Topamax and stomach flu

I began taking Topamax for severe migraines. I used to get them to the point I was in tears daily. Since I started it the migraines have decreased, although they are extremely painful when I do get them. My side effects include the tingling in my hands, feet, and face. I also have the bad tase of carbonated drinks. And my right eye tends to twitch after taking it. I also have had nauseau, which I thought was the stomach flu. I also have found myself places that I didn't remember going to. Anyone else have this one? I also get the detached feeling when driving so I have people drive me around more often, which is a bit frustrating. My side effects have tended to get better as I get used to the medicine though. I still cannot drink carbonated beverages and I still get the tingling though. If I experience anymore side effects I will be sure to post them.

Reading all of your your sx's was both heart-breaking and eye-opening. I have been on Topamax for 4 months--just moved up to 100 mgs in the hopes that the migraines would be defeated once and for all. So far, besides a week-long doozy that I think was actually a horrible manifestation of the stomach flu, the headaches have reduced themselves to about two times a month rather than averaging about every day. An improvement. Never-the-less, I still wrestle with the choice of the depression that has followed me like a black cloud since I began this therapy, and also the rage that can blow up out of nowhere, or the headaches. Quite a choice. I often wonder how my children will remember me. I'm not normally a moody, angry person, but since starting Topamax, you wouldn't know it! Not surprisingly, my doctor simply offers me an array of more prescriptions to add to the cocktail. I've had about enough. I too get the tingles in my hands and feet--especially if I've been sitting with my feet elevated--like in an easy chair. I'm getting good at ignoring it, though. It's actually quite painful! My face quit tingling after the first month. Words can still elude me at embarassing moments. So frustrating! I lack all ambition, and I must literally force myself to do anything--housework, exercise, take care of my children! Guilt, guilt, guilt! I'm so glad that so many of you mentioned that! I've been beating myself up about that particularly, wondering what in the heck was wrong with me! I could sleep all the time! I've lost about 8 pounds, and my appetite is satisfied very easily. Carbonated beverages don't taste horrible, exactly, they just don't taste good. So I've more or less quit drinking them. No loss. We spend less that way! As I read all the entries, one thing is very clear to me. We have got to be less passive in the hands of our doctors. No one knows too much about this drug. There are alternative forms of medicine that are being more actively explored by reputable practitioners. I am starting to research it more myself. I don't want to live out the rest of my days so...sad. And angry! Good luck to all of you.