Topamax withdrawal symptoms can present difficult and complex problems, such as rebound migraines or seizures, and newly emerging discontinuation reactions. Topamax (topiramate) is classed as an anti-epileptic drug but is also approved to treat migraine headaches. Many off-label uses have also developed and are described in more detail below.
No matter why Topamax was prescribed, medical consensus advises a slow and gradual reduction to help avoid severe adverse reactions.1,7,14-16
Alternative to Meds has been the expert on prescription drug withdrawal including the very newest medications, for over 17 years. You are invited to see our published evidence to review the consistent success rate we have sustained over many years. The report comes from an accredited independent research source. Our observation is that for many persons, underlying issues were never explored or addressed, and these can in many cases be addressed holistically, without the use of toxic drug therapy.
What we have found is that frequently there were original factors such as medical conditions, genetic factors, and toxic accumulations that contributed to the crisis. The person may have been diagnosed without a complete data profile, resulting in past misdiagnosis and failed treatment. Untangling these factors and providing a pathway to natural mental health is our area of expertise.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
Mood swings, i.e., irritability, crying spells, anger or deep depression
Profuse sweating
Anxiety
Depersonalization
Confusion, cognitive impairment
Panic attacks
Muscle pain
Flu-like symptoms
Fatigue
*To avoid seizures the FDA recommended in its 2014 clinical review, gradual cessation rather than a patient stopping Topamax ( topiramate ) abruptly.1
Since Topamax withdrawal symptoms can include the return of seizures, medical caregivers should carefully monitor anyone for this common discontinuation symptom. Research has determined that after a seizure-free period of 2 to 5 years has elapsed, withdrawal from an antiepileptic medication is a medically sound context for many persons who may wish to safely stop their AED.14,15
Topamax and Liver Health
Topiramate is linked with hepatic ( liver ) failure.2 Kidney stone formation is another known outcome of taking Topamax.10 Where such risks to health are high, coming off the drug could be indicated despite the discomforts that can accompany medication withdrawal. Underlying conditions the drug suppresses, such as seizures or migraines can rebound during or after withdrawal, most notably where discontinuation is abrupt or sudden. Severe changes brought on by Topamax withdrawal can be avoided by a very gradual and well-monitored approach. Our general recommendations would minimally be two-fold:
Never abruptly discontinue anti-seizure medication ( cold turkey ).
Seek trained medical and clinical oversight during gradual tapering.
Topamax Side Effects
According to safety reviews of topiramate used in children for migraines and epilepsy, and in adults for weight loss and other studies 1,11,12,17 the following adverse effects were found:
Suicidality
Depression
Fatigue
Difficulty with concentration, focus, and memory
Mood problems
Paraesthesia (tingling sensation in the skin in various parts of the body)
Psychomotor disturbances
Impairment of taste sensation
Weight loss
Dizziness
Asthenia
Insomnia
Somnolence
Birth defects when used in pregnancy
Hyperthermia
Cognitive dysfunction, confusion
Acute myopia and other eye disorders
Infection
Flushing
Fever
Metabolic acidosis
Hypothermia when used concurrently with valproic acid
Topamax for Seizure Prevention
Topamax is a drug commonly used in the prevention of seizures.3 Seizures can be brought on because of various causes:
Epilepsy
Brain/head trauma
Heavy alcohol use, heavy amphetamine use
Withdrawal from alcohol and certain other drugs
Sleep deprivation
Brain tumor
Genetic factors
Infection
Venom (i.e., from insect bites)
Stroke
Topamax is one of several anticonvulsants that can successfully prevent or reduce the occurrence of seizures. However, the side effects can make the drug unsuitable for some.
Topamax for Weight Loss
Several other uses for Topamax have emerged over the last decade, including prescribing it as a weight-loss medication. Topamax is an appetite suppressant and studies confirm Topamax does cause significant weight loss. The drug makes food taste strange or even bad, and reduces food cravings. 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.18
Topamax for Migraine Headaches
Migraine sufferers have reported success in reducing the frequency and severity of chronic migraine headaches while taking Topamax.4 Unfortunately, the side effects that accompany the drug have caused some to decide to discontinue the medication. Alternative non-drug therapies have proven useful in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and yoga therapies.8,9 Always seek medical oversight and guidance to reduce the dosage of anti-seizure or anticonvulsant medications gradually.
Topamax for Bipolar
Doctors have experimented with prescribing the drug for bipolar disorder. However, there is some controversy over this off-label use of the drug. According to clinical trials, Topamax has documented no success in treating mania in BP disorder and inconclusive benefits for depressive states in bipolar. Topamax research has not shown adequate efficacy in bipolar treatment.5,13
A person may decide with their doctor’s guidance to consider Topamax withdrawal in tandem with safer alternatives to treat symptoms associated with bipolar or other conditions where Topamax did not help as hoped.
Topamax for Cocaine Addiction
Clinical trials have been analyzed and found there is no clinical evidence that supports the use of Topamax for treating cocaine use disorder ( cocaine addiction ).6
A person may have been prescribed topiramate in an attempt to help with an addiction to something else, such as cocaine. This practice is not recommended because of the lack of efficacy, and the number of adverse effects linked to taking the drug. Withdrawal from Topamax could be a very good strategy for improved health, especially where it was not found useful in treating addiction to other substances. Treating the biological and emotional triggers and precursors for addictive behaviors would provide alternative choices for the best pathway forward.
Alternative to Meds Center Can Help
The protocols we use at Alternative to Meds Center aim toward several significant outcomes, aside from safe Topamax withdrawal. One of the prime areas we investigate is finding root causes for the conditions that preceded the medication. If migraines are linked to specific toxic accumulations, as an example, we can expect to see improvements after removing the toxicity. It is not always possible to reduce medications to zero. However many improvements become possible after changing diet, arming oneself with de-stressing therapies including counseling, and lifestyle changes. You are invited to review our services overview page to get a better idea of the massive volume of adjunct therapies available while inpatient at Alternative to Meds Center.
These and other techniques can help a person to make the necessary changes to conquer their health challenges, and many times without the undesirable consequences of over-medication. We invite you to call the number on this page for more information about the possible benefits we can provide you or a loved one who is suffering from Topamax withdrawal symptoms.
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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Medication Withdrawal Success Stories
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Suicidality
The protocols we use at Alternative to Meds Center aim toward several significant outcomes, aside from safe Topamax withdrawal. One of the prime areas we investigate is finding root causes for the conditions that preceded the medication. If migraines are linked to specific toxic accumulations, as an example, we can expect to see improvements after 
