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Topamax User Reviews & Ratings

Topamax has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 439 reviews on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 30% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Topamax

  • Sunny
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 25, 2019

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Topamax for migraine headaches and weight loss. Being on Depakote, my weight had shot up 25 pounds with no end in sight. I was even craving sweets, which I had never done. After two days of Topamax, my appetite decreased noticeably. After a week, I had lost 7 pounds. By the time I had been on it for a month, I was down to 125 and still not hungry. Eating became something I thought I should do instead of something I HAD to do. When my weight dropped to 118, I stopped the Topamax, thinking, if I start to gain weight I’ll take it again. It’s been six years since I’ve taken Topamax and I weigh 130; 20.4 BMI. The results seem to last. I’m not sure it worked for my migraines, but it’s awesome for weight loss!"

10 / 10
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609 Report
  • Happy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 24, 2013

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Topamax for a little less than a month and already lost 16 pounds! My doctor gave it to me for the weight loss effects and I have had no adverse side effects that I know of so far. It rates a 10 in my book!"

10 / 10
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770 Report
  • Jo Jo...
  • September 13, 2015

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been over weight and suffer from depression for over 20 years, I admit food was my best friend!!! After hysterectomy doctor put me on hormone replacement medicine, I was so hungry constantly , All I could think about was eating. Then my doctor put me on Topamax and I LOVE IT! I went from 252 lbs to now 167 lbs. From size 22 now size 10. I have to make myself eat, never hungry, and when I am eating I just try to eat slowly, and I do drink water now because even my favorite diet soda does taste terrible. I would tell everyone to try it!"

10 / 10
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430 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Mirac...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 18, 2017

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I weighed 230 pounds and felt like a cow.. I started off on 25 mg 1x a day and noticed no change. So asked doc to change me to 100 mg twice a day. I just take the 200mg at once. That's when I finally noticed a change. I've lost 45 pounds in 6 months! I'm continuing to lose and my goal weight is 160 since I'm tall so only 25 more pounds to go. I noticed at first pop tasted different but now it tastes fine. I used to love beer but now I don't want it..which is fine since it's so fattening lol. I only eat once or twice a day and the carb cravings are gone. I don't exercise much at all. I have no side effects at all. I'm so glad I found this medication it really has been a miracle. :)"

10 / 10
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304 Report
  • Eliza...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 3, 2021

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on topamax for a month today. I couldn't lose weight for anything. I was originally prescribed it for headaches, working great for the headache as well! I went back to my prescriber today, I've lost 8 pounds in a month on such a low dose so it works and it is absolutely awesome!"

10 / 10
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146 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Parti...
  • January 16, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "On Topamax and 6 years ago I had what I thought was a seizure and spots in my right eye. The spots NEVER went away. Other symptoms of this horrible drug-ITCHING, SEIZURES, HAIR LOSS, EXTREME HOT FLASHES, EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS, my doctor never, ever cared about any of it. I quit this awful drug in October, 2016. Had a minor stroke shortly after. Do not take this drug if you want to stay healthy and keep your eye sight. I filed a complaint with the FDA and of course they didn’t care either. This drug is a result of greedy drug companies and FDA being lobbied to allow such a destructive drug. Doctors don’t care either. They all just keep making their money while patients end up with permanent damage that CANNOT be fixed."

1 / 10
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186 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 24, 2012

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Topamax is amazing. I originally took it 6 years ago to prevent migraines and lost 80 lbs as a bonus. At that time my doctor and I speculated that it would some day be approved for weight loss because I was not his only patient to report changes in the taste of carbonated beverages and chocolate while taking the medication. I also noticed that I did not dream about food while taking the medication, but within 3 months of changing medications food reentered my dream content. I am now back on the medication to address chronic pain issues and have already found the same results in weight loss, taste changes, and dream content."

9 / 10
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394 Report

More FAQ

  • momma...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 21, 2015

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have struggled for years with what I thought was just a problem with controlling my hunger, I would never eat around anyone and then once everyone was asleep I was starved. I finally seen a psychiatrist for my ADD symptoms and while he was modifying my medication he diagnosed me with binge eating disorder. To my surprise he was right. I had no control. I had always bounced on diets. He started me on Topamax 25mg and I knew instantly it will work. It has a calming affect. I feel so full and I am going to bed without eating for the first time in years. I am very thankful. Not every medication is for everyone. I am pleased with this one so far."

10 / 10
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309 Report
  • BRM
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 8, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "On Topamax for 15 years for migraine prevention. Has changed my life. After trying so many things for years and having the quality of my life being severely impacted by migraine, this wonder drug has lessened the pain and nausea from a 9 to a 1."

