Hi friends,
My physician has given me a prescription for Topamax for weight loss support. This program will be supervised and I will see the Dr weekly. An EKG and blood work were required and all normal, however cholesterol and sugars were getting up there. My physician told me I'm not at risk for breast or lung cancer or lots of other diseases judging by my lifestyle and family history, but I am at risk for stroke or heart attack if I don't lose around 35-40 lbs.
I'm well aware that programs like Weight Watchers are successful and that patients don't keep weight off unless they change their eating habits, but I'm going to jump start my weight loss with the Topamax. I also take:
Clonazepam 0.5, Straterra, Viibryd and Diovan. I occasionally use a rescue and a maintenance asthma inhaler.
I'm hoping not to be lectured, but rather to hear about anyone's experience with Topamax for weight loss. I know it must have worked well as it is now FDA approved for that purpose.
Thank You! I value everyone on our site and appreciate your support.
4N Substances aka Frenchie
Topamax for Weight Loss?
Question posted by 4N Substances on 16 March 2013
Last updated on 18 December 2022
This question has also been asked and answered here: Does topiramate cause weight loss?
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
65 Answers Page 4
Recently I became morbidly obese very quickly from large doses of steroids due to a sudden attack of an auto immune disease. I became very large very quickly. Steroids make you hungry and come on strong and seem to never leave my system and just slow it down. I have severe joint pain and I am on disability and on bed rest. It even hurts to type this. Desperate to loose weight I asked for phentermine. It works up until night time. I added topamax in the evening and wow! What a difference!!!
I am finally loosing weight!
My hand were a tiny bit tingly but not a but deal. Just like a huh? That's weird kinda feeling. I don't drink soda so I'm glad I haven't had that issue. I'm only problem is im sensitive to smell but I seem to be on a high dose. 50mg to start with the phentermine seems to be too much. I'm going to ask my doctor for less. Or 2-25mg a day. And maybe no phentermine. We will see. I was exhausted for a week but I thought I was have a flare due to my rheumatoid arthritis but maybe it was the topamax now that I have read some of these posts.
For the people that are scared to take it. I personally was fine. I actually have to count my calories and make sure I am eating enough. I tend to want to eat 200 calories less than the minimum that I should and I don't believe in doing that. I want to eat the exact calories that I need to be heathy and loose 2 -3 pounds a week and I do not want to lose too fast and have extra loose skin.
Phentermine was scarier to me to take than topamax.
Also drink lots of water. I read it can cause kidney stones. Yikes!
So far I have lost 9 pounds in a month and according to my bmi I am no longer morbidly obese but just obese.
I have a long way to go but it's a great start. As long as everyone here takes the pill but also drinks lots log water counts calories eats healthy and a balanced meal and at least a little walking you will rule the world.
I am thinking of getting the frozen weight watcher meals from walmart. Making life a little easier since it's hard to cook with my arthritis. Less stress and pressure for now for counting calories and easier weightloss :)
My Dr prescribed me Topamax about 2 years ago & at that time it was known to possibly cause weight loss in some patients, but it can cause weight gain, also. Unfortunately for me it caused weight gain. If you don't have any luck maybe your Dr could put you on Adipex (Phentermine) or Belviq.
I lost over 100 lbs on Topamax... I take it for migraines and the weight loss was a welcome side effect!
4N Substances
Hi I'm hoping you see this as your post is over a year old. I was recently given topamax and victoza for weight loss. I do not have and life threatening illnesses but I have auto immune diseases that cause massive swelling throughout my whole body and pain. My doctor believes if I can get my weight under control I will feel better.
I read all of your updates. But it's been a while since you took the topamax and I now have so many questions.
Was nausea a side effect?
Did the tingling go away when you stopped taking it?
How long did it take you to lose the 40 lbs? I need to lose around 80lbs.
And the biggest question... Did you keep the weight off?
I hope this finds you and you have a moment to answer my questions.
Thank you!
