What Causes Dizziness,nausea And Headaches After Stopping Topamax Intake?

Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 19 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 17 yr old daughter was on Topamax 25 mg QD for approximately 6 weeks. The dose was then increased to 50mg QD. She took the 50mg for 2 weeks. It was determined after that she was having adverse reactions and told to discontinue. She was taking it for migraines. She had her last dose on Wednesday night. 5 days later she is very dizzy, very nauseated, terrible headache. She cannot read or focus on anything due to getting more nauseated. Is this normal?

Answered by Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
withdrawal migraine.

Detailed Answer:
hi,
Topamate is an anti epileptic drug that is also used for migraines. Unfortunately, some people may not tolerate it due to side effects.
She took 50 mg/day before she suddenly stopped it right? or was it gradually withdrawn and stopped?
I guess she did not taper the drug gradually, resulting in withdrawal symptoms like more headache, nausea and dizziness. They also represent a severe migraine attack due to sudden withdrawal.
She may be given Sumatriptan 50mg tab for her present headache. Once she is free of symptoms, other alternative drugs may be tried.
Hope i am clear.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar