Is it possible that Topamax can have caused some permanent damage to my nervous system?

I am suffering with dizziness - I thought it was a problem with the shunt that I have fitted due to hydrocephalis but all tests come back negative so I am left with a big problem with dizziness - can hardly stand up some days could Topamax tablets which were prescribed have caused damage to my CNS?

Is it possible that Topamax can have caused some permanent damage to my nervous system?
Topiramate is an oral antiepileptic drug (AED). It is derived from the naturally occurring monosaccharide D-fructose and is structurally different from other AEDs. The exact mechanism of topiramate's anticonvulsant and migraine prophylaxis effects is unknown. It appears that topiramate may block the spread of seizures rather than raise the seizure threshold like other AEDs. Topiramate's actions involve several mechanisms. First, topiramate reduces the duration of abnormal discharges and the number of action potentials within each discharge. This is probably secondary to its ability to block voltage-sensitive sodium channels. Second, topiramate enhances the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) at GABA-A receptors by increasing the frequency at which GABA activates GABA-A receptors. Third, topiramate inhibits excitatory transmission by antagonizing some types of glutamate receptors. Specifically, topiramate antagonizes the ability of kainate to activate the kainate/AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole... acid; non-NMDA) subtype of excitatory amino acid (glutamate) receptor. There is no apparent effect on the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) at the NMDA receptor subtype. Topiramate is also a weak carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (isozymes II and IV); however, this mechanism does not appear to be involved in the anticonvulsant action of the drug.





All of this is to say that there seems to be no evidence thus far on why topiramate should cause permanent damage or any damage at all to the brain. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in adult patients secondary to topiramate therapy at doses of 200—400 mg/day in controlled clinical trials included drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, aphasia, psychomotor impairment, nystagmus, and paresthesias. These adverse reactions were not dose-related. If the adverse effects of this drug is too much to tolerate, talk with your doctor/pharmacist to have your AED changed. The only downside of this action is that other AED's might not work as well as topiramate. Its a risk vs benefit situation here. Best of luck
Reply:If you have stopped Topamax, I would do further testing .....as it is doubtful that Topamax is the cause. BUT, if you are still taking it, stop immediately. Severe dizziness is listed as a serious allergic response to the drug. The dizziness would stop though, after you have stopped taking the drug. Call your Neurologist %26amp; discuss possibilities.