Hey JLB,
I'm starting Topomax tomorrow as well for migraines, and I've been reading up on side effects as well. I need to lose about 60 pounds, and I'm also wondering about long term weight-loss. Have you started taking the topomax yet? What side effects have you had?
Thanks!
Hi, JLB1008
I was wondering if you could give me an update on how things are going for you on Topamax..I too have been prescribed this for weight loss.
Thank you, cherylynn
Topamax has worked for me for weight loss. I needed it for migraine relief. But after a year now, i have lost 40 lbs and haven't had a migraine :) Loss of appetite is a major side effect and you will notice that you eat very small portions and if you drink soda, carbonation tastes flat. I love beer but couldn't drink it anymore :( It's been a year now and I'm HAPPY. Iv'e gone from a size 11 to a size 5 :)
Hi my name is DeeAnn, I wanted to ask what time do you take your pills and what is your dosage? Thanks
I am starting Topamax this week, I am very nervous about some of the side effects that people have been reporting and hoping that with low doses that they are minimal. I already feel like my attention isn't what it used to be and am already a little on the forgetful side... I sure hope this doesn't make it even worse :/ I have a solid 45 pounds to 60 pounds that I need to lose, has anyone been on topamax long term for weight loss purposes?
Thanks so much!
Hi JMarie
I am the original author of this question. If you repost yours as a new question, I think you will get a much better response. I lost 30 lbs, hugely successful med for me. Did I change my eating habits? Not as much as I'd have liked. I did somewhat and I certainly eat much less. Do I know why it's jokingly called "dope-amax?" Absolutely, and it's been very frustrating to me. I'm very precise in my vocabulary and now I'm often at a loss for basic words. I do hate this. I think it has lessened somewhat. I have another 10 lbs to lose so my Dr just titrated me up, but I won't go any higher. He says there is no harm staying on this med for long periods and has many patients who have done so. I'm not looking forward to coming off of it but it has been very effective for me where nothing else worked. I wish you well on your journey. I have added you as a friend so you can PM if you like.
4N Substances aka Frenchie
Thank you so much... good luck on your continued weight loss :) I am a big Diet Coke drinker so I will be glad to break that habit, I do think that the aspartame causes mind fog as well... hopefully it'll be a wash!
Well the Topomax should fix your diet coke habit or craving for ANY soda!! I can sip a little ginger ale or sweet tea. That's it. You'll find that part AMAZiNG!
I am starting Topamax this week. I was previously on Addipex. I was taken it about three months and lost 15 pounds. It stopped working. Dr. has prescribed me Topamax. I am going to try it. I need to lose 25 lbs. I am worried bout the side affects. We will see the outcome.
I'd like to ask my doctor for topamax but I'm alittle concerned with the results if any . I haven't heard no one saying that it works . I am 5 ft and weigh 208 and need to lose weigh and can't do it . My normal weight is 115 please help me !!!
I found this page reser=arching abilify. I am not computer smart and it took me 20 mins to sign in, but, I found these q's& a's right UP my alley... I AM STARVING, ALWAYS. on 5mgs of abilify. I evcercise,TRY to eat right& gain weight!! I took abilify lsy year,quit after gaining 20lbs in 2 months,lost 10 of the 20, I went back ti it(it was a God send),but,now I remember why I quit taking it... I see topomax might offset the hunger/weight gain issues, and I do have the probability of being prescribed it(epileptic),not sure why I wanted to comment... lol... lost my train of thought,but, I do want to read this page daily to learn more of what yall are saying... Somebody please tell me how I can go to this page tomorrow a.m. I found it by googling abilify side effects, I'm sure there is a way to just get to this page(other than 'by accident'. TY i'll be a daily reader... I just added this page to my list of favirites,maybe that'll work?
I have had great results with Topomax for both mood swings and weight loss. I've been on it for close to 4 months now and I have lost 45 lbs (dowm from 210). My manic episodes have gone from almost daily to 1-2 times a week. I guess I am lucky it has worked for me. I hope it works out for you all out there. Hang in there!
