Why Does Medication Always Have Such Nasty Side Effects?

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Earlier I picked up my migraine medication (topiramate) that my new neurologist prescribed. He told me that the two main side effects were weight loss and tingling/numbness in the hands and feet. I read over the information that was included with the prescription, and those ARE two possible side effects...but they aren't the only ones. The medication can also cause kidney stones (which my doctor mentioned but said probably wouldn't be an issue since I've never had a kidney stone), high acid levels in your blood, high ammonia levels in your blood, impaired concentration, unusual bleeding, and may cause seizures if you miss more than one dose or suddenly stop taking it cold turkey. So in other words, once I start this medication, I can't stop without my doctor gradually weaning me off, even if I don't like the way I feel on it. The idea of having a seizure is terrifying. The medication can also make food taste funky, which is why it causes weight loss. Oh, and it can make you suicidal and you're supposed to let your doctor know if you have ever had depression or suicidal tendencies before taking it, both which I have. We didn't discuss that beforehand though, as he didn't ask about it and I didn't think to bring it up as it seemed unrelated. Topiramate also cannot be taken with birth control pills, as it makes them less effective. Which means I will have to find an alternative way to treat my endometriosis before I can start this medication. Honestly I'm terrified to take this new med, even if it is a very low dose. I am supposed to take 25 mg twice a day. This particular medication is used to prevent migraines and is also used to treat epilepsy. My doctor said if the dose he prescribed seemed too strong, I could cut the pills in half and just take half doses, but the info included with the medication says not to do that. So I'm not sure if it's safe to do so or not. Of course, these side effects all seem mild compared to some of the other ones I've seen listed on prescriptions. Have meds always had such nasty side effects, or have they gotten worse over the years? Or was it just something I didn't pay attention to when I was younger?