So sad to stop Topamax, but can't deal with hair loss

[Amy]

I've had every test there is and still have no diagnosis (possible MS? freak migraines?), but my neuro put me on Topamax. It was awesome. I've been on (150 mg) since January and most of my weird/unexplained neurological symptoms went away. No unpleasant side effects UNTIL I was switched to generic after 6 mos and my hair started to fall out. My doctor says it's not the medicine and I know that is a lie. I've had enough of it now and decided to get off of it. Now that I'm off, I have the return of my symptoms. I loved Topamax and feel just sick that I have to choose between being bald or feeling well. Does anyone know of a similar medication withiout this side effect (hair loss)?

[Lyn]

I also thought i was going crazy with the hair loss. Ive take topamax for epilesy for about a year 200mg twice daily samething happen to me on generic so neuro. swithched me back to name brand . It has been 3 mths. and my hair loss has NOT improved = (

[Sharon]

I've experienced the same problem; I've been on topamax for a year in August. Believe me I've lost a lot of hair; I have to play with it in the front so the bald spot doesn't show so badly. I elected to go off the medicine. I also have migraines; it started three years ago. Before this I never had one. I recently started hormone therapy; I don't know if this will help; but time will tell. I just couldn't lose any more hair; its awful. So far I've been feeling good I experience my headaches the same time each month.

[Cheri]

I lost about 75% of my hair after switching to topirimate from the brand name topamax. I stopped taking it for my migranes and they have returned but I can't be bald. I also had many other side effects such as being overly emotional - agression - depression and an overall brain-fog. I couldn;t concentrate and I was in a lousy mood for a year. It wasn't until I stopped taking the topirimate that I feel like myself again (albeit with alot less hair.) Topamax / Topirimate are powerful drugs and the side effects aren't worth it, at least for me.

[Emily]

I just got back from school, and my mom noticed that my hair was significantly thinner; now I definitely see it too. It's strange, because I've been on Topamax for almost 3 years and never noticed any hair loss. It's either been happening so slowly I haven't noticed it, or it's happened since I've switched to the generic. I really don't want to stop taking it because it's the only thing that seems to help my migraines, but don't want to lose my hair :(