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?
65 Answers Page 5
Hi 4N Substances,
I also was given Topamax for weight loss. The doctor thought it would help my migraines too. Unfortunetely, I got headaches with it so had to stop. Hope you have better luck then me!
I have never heard of it!! My pain clinic... which has closed... told me to go Gluten Free, which I did! I have been very, very careful and have not dropped one pound!!! I wonder which Dr would I ask for this??? GP or RAologist?
Mine is being prescribed by a Gastroenterology practice. Your psychiatrist could prescribe it or your GP as well, I suppose. In my case it is covered by the Wellness Program of my ins-one must have a high Body Mass Index, high BP, Pre-Diabetes or some other concerning lab work in order to qualify.
I don't qualify then, drats! I am still following the tenets of my pain clinic, which is hard to do with no support, but I truly believe in this plan... in the long run... except last night, after almost 4 months of no beef, it was such a perfect spring night and we BBQd 2 big fat juicy steaks for Hubby and me and I ate every last bite!!!
I understand. I have an aviary with 21 rescue parrots and also have 5 rescue dogs, plus many rescue farm animals. As a big animal lover, I've tried and failed to give up beef. I wish I could but I was raised in a ranching family. Glad your pain is doing better. Please keep in touch.
i haven't heard of it either, but at this point, i am willing and ready to try anything!!! you should ask your gp about this... but everyone needs to remember to cut back on the calories and exercise at least a little bit... my dr. has told me to go on a 1200 calorie diet and walk everyday... kind of hard in this darned weather but i waddle around the house as though i were walking outside... i do some stretching in my chair... but i must tell you , i have 200 pounds to lose... so it may be a little different from anyone else, but the theory is still the same..god knows i have been on every diet that exists... i even had a gastric bypass last year... no, it didn't work for me..but it does for almost 90% of the people that have it done...
lesliehelen
They all use this for migraines
My doctor (neurologist) just gave it to me today for migraines. It's used for seizures, bipolar and other things. Try to Google it. I hope I lose weight of gained so much because of another drug (gabapentin for neuropathy) that causes weight gain. I've gained over 30 lbs!
Gp or pm. I get mine from my nuro now but originally from gp for migraines but i dropped down to 127lbs when i was first on it now back up to 151lbs just being off it 3 months so i had my nuro put me back on it can't wait to drop back down to make my pm happy
Hey there Frenchie. Good morning. I got so much support, that helped so much, yesterday, that it feels good to give it back. Thank you again, by the way. My pain Dr. Put me on it too, for a few reasons. To help me lose weight to help my back, knees, and I, too have been told I'm at risk for strok or heart attack. He upped mine to 300mg, and thought about 400mg, but didn't. I only lost very little, but I had also tried Phentermine for three months, and lost only two lbs I think. Like Laurie said, I ate right, and everything, but also, like Laurie said, its worth a try, because my Dr.s, and nurses said many many people do. So, you have a good chance. And IDE bet a million, you have to be more energetic than I. So, I'm wishing you, the best luck, and know you have friends here cheering for you. I know I will be. Ruthie
My pain mgmt Dr. Put me on phentermine 2x daily, and hydro 5 for pinched nerve in back. That's been about 4 mo. ago, my bk pain is almost gone, and have lost 50 PDS. Now she wants to give me Topamax to help weight loss. I'm loosing pretty good with the phen. Why do I need anything else?
I wish my pm would. .. I'm so tired all the time... I'm literally falling asleep at my desk at work
i surely hope that it will help you..i will ask my md about putting me on it also, i have about 150 lbs to lose... good luck and keep us informed!! hugs!!
leslie
I have 120 lbs to lose. I need to lose at least 40 before any orthopedic dr. will operate on my knees. I need 2 total knee replacements. Even doctors in Baltimore won't touch me now. I'm a high risk for complications and suffer extreme pain. I was just put on Topamax to try to help. Started on a low dose of only 12mg. at night. I feel like the devil. I wake off and on all night. I'm hung over, and sick on my stomach. Hate to think about it being increased to 25mg. next week, and being continually increased over time.
debb1955
I am sorry to here u are having some horrible side effects from this. I hope it improves soon. I am on 50 mg nightly with no issues, other than some daytime fatigue. But that could just be getting used to less food too. Im hoping to get to 50mg twice daily. Through my research i have found that that is the lowest necessary dose to achieve weight loss.
Hey Frenchie,
It is certainly worth a try. My doctor prescribed for me some time ago, I took for a few months, but to no avail. I guess I didn't change my eating habits and exercise to match the "program". I, too, need to lose about 40lbs as I am at the edge of being prediabetic and have high cholesterol. It ain't easy losing the weight, but sure is easy to put it on. I wish you the best and let us know how it goes.
Laurie
Sorry it didn't work for you LS. Yeah it's that old thing about changing eating habits (I bet our Cupcake will ring in :))
There is no magic bullet. I have another friend for whom it didn't work either-she ate right through it. I'm highly motivated at this moment though, so we shall see. You don't feel uneasy about introducing it with any of my other meds? I'm so slow to make these changes. Out of fear I've already lost 6 weeks.) I hope to hear from some others. Thanks as usual my friend.
Frenchie
I wouldn't be concerned about your other meds.
I lost over 100 lbs the 1st time. I've gained about 40 back. I'm back on topamax at a lower dose but no luck so far.
Crysx4 how many mg were you? I'm on 100 and did you change your diet plus work out? Thank you
I am on Topamax for vestibular migraines and have lost about 30 pounds. The first 15 came off without trying. Now I am avoiding Wheat, corn and soy (GMOs) and sugar as much as I can to help with the migraines. My weight is continuing to fall. I do not limit portions, I just don't want as much, but I think avoiding wheat and sugar has something to do with that. Read Dr. Permutter's book, "Brain Maker."It will be very motivating.
Ruthnana,
I've read that 90% of all fruit and veggies are GMO's. Monsanto has the market cornered and the agreement with the farmers is that they must buy new seed from Monsanto every year. They can't use the seed from their current crop for the following year. How does focusing on grains help? I'd really like to know. How much topamax are you taking? I'm just starting on a low dose so I can tolerate it and work up. Any info or advice regarding your success would be appreciated. Thank you!
Wondering if it will affect my antidepressant with this
As long as the doctor who prescribed the Topomax is aware of the antidepressant, don't think you have anything to worry about.
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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