My sister in law has been on it for quite awhile and she is up to 400 msg and that's as high as her dr will go. She was a size 2x and 3x and is down to size 14. Looks and feels great.
I also actually took my first pill tonight 25mg.I had a knee replacement and need to get the other one replaced due to a sports injury.How much do you normally lose and how long ? What should I expect.How does it work etc... Thanks I really appreciate any help and answers.
I will be starting topamax next week but was told that it can cause some mental problems. I suffer from extreme anxiety and hope that this will not make it worse. I need to lose atleast 50lbs. to be within normal range. Has anyone had any mental issues besides being in a fog?
I have a topamax prescription for 50 mg a day but have been afraid to get started. I would like to loose 30 lbs, but the side effects sound pretty bad. It sounds like everyone has a fuzzy memory and tingling with it! I am 65 and don't want to be fuzzy. If I do go ahead would I take the pill at night or in the morning? Help!
Hey there I too was prescribed Topamax (but not for weight loss for headaches) and the side effects of that medication have ruined my stomach and I just could not eat! be very careful it is a potent medication. I have never felt so bad in my entire life it was like having razors inside my stomach and an awful taste im my mouth! i had to stop taking it. Topamax is given in a gradual dose increasing dosage every couple of weeks! I never reached the max dose!
All I can tell you is to be very very careful! I have 20 lbs to lose and I was just prescribed phentermine, I am a little scared to take it. I did lose about 7 lbs with Topamax but thats because I was soooooooo sick I could not eat!! take care and I wish you well!!
Gramato1
Hi Amy and other friends!
To update everyone, I have lost 24 lbs. yay! Topamax really has had the effect on me that I'm generally uninterested in food and portions of anything I do eat are very small.
I have experienced the same tingly hands and feet, but most frustrating has been the impact on my short term memory. I see why they call it "Dopamax!" It's frustrating when you can't recall the name of your 10 yr old dog or your neighbor's husband. I'm aware of this now though and try to use a little mind control-deep calming breath, a few minutes relaxation, reassurance that I'm not turning into a vegetable and the word usually comes to me.
Willpower is still needed in social situations and I have been amazed at how much mindless eating I previously did. I eat mindfully now and hope I can continue this as a permanent lifestyle change. I've managed to keep the weight off back in Europe for the last month and don't feel I have deprived myself.
I have not talked to my Dr yet about going off of Topamax and I'm not looking forward to that process. If anyone can offer any wisdom or share their experience getting off Topamax I'd be very grateful.
Thanks for your support.
Your friend,
Frenchie
Just curious what dose you ended up on where you found the most weight loss? Thanks a bunch.
Chris
What strength do you take and my family teases me and tells me I was already knew that.
I have been taking Topamax for migraines for about 6 months and have lost 20 pounds as a side effect of the drug. It really curbs your appetite. Anything carbonated such as soda tastes horrible so you really lose a lot of calories from just cutting that from your diet alone. There are other side effects which aren't great though such as tingling hands and feet, blurry vision and extreme fatigue. These seem to subside after the first couple of months though, thank goodness.
That's sounds about right! I have been on Topamax for a year now for Migraines and have lost a total of 40 lbs now. It has curbed my appetite in half. I quit drinking beer completely and anything that is carbonated!!! I LOVED BEER!!! I had the tingling in the fingers in the beginning and still do but not as bad. As for the blurry vision... i still have that and have to use my reading glasses more often. I haven't had a migraine in over a year now and i continue to lose weight but not as fast now... you really need to take your calcium and vitamin supplements. I am 48 going through menopause so calcium (liquid) is important for your bones.
Can you tell me what dose of topomax you are on?
I have been taking Topamax 100 mg twice a day for years now for migraines which have ceased... thank goodness. An awesome side effect was that I lost the extra 40 pounds I was carrying due to decreased appetite! It was awesome. The effects lasted about a year and a half. No other side effects to mention!! Love it! Hope this helps!!
