Topamax - Scared to use this medication because of all the side effects?
Question posted by Theia on 14 April 2015
Last updated on 21 April 2019
Hello, I have been given a prescription by my doctor for Topamax (topiramate 25mg) to lose weight. After reading all the side effects associatied with this drug, I am very scared in using it. My dose is one tablet (25mg) at night. How long does it take for any side effect to start? Do the side effects differ from person to person or are there standard side effects that people get? All I was told by my doctor is that is causes drowsiness. I googled this drug and found all the side effects associated with it. Please help as, I don't know if i should start taking this medication to lose weight or not?
Thank you...
Added 16 April 2015:
I decided to take Topamax (topiramate) last night and found that I couldn't sleep. Today, I was fine, full of energy and I hardly had anything to eat. No drowsiness or anything else. I have been drinking alot of water as suggested though because I read that, this drug is known to cause kidney stones. I'll take another tablet tonight and continue the course.
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5 Answers
NI
Nitro061
21 April 2019
Wow you’re doctor gave it as a weight loss aid??:. It will definitely help lose weight biggest side effects I found were poor poor memory, recall, learning anything new, dry eyes, utter confusion also known as “dopamax” for a good reason.
Votes: +0
MJ
Mjsofa
21 April 2019
No the dr prescribed it to me as a mood stabilizer for my bipolar. It does though have the positive side effect of possible no weight gain like other drugs in its class. It is an anti seizure med but can be prescribed for many other off label purposes.
I’m not a dr. This is just my understanding
NI
Nitro061
21 April 2019
Mood stabilizer huh new one on me. Thank you for the information
MJ
Mjsofa
16 April 2019
I’m not a dr or in health care
Everyone is different. Some people have very positive responses to topamax. It has helped me with binge eating due to my bipolar meds. But beware of the side effects. I have noticed increase in my depression and anxiety. Also if you have any kidney issues talk them over with your dr first. I’m all of a sudden having UTI and that’s never been an issue for me? Kidney stones are listed as a side effect as well. Anyway if you do try it. Good luck to you. I’ve heard good things too.
Votes: +0
DA
DanellP
16 April 2019
I know this is a old question but I want to ask my Dr for Topamax and I'm scared.. because I need it as a add on for my latuda as I'm still worried and anxious and depressed and very very angry... I like the decreased hunger side effect this Topamax has and I think it will help me with my wine cravings and server increased appetite I have with latuda but it seems that Topamax and latuda both have the same side effect of excess heat.. I am very very worried my Dr will say no.. I mean I can drink water and not exercise in the sun.. I think this Topamax is the answer to my prayers!!! I hope my Dr gives it to me. If he says no then idk what else to do or where else to go. My anxiety about these side effects and anger are irritable behavior is crazy high... I see Topamax helps with lots too.. heck maybe it will help me with my nerve pain I get from disk in my spine. Just writing for some support and looking for anything encouraging..
Votes: +0
MA
Ma Donna
18 April 2015
I have been taking topamax 50 mg twice a day for the prevention of migraine headaches. I started taking it approximately six years ago and will never stop taking it. I have never experienced a single adverse side effect from this medication, and I am extremely sensitive to medication, not being able to take very many different kinds of meds. I never experienced any weight loss, or loss of appetite; yet I don't need to, either. Topamax has been a wonder drug for me in the prevention of migraine headaches! My migraines were more frequent and longer in duration, consuming my life. Topamax gave me my life back.
Votes: +0
TA
Tarealia
14 April 2015
Hello! I'm currently taking Topamax with Phentermine to lose weight. Topamax is really for migraines and depression, it will work to decrease appetite for some. I've lost 60lbs wih Topa&Phen together
Votes: +2
TH
Theia
15 April 2015
I thought, Topamax was used for Epilepsy, to control the seizures and or headaches and migraines but I also discovered it is used for weight loss as well. I put on alot of weight due to the fact that I stopped smoking for about a year now and am on the verge of diabetes. I don't have depression or anything else wrong. But, my question is about the side effects, what can I expect. Reading information online on the side effects, has me very scared to start this medication.
MA
mamakitty3
16 April 2015
Topamax (topiramate) when used for binge eating or impulse control for weightloss is simply that. Some have the side effect of an appetite suppressant and some it just simply helps them stop impulsively time after time go through a drive through looking for their next "empty fix". Starting this drug I thought I would not eat. Actually my first week I really didnt. My husband was worried. Then I started eating and I thought maybe the drug stooped working but the really interesting fact was I was able to eat and I had a signal for the fist time in my life in my brain tell me I was full and I pushed my plate away. Not to mention I no longer had the urge for something salty/sweet and the on going cycle that I had always delt with. I am impressed so far. I do not think it is for everyone.
MA
mamakitty3
16 April 2015
As far as side effects. BE AWAKE of your generics. I was given a generic by Zydus Pharmaceuticals and I wouldn't have known any different being new to the drug but I almost stopped taking it. I had ringing in my ears, irritability, upper back pain, severe tingling feet/hands and just general not well Feeling. I started to do research And found others having trouble with the Topamax generic from Zydus. I found a couple that people said to be similar to the real topamax since my insurance will not cover and the one I take now is Camber Pharmaceuticals. 2 wks into thus new one and a world of difference. I take 25mg morning 25 evening . 4wks on it down 12 lbs no effort. I can not drink pop as you read topamax is a carbination something or other. Lol. Just makes it takes very flat. So 4 wks just water & 1 cup coffee in the morning. I do not watch what I eat (carbs/calories etc) just try to be mindful. I no longer have an urge to eat large amounts when I get overly hungry.
I used to go all day without eating (sometimes not on purpose) then order a ton of food Eat it & throw away ny trash so noone would know. I've struggled for years with food and I am not sure why as I am not a really heavy person maybe 25-30 lbs over weight. This drug has taken my urge to drink alcohol away as well. I couldn't wait to get home from work to make a drink, I'd drink alone some nights. My whole weekend I drank. I've went 3 weekends without evening wantin a drink. I will have 1 then just move on to something else. Its so WEIRD. Its good. But if I'm not eating or drinking... I'd better find a hobby. Lol. Anyways. Only side effects I still have a little tingling in hands/feet if I sit long periods time/I fall asleep much easier at night (in a good way),I am always trying to Organize everything! Lol
MU
MuseMyself
16 Jan 2019
I found your answer and the generic topamax! Seriously, only one doctor knew I had severe side effects on generic! Other doctors and pharmacist have said it’s the same... NO! It isn’t I was on topamax since, a teenager and I was switched to generic in 2014 and was ok for a little bit then, brain fog and every side effect possible hit me. I was written for brand name necessary ever since. I changed doctors and my insurance changed the same month and year. I have been fighting for over a year for brand topamax I have done so well on. At one time it was the only medication I needed since, I have been off topamax it’s been hell! It used to help with everything it’s like a little miracle in a pill. I was calm, choose between foods & eat less. I was less impulsive and could function even though, I have phobias I was able to deal with them.
If, you have found a generic that is close to brand feel free to let me know because I am lost and I cannot find a similar formula to brand as well as many generic brands have merged or bought one another out so it’s more difficult to know the correct formulas anymore. Thanks in advance! Take care Muse
