stopped the meds the constipatin came back.. and its just worse.. i've also lost 10 pounds this last two months.. could these all be side effects?? i'm also on Keppra 1500mg day but i've been on that since january and havent had any side effects from it? also will i have to stop this med or could i take a supplement to help out with it?? its really been helping keeping my seizures and migraines in control.

Answer 1

The only infrequent side effects of topamax are side & abdominal pain & weight loss.

For constipation, slowly add fiber to your diet, like Fiber One cereal which has 1/2 day's requirement of fiber in 1 serving.  You ought to have 25-30 grams of fiber/day.  Also dark leafy vegetables have lots of fiber as do some nuts like raw almonds.

Try to avoid laxatives...try something like Metamucil instead.

Whenever eating fiber DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

I suggest you consult with a psychopharmachologist (usually a psychiatrist) or a neurologist, not an internist, about your meds.

You can try Omega 3 fish oils 3000-4000mg/day with food.  Not sure it will help, but can't hurt.  It's good for the brain.

Good luck