Common Side Effects in Adults
Topiramate has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which a group of people taking the drug have side effects documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common topiramate side effects in adults included:
- Unusual sensations, such as burning or tingling (paresthesias) -- in up to 51 percent of people
- Dizziness -- up to 32 percent
- Fatigue -- up to 30 percent
- Drowsiness -- up to 29 percent
- Mental and physical slowing down or delays -- up to 21 percent
- Nervousness -- up to 19 percent
- Upper respiratory infection (such as the common cold) -- up to 18 percent
- Coordination problems -- up to 16 percent
- Weight loss -- up to 16 percent (see Topamax Weight Loss)
- Loss of appetite -- up to 15 percent
- Taste changes -- up to 15 percent
- Confusion -- up to 14 percent
- Difficulty with concentration or attention -- up to 14 percent
- Nausea -- up to 14 percent.
Some other common side effects, occurring in 5 to 13 percent of adults, include:
- Diarrhea
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
- Language or speech problems
- Changes in gait (walking pattern)
- Sinus infection or irritation
- Injury
- Insomnia
- Mood problems
- Decreased sense of touch
- Viral infections
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Joint pain
- Weakness
- Sore throat
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
- Mood problems
- Back pain.