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Migraine, Tingling In Fingers And Toes, Blurred Vision, Bleeding Gums, Taken Topiramate. Medication Side Effects?

Posted on Mon, 4 Jun 2012

Question: I am 34, 5ft.5 and weigh 10 stones. I went to my GP for migraines, and they were so severe that I was referred to a neuroligist. I was prescribed Topiramate 50mg 3 months ago. I also had a routine dental appoinment. My teeth were given a clean XXXXXXX of health. Now 3 months on I felt strange, tingly toes, and fingers, blurred vision and excessive bleeding gums so much so that I was worried and I went back to the dentist. There I was told I have gum disease and he the question was asked what had happened within the space of 3 months of previously visiting the dentist to my healthy teeth and gums.

Can Topiramate cause gum disease????

I have to see a hygienist now every month and was told that if things don't improve then I will be sent to a specialist as I am young to lose my teeth.

Please can you help? The side affects in the imformation leaflet do not state that it can cause gum disease but I am NOT convinced.

Regards

Angela

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)

Hello
Thanks for writing to us.
All the symptoms that you are having- blurry vision,tingling toes and fingers, excessive bleeding gums - can be due to the long term intake of topiramate.
This drug is associated with side effects like- Vision problems, especially blurred vision, double vision, eye pain, or rapidly decreasing vision, burning, prickling, or tingling sensations, clumsiness or unsteadiness, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, eye redness, increased eye pressure, memory problems, menstrual changes, etc.

Less common adverse effects include-Abdominal or stomach pain, fever, chills, or sore throat, lessening of sensations or perception, loss of appetite, mood or mental changes, including aggression, agitation, apathy, irritability, and mental depression, red, irritated, or bleeding gums, weight loss, etc.
The symptoms you are having all have appeared only after taking topiramate. The relation to topiramate is likely.
You need to consult your neurologist regarding all these symptoms and you can discuss with him other treatment options for the treatment of migraine.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (8 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. It has put my mind at rest that this is the cause of my gum disease in such a short period of time. Whilst at the neurologist she advised me of weight loss and pins and needles sensation in my hands and toes, she never once mentioned gum disease/bleeding irritated gums. If that had been the case I would never have been talked into taking these tablets.

Why wouldn't this have been pointed out to me, and arent the manufacturers of Topomax/Topiramate supposed to disclose ALL KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS?

I feel I don't want to leave the house, I can't smile and it is causing me to feel very anxious.

Do you think I have the right to make an official complaint?

Many thanks for your help.

Angela

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (4 hours later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
I can understand how distressed you must have been feeling.
The list of side effects experienced from any drug specially a new drug is never complete . As it comes into use more often, more and more side effects are revealed.
Having side effects is a necessary evil with medicines. Going for a complaint will not help your symptoms and a pharmaceutical company is only bound to mention more common side effects of the products on their information leaflet.
Wishing you an early recovery.
Regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T