I take Topamax and have lost 150 lbs. It took the taste for fast food away. I do not eat between meals anymore. It took me 18 months to lose the weight but was worth it. The doctor gave it to me for restless leg.
I had all these conditions before the topamax... I'm on a ton of other stuff. gabapentin Lycra muscle relaxers pain meds other stuff for head aches and I'm so exhaust all the time... and i was even before all the meds..they just made the day more bearable..my heart goes out to all
Hi. I started taking topamax last July and lost 14 lb in 10weeks then it just stopped working. I upped the dose from 100 to 150 then 200 mg but nothing. Ive since given it a break and gone back but nothing. I don't even get the side effects now like at first. Has any body else experienced this?
Hi. I started taking topamax last July and lost 14 lb in 10weeks then it just stopped working. I upped the dose from 100 to 150 then 200 mg but nothing. Ive since given it a break and gone back but nothing. I don't even get the side effects now like at first. Has any body else experienced this?
Hi Friends!! I really appreciate ALL the comments and support on this journey. In two days have lost a pound and a half..woo-hoo! One interesting thing I have noticed, that I read about somewhere, has come to pass-soda tastes TERRIBLE!! The diet Pepsi that I love (and need to give up anyway :) tastes bitter! I really have little appetite. I'm eating pretty healthfully but having to remind myself to do so. No other side effects, still a few days at 25. Blessings to all of you.
XO
Frenchie
you go girl!!! you are in my prayers!!!
lesliehelen
Oh yeah! I forgot about that side effect as I dont drink it anyway. Its much better for your kidneys not to drink it anyway so its a good way to get off it :-)
Yes soda tastes terrible!
hi frenchie, just wondering how you are doing on your weight loss journey?? have been thinking about you... my dr. decided not to put me on it, my kidneys and my pancreas are not doing well cause my glucose is out of whack, so she put me on another insulin type injectable type drug called victoza..one of its side effects is weight loss... yippee!!! so I have been on it 3 days with out any results as of yet, but I will keep on keeping on!!! hopefully, you have been having continued success..hugs,
lesliehelen
I lost 44 lbs. on it as I was on 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at bed time. I also lost half of my hair. It's one of the side effects...
My Psychiatrist put me on Topamax last week, to help lose weight and for my headaches and to help calm my temper. She has started me out on a very low dose due to sensitivity and fear I have with new medications. I have had a problem with this low dose of only 12mg, at bedtime. I wake up often through the night. I feel nauseated and hung over most of the day. I'm wondering how I will handle the dose being increased in a few days to 25mg at night.
wow,i can't believe you are all on 100 mg of Topamax,mine are 25 mg,and take twice a day.It has stopped the migraines,not sure if any of you have the problem i do,but i find that i get really aggravated alot easier with my daughter,and also noticed i've been losing more hair then normal when brushing.
I was on Topamax for about 4 years and specifically wanted it to replace the diet pills I was taking because its meant to be prescribed for migraines/seizures but it has the added 'side effect' of weight loss. It also has the side effect of you not being able to sweat so you dont know when your body is getting overheated so have to be very careful not to get dehydrated. I dont know what dose your doctor started you on but it shouldnt be more than 25mg.. you can work up from there.
When I was on it I did also not eat very much but it did keep My weight at the level I wanted it for the whole 4 years. I stopped taking it as was getting daily migraines and also developed a droopy right eyelid that was getting progressively worse. Just take care.
Hi dragon! Thanks for your comment. Interestingly, I felt like I was perspiring MORE today than usual! This is not listed as a side effect but I have heard of others experiencing this as well. I know it wasn't my imagination so its having some effect on my body's thermostat. I am titrating up, so I didn't feel much decrease in appetite yet. First day, so far so good!
Frenchie
The increase in body heat burns calories with those pills but just be careful how much you exert yourself.
