Anyone here taking/taken Topamax?

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

Under the "supervision" of my dr., I've been reducing my dosage gradually. I called her today because I was wondering if some occasional lower back pain and muscle aches in my legs (feels like when you get the flu)I've been having the past few days might be related. She wasn't too helpful. She said basically, "It's possible." I did some reading on the web (webmd.com), for example, and saw where back pain and muscle aches can be side effects.

Been trying to figure out if I'm fighting the flu or if it's relating to this. If anyone's taken/taking this drug, I'd appreciate knowing your experience. Thanks.

[Warpy]

1. There's a weird flu out there

that presents as a high fever and muscle aches and spasms. I've had it twice. Check your temperature. If it's elevated, you may be fighting a flu. If it isn't, it may be drug related. Call your doc in either case, and ask for guidance in how to treat it. Good luck.

[Susang]

2. I've been taking it for over a year

It has caused me the occasional pain in my hands and feet, similar to Reynaud's syndrome, but nothing like flu symptoms.

This website has a lot of info on topomax and it's side effects. It has a good forum too:

http://www.crazymeds.org

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

3. Thanks, guys.

I called my doc and she said it could be I'm fighting a virus (I didn't have a fever) or it could be related to the meds. I'm wondering now if it's possible I may have been dehydrated.

[Susang]

4. Topamax does dehydrate you

It's in the literature, you need to drink extra water when you're taking it. You can also get be more prone to kidney stones while you're on it. I actually had a small one myself; not my favorite thing about the medication. ;-)

Drink a lot of beverages!

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

5. Thanks!

[REP]

6. I Take 50mg Daily

The only side-effect I notice is that I can't sleep if I take it before bedtme. I take it to prevent migraines.