Key takeaways
- Topamax (topiramate) is a brand-name oral tablet or oral sprinkle capsule doctors prescribes for preventing migraine episodes and treating seizures in people with epilepsy.
- A range of cognitive-related side effects have been reported with Topamax use, including confusion, slowed thinking, decreased concentration, and word-finding difficulties.
- People taking Topamax may describe these various cognitive-related side effects as “brain fog.”
Although brain fog isn’t a clinical term, it is often used to describe a set of cognitive symptoms where your mind feels cloudy, and you have difficulty thinking clearing or articulating your thoughts. Various factors may contribute to brain fog or a foggy-headed feeling, but medications such a Topamax can worsen it.
For example, in clinical trials, people taking Topamax for migraine prevention or epilepsy reported several cognitive-related side effects. Some common ones included speech problems, slowed thinking, memory problems. Additonally, other cognitive-related side effects included:
- confusion
- decreased concentration and attention
- speech problems, especially word-finding difficulties
- fatigue
- excessive sleepiness
These types of cogntive-related side effects can contribute to brain fog or an overall feeling of mental fog. Additionally, people who increased their dose of Topamax quickly or took higher starting doses, had an increased likelihood of experiencing cognitive-related side effects.
For some people, brain fog may be temporary or go away in a few days to weeks as your body adjusts to the drug. But for others, the cognitive side effects may last longer and continue throughout treatment.
Typically, the cognitive-related side effects of Topamax go away after you stop the medication. However, never stop taking your medication without first talking with your doctor. This could cause your symptoms to return.
Instead, if you’re taking Topamax and experiencing brain fog and bothersome cognitive-related side effects, talk with your doctor about it. They may be able to adjust your dosage of the drug, taper the drug slowly, or discuss changing to a different drug altogether.
Is Topamax (topiramate) memory loss reversible?
Yes. Typically, Topamax memory loss is reversible.
Topamax can cause brain fog and other cognitive-related side effects. Typically, the side effects go away after you stop the medication. However, the length of time it can take to recovery varies from person to person. If you have questions or concerns about Topamax and brain fog, talk with your healthcare professional. Together you can make decisions about whether Topamax is right to manage your condition.