10 / 10
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151 Report
  • Kate
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 15, 2019

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve taken this medicine Topamax two separate times. The first time it helped me lose weight and I didn’t have many side effects but went off of it once I got in a serious relationship and heard it can make birth control less effective. However, two years after I got off of it I went back on it because of my binge eating disorder and it was horrible. This time I had side effects I was losing feeling in my hands and feet. My face would go numb. It didn’t really help with appetite. And it started to impact my memory. I almost immediately went off of it. And I’m still experiencing memory issues. I’ll be talking and can’t remember words in the middle of a sentence. Or I’ll tell someone something and then a couple of minutes repeat it because I forgot if I said it or not. Keep in mind I’m 21 and shouldn’t be having memory issues like this. I don’t recommend it..."

2 / 10
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150 Report
  • beadyb
  • November 7, 2008

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have never had the feeling of being full and have fought obesity since childhood. I had a successful gastric bypass in 1980 (but with serious lifelong medical complications) and lost 170lbs at after the operation. Over the years I've gained and lost up to 70lbs but never held a steady weight. I saw a psychiatrist 6 years ago (for other reasons) and shared this with him. He told me about Topamax and explained that it did not work in everyone, but had with some of his patients with true food disorders. He started me at 5mg/day and increased the dosage by 5mg/ week. When I reached 150mg/day I noticed that I consistently pushed my plate away or stopped eating when I was full. It has been a miracle, and my weight hasn't varied more than 5lbs in 7 years."

10 / 10
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360 Report
  • Becca
  • July 7, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I was given Topomax about 2 months ago for recurring migraines; it did nothing but make my life . It a living nightmare. I started with complete loss of appetite followed by extreme nausea. After that, the psychological effects started. I become extremely paranoid; The anxiety and paranoia got worse and worse the longer I was on Topamax which was soon accompanied by intense depression. Next came the hallucinations; I would see paintings moving on the walls, see colors and shapes moving across the floor, and I would hear voices multiple times a day. I fully regret ever taking this drug, I want my life back."

1 / 10
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98 Report
  • jenna
  • October 18, 2016

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is an early review as I just started it on 10/16/16 but the food cravings are gone, it takes less food to satisfy me, soda tastes terrible, cigarettes taste different and bad (which is a surprising good side effect!) and I just feel better with less food in me. I have tried phentermine with no luck and usually had good success with natural weight loss until being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and needing a knee replacement that keeps me from working out too much. So so far, I am impressed. I'll be back in a few weeks for a weigh in review. No side effects like others have had with mental fogginess or tingling. 25mg 2x day. Here's hoping my 235 can become 155 again!"

9 / 10
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204 Report
  • Elle
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 18, 2018

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "3 months ago I was 259lbs and now I am 219lbs now. I take topamax daily, and phentermine 1-2 days a week sometimes, and it’s helped not only my mood but my obsessive thoughts about eating and food. I don’t sit and think about it all day long. I also had an energy drink addiction and broke it because all carbonated drinks taste flat! All soda tastes awful!! I do get bad headaches if I miss a dose. Don’t miss your pills. I used to get bad headaches weekly but not since taking this medication- they don’t come around anymore. I’m topped off at 50/twice a day but I’d happily take 100/twice a day. I do get brain farts but after 3 months it’s not as bad."

10 / 10
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156 Report
  • Losin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 25, 2017

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm definitely losing weight extremely fast with this medication. I took 25 mg at night the first 30 days and I'm now on the start of the third month at 50 mg at night, also, 37.5 mg Adipex every morning. With Topamax I CANNOT eat. Everything I eat makes me sick. It definitely changes you're sense of taste and smell which has pretty much stopped my smoking. So, there are huge benefits just the side effects can be a little unbearable at times. I've lost 28.7 pounds in 2 months"

5 / 10
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170 Report
  • Steph
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 19, 2015

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am extremely obese. My starting weight when I started taking Topamax was 289.0 lbs. I weighed myself every few days. I started for one week taking 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg in the evening. Now I take 50mg in the morning and 50 in the evening. Im also eating right veggies and fruits and snacks. This medication is making me lose at least 13 lbs since Jan. 5, 15 and today I'm 276.0 and its Jan. 19, 2015. in that short amount of time that's a good amount of weight to drop. So thank you Topamax!"

