Saturday, September 27, 2008 Elaine asks

Q: Kidney stones and Topamax?

I've never had kidney stones befoe. Nobody in my family has had kidney stones. After taking Topamax for 8 months, I developed kidney stones. Lithotripsy broke them up. Six months later, it happened again.

The Topamax has helped with my migraines. Some. My doctor said that since it's working I should just keep taking it. He doesn't believe that the Topamax cause the kidney stones. I even took him articles, and he just said to stay off the intenet and listen to him.

He's been a good doctor, but my instinct is to move on. Maybe I just need some encouragement. I don't know. I'm torn because the Topamax has helped enough to give me as many good days as bad, but the kidney stones?

What would you do?

Elaine

Answers (5)

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Teri Robert

9/27/08 5:36pm

Elaine,

What would I do? Well, I'd feel like slapping that doctor alongside the head, but we can't do that. So, I'd fire his sorry butt!

Trust your instincts. You've read the information about the possibility of Topamax causing kidney stones. The FDA required that a warning about it be added to the Topamax label and prescribing information.

A good doctor takes your concerns seriously, wants you to be well educated about your health and medications, and is not dismissive.

Try this quiz - Is Your Doctor Right for You?

If you'd like to see a Migraine specialist and need help finding one, see our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.

Trust yourself, Elaine. Get a new doctor.

Good luck,

Teri

9/27/08 5:40pm

I believe topamax causes kidney stones as well. I was taking topamax for over a year and have mulitple kidney stones and prior to topamax, I didnt have stones. My last Lithotripsy was about 6 months ago and just passed yet another stone about 5 weeks ago. I am currently not taking Topamax, because of the stones, but changed over to depakote. There is also a warning on Topamax that states it can cause kidney stones and kidney failure, therefore, i would press the issue with your doctor again. Kidney stones are one of the most painful things to go through and there are other medicines to help migraine prevention without having to go through so much painful side affects.....hope this helped.............T

Leslie

10/30/08 12:37pm

I too take Topomax. I have been taking it since Aug. 2003 and had my first go with kidney stones in Nov. 2003, then had the lithotripsy in Jan. 2004 to bust some more. May 2005 brought on more stones; May 2008 a 5 mm stone and I passed a 2 mm stone yesterday. Do I believe the Topomax is a factor? YES .. but I was migraines every 25 days that were dibilitating and would put me to bed for 3 days at a time and that is after the doctor would give me a shot. So as painful as the kidney stones are I deal with them. For me stopping the Topomax is not an option unless they come up with a new medicine to control Migraines. I have literally tried everything else on the market.

As for your doctors reaction to your question, I would be looking for a new doctor and never quickly.

Good luck !!

Thea

1/15/10 8:20am

I know its a year later...but its a known fact that Topamax causes Kidney Stones have been taking this drug for 4 years for bi-polar 400mg yes 400 and the best thing you can do is stay well hydrated and limit your intake of calcium and meat products, if staying on this medication is your best option like it is mine!!

Wendy Wells

2/ 9/10 7:31pm

I am answering this years after it was first posted, but I am hopeful that my response might help someone else, too. Like another respondent, I had never had kidney stones, neither had anyone in my family. I am a vegetarian, do not drink colas, limit my caffeine intake, and do not injest enough dairy products to over do the calcium. I developed kidney stones and just passed a 5mm stone. I have another stone that is right behind it trying to pass, too. The CT scan shows my other kidney has a similar stone waiting to fall at some point in time as well.

I have loved how Topamax has kept me free from the debilitating migraines that I had developed. I was getting them every 3 to 4 weeks and it was agonizing. However, this is also just as debilitating and much more painful. I do not have insurance at this time and cannot afford Lithotripsy procedure to break up stones and pass them quicker. I'm going to have to off the Topamax -- at least for a while.

I admit I have also enjoyed the weight loss I've experienced with Topamax but I'll keep it off by eating properly and exercising!

Q: Kidney stones and Topamax?

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