Key Takeaways

  • Most Topamax side effects are not permanent and typically resolve with time. However, some rare side effects, such as kidney stones and high blood ammonia levels, may require treatment.
  • For people with migraine, the most common side effects include tingling in the extremities, weight loss, taste changes, and memory issues.
  • For people with epilepsy, the most common side effects include tingling, appetite loss, weight loss, dizziness, and sleepiness.

Topamax (topiramate) is a brand-name prescription drug used to prevent migraine attacks and treat epilepsy in certain adults and children. If you and your doctor determine that Topamax is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term, either for several months or years.

Long-term side effects with Topamax are not common, but they can occur in certain situations. Keep reading to learn more.

Most of Topamax’s side effects are not permanent, and they go away with time. For example, fatigue (low energy) and feelings of burning or numbness in your hands and feet may go away as you continue taking the drug. Your doctor may prescribe a temporary treatment to help you manage these side effects for a short time.

However, some rare side effects of Topamax may require treatment to make them go away. These may include kidney stones, high blood levels of ammonia (ammonia is a waste product your body makes), and angle-closure glaucoma. If left untreated, some side effects can have long-term effects. For example, angle-closure glaucoma may lead to permanent vision loss if it’s not treated. Call your doctor right away if you have severe or bothersome symptoms.

If you have side effects that won’t go away or are difficult to manage, your doctor will likely have you slowly stop the Topamax treatment. This will likely cause the side effects of the drug to go away.

Note: Topamax contains the active drug topiramate, which is also the generic version of Topamax. Both the brand name and the generic form of this drug can cause side effects.

Is hair loss from Topamax permanent?

Topamax can cause hair loss as a side effect. However, this side effect is not necessarily permanent. Some people experience hair thinning or shedding while taking the medication, but in many cases, hair regrowth occurs after stopping the drug or adjusting its dosage.

If you have concerns about hair loss and Topamax, talk with your doctor.

Here are a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Topamax during its studies. These side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat.

More common side effects reported in people taking Topamax for migraine include:

More common side effects reported in people taking Topamax for epilepsy include:

If you have questions about the side effects of Topamax, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Topamax is used to treat epilepsy and to help prevent migraine attacks.

Mild side effects from Topamax are common. But Topamax can also cause serious side effects in some people, especially at higher doses. It’s also possible for Topamax to cause long-term side effects in certain situations.

If you have questions about side effects from Topamax, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.