10 / 10
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216 Report
  • meshe
  • April 16, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I suffer from Migraines and peri menopause and started to suffer those extra pounds that just want come off and with migraines so hard to work out and go for walks and work out to get off the extra pound that pre menopause woman suffer from. I am 5'3 and always weight 120-125 and now weigh 140. Since I started on Topamax on February Dr put me on 25mg per day for 2 week, then increased it to 2x a day 3rd week. Now its April 16 and weigh in - 125 back to my original weight. I feel back to normal. I have so much energy. I would say the only side effect I have is that I feel colder - my hands are cold and I'm more thirsty, again which is ok because I drink more water which is good because before I never drank water now I do. My Migraines are hindered and I feel alive-"

10 / 10
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92 Report
  • Reene...
  • May 16, 2016

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First started topamax in 2013 lost 30 lbs on 75mg in 3 mos topamax 25 mg 3 x a day w/30 mg prozac once a da. Weight went from 278 to 248. I am 65 year old female obese all my life. Had experimental Lap band surgery in 1979. Gained all weight back. Tried everything and gained back all weight every time. Can't take diet pills make me too jittery. After three years stopped topamax because of minor memory loss which I thought was embarrassing. Stayed on Prozac 30mg and gained all weight back and more up to 291. Now I am really depressed. Came off Prozac and am back on topamax 25 mg in morning and 25 mg at night only. Have lost 3 lbs in one week. So happy. Would rather walk and feel better physically than remember someones name,"

8 / 10
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190 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 26, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I switched to Topamax from Lamictal to see if it would control my bipolar disorder and help me lose weight. My mood and sleep have been incredible and I have lost 15 lbs in 6 weeks on Topamax. I was a little worried about having memory problems but have not suffered this side effect at all. Have a little tingling in my feet at night but not bad enough to stop taking it. Overall I highly recommend this medication for bipolar disorder."

10 / 10
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259 Report
  • Bojomom
  • March 16, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I'm 50 yrs old and have suffered from Migraines since I was about 12 years old. Too long! I've taken every medicine possible for prevention or cure with little or no relief. Too many trips to the ER for shots...the only real fix; then back home in a dark room for much needed sleep. When my Internist suggested Topamax, I jumped at the opportunity. Boy, I'm happy that I did. Yes, I had the initial side effects, lost 35 lbs originally (gained 10 back), have tingling in my fingers & toes but only in the winter when I'm cold. Very manageable. I don't drink pop, but tried one WOW...it was flat. I do struggle with words at times, but still manageable. My 3/week migraines now down to 1/month are generally managed with Excedrin Migraine. A "

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218 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 8, 2010

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on Topamax for almost 3 years, was prescribed it for severe migraines. The weight loss was a side effect, a nice one though! I didn't need to lose much to begin with, maybe 20lbs or so, and I started to notice that I went from the 140's to the 120's. I am now off this medicine as I have been migraine free for almost two years and the only bad thing I can say is that the weight comes right back on if you're not watching very carefully. Also - HUGE side effect was the medicine caused my body to not sweat, which caused severe overheating. It's a less common side effect, but a very super important one to be aware of."

8 / 10
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253 Report
  • FINALLY...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2022

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I used food to fix everything in my life, my entire adult life. Have lived in a fat suit my entire adult life. 2-18-2022 (270lbs) I was given Topiramate to try for weight loss because I was tired of trying stimulants that caused high blood pressure which I only needed to take yet another pill for. grrrrr. It has now been 11 days. I went to the same Dr. office, but to see the PT this time. Snuck over to the scale...(260lbs!) 10 LBS in 11 DAYS!!!! WOW!!!! I FEEL FREE OF THE SHACKLES OF FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU TOPIRAMATE"

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60 Report
  • Liz
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 2, 2019

For Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Two weeks ago my Dr. Prescribed topamax to help aid my weight loss and help me reach my goals. All was well until last Friday every food and drink except for water and Gatorade made me nauseous and sometimes vomit. Constant constipation or raging diarrhea. None of the foods or drinks had much taste. No appetite but growling stomach . My feet were constantly tingling. I started getting dizzy and blacking out. Horrible breast pain and just felt horrible. It was the lowest dose prescribed so I stopped it last night and have an appointment tomorrow morning. The more I researched the drug it's horrible for your body eyes, digestive system, urinary system and reproductive system to name a few. Just not worth it!"

3 / 10
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111 Report
  • 6754bon
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 19, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking topamax for over 10 years. At first I lost 30 pounds. YIKES ! I stabilized and gained back some weight to a good weight for me. A few times I've had tingling in my fingers that lasted avery short duration. I 've been a chronic migraine sufferer for over 30 years. Started at 20 and I'll be 54 soon. Like many...I 've been to many Dr's and tried too many meds. This was the only thing that worked. Thankfully, for me, the side effects were minimal. Just because you have one bad experience, don't suffer. Find something. Meditation. ..something. You deserve a better life. We wouldn't be on this board if we didn't want to discourage or encourage someone else. Keep trying to live pain free."

10 / 10
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158 Report
  • Dancer
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 23, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "So far so good! No migraines! No more vomiting! I am losing weight! The best part is I am sleeping where as before the insomnia was truly the worst. I pray all this continues. I have had no side effects at all"

9 / 10
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100 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.