Sorry but that's not true Topamax was originally created as a weight loss medication then they found it helped with migraines. Not the way you stated it.
Actually you are all wrong, Topomax is a seizure medication, used for migraines as well and the benefit was weight loss... beware, you can have major hair loss on the drug and brain fog (nickname is dopomax). I've been on it over 4 years for migraine and I'm going off for a bit to see if it will start to work again...
I just started topamax tonight. 25 milligrams daily. For headaches and weight loss Maybe increase next week. Really need to lose weight. Took 4 hours ago nothing yet but no side effects yet keep me posted Frenchie and I will too
When you stopped taking did your eyelid get back to normal?
Hi there Frenchie.
Yup! This med can be used to lose weight. That's what it's primarily used for.
Love you, little monkey,
Anna
Let us know how you do. I know you were scared, but, all of us are pulling for you. So many of us need to lose weight for health reasons. It will be ok.
Thanks for the encouragement dear one. I am afraid, but more scared of the heart attack/stroke risk my Dr.harped on.
I will keep you posted.
XO Frenchie
Hi Everyone, Tomorrow I begin the Topamax. I wanted to start today when my daughter, an ICU RN, would be with me, as I'm a little nervous. However, it's prescribed as a before bedtime med-so here goes my first dose. I am titrating up so I don't expect any difficulty.
If any of you have interest, I'll post every couple days about by progress/side effects if any.
Thanks to all my friends for your support. And Cupcake... I haven't forgotten anything you said.
Love to all of you.
Frenchie
keep us posted, frenchie... i am especially looking for some good news!!!
hugs!!
lesliehelen
Frenchie,
Did topamax ever work for you? I took it years ago and lost 60 lbs... then it stopped working for my tourette's, so I stopped it... now I need to lose wt again, wondering if it will work again?
A few years ago, I struggled with migraines and was also at my heaviest weight of 212. My doctor started me on Topamax 50 mg twice a day for a month late October then increased to 100 mg in a month, my migraines were subsiding plus the weight was practically falling off, my appetite was suppressed, most foods I usually enjoyed started tasting salty which of course had me alter my eating habits and by April I was 172! Amazing... I worked for me & I didn't really work out but once I reached 172 I started walking a few miles a week to maintain.
Have you ever consumed alcoholic beverages while taking topamax ? I am taking it strictly for weight loss so can you skip a dose if planning to have a couple beverages?
I have never heard of Topamax being used as a weight loss,i take it for migraines twice a day along with Maxalt,keep us posted how it works for you
I just started topomax also. I need to lose 60 pounds. I started last week and I'm down 7 pounds already. I am a busy hairstylist and I alway ate whatever I wanted. This medication helps me to curb my enthusiasm about eating !!! I'm so excited to get back to the person I use to look like! I feel happy. I take mine in the morning and I've cut out all sugar and breads! I eat organic green chef meals and freshly.com.
i know someone who lost a tremendous amount of weight on Topamax. I am starting tonight, Guess i should go weigh. will check in next Saturday.
There is a drug that was approved for weight loss recently and it contains both topamax and phentermine. Of course right now it is a brand and will cost ya. But if you talk to the doctor he might be willing to prescribe both generic drugs.
I am on topamax for mood swings and have not noticed weight loss but I have been eating a lot of junk lately.
Hi Recovery,
As I mentioned, I'm very fortunate to have this med covered by my Ins Co's Wellness Plan. I'm not going to take the combo with phentermjne.
Thanks!
Yes. Its called BELVIQ. my doctor wanted me to try it But since it isnt covered under insurance he have me the two drugs. Its topamax and adapex :)
I just started taking them yesterday and can NOT wait to weigh in. 6 MORE DAYS! Lol
Yes Qsymia is the brand I've tried it once but just too expensive to continue
Related topics
topamax, weight loss (obesity/overweight), weight
Further information
- Topamax uses and safety info
- Topamax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Topamax (detailed)
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