Topiramate is associated with a range of side effects, which can be classified as common, less common, and serious. Most individuals experience only mild reactions, but severe effects require immediate medical attention.[1][2]
Common side effects include:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, feet, arms, or face (paresthesia)
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating, slowed reactions, or confusion
- Trouble speaking or finding words
- Impaired memory
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Nervousness or mood changes
- Nausea, stomach or abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea
- Change in sense of taste
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Back, muscle, or bone pain
- Menstrual changes or excessive menstrual bleeding in women
- Uncontrollable shaking or eye movements
- Blurry or double vision
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
[1][2][3][4][5]
Less common or rare side effects:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Constipation or heartburn
- Redness or warmth of face/neck
- Decrease in sexual performance or desire
- Breast pain in women
- Hair loss
[3][6]
Serious side effects—seek medical attention if you experience:
- Rash, itching, blisters, or skin peeling
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face/throat, trouble breathing, hives, fever, swollen lymph nodes)
- Serious vision changes, eye pain, redness, or sudden vision loss (may indicate glaucoma)
- Speech problems or profound confusion
- Seizure worsening
- Severe mood changes, depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Chest pain, pounding or irregular heartbeats
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Severe back or side pain, painful or bloody urination (may indicate kidney stones)
- Signs of metabolic acidosis: rapid breathing, fatigue, irregular heartbeat
- Signs of infection: fever, unusual bleeding, or bruising
Children and adolescents taking topiramate may experience slowed bone growth or decreased height.[1][2][3][4][6][7]
References
- [1] MedlinePlus: Topiramate Drug Information
- [2] WebMD: Topiramate Uses, Side Effects, Interactions
- [3] Drugs.com: Topiramate Side Effects
- [4] GoodRx: 11 Topiramate Side Effects to Watch For
- [5] Healthline: Long-Term Side Effects of Topamax (topiramate)
- [6] Talkspace: Topamax Side Effects to Be Aware of
- [7] CURE Epilepsy: Topiramate – Uses and Side Effects
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