Topiramate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Brand names: Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR Eprontia
Topiramate has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 1,332 reviews on Drugs.com. 51% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 28% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Topiramate
- con...
- October 22, 2014
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have ADD, and with that, I have no self-control over food, I've battled weight my entire adult life. My psychiatrist prescribed me topiramate. It's been 5 days today, and I'm down 8.5 pounds. Side effects are I feel pretty weak doing everything, fatigue, I've been getting hot a lot, and I work outside. I just hope and pray these issues go away because the topiramate really works great controlling the cravings. I'm never hungry, I love it."
- sfe...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- November 28, 2015
Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "When I first started taking Topamax, it was prescribed to me for the prevention of migraine headaches. A couple of years later, I now take 200mg in the morning and 200mg at bedtime, and since February I have lost 51 lbs... 282 down to 232 and still losing more!"
Frequently asked questions
- Does topiramate cause weight loss?
- Does topiramate cause hair loss?
- How long do you stay on Topamax for migraines?
- How long does it take for Topamax to start working?
- Fee...
- February 8, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had blown up from taking Lyrica. 600mg daily for well over 2 years. Weight went from 260 to 327. I had a spinal injury. I told the doctor I am tired of this weight, mostly all around my midsection and upper chest. He put me on topamax 25mg at bedtime for one week then up to 50mg at bedtime. OMG, I lost so far 30 pounds in less than 3 months. I went from a 52 waist to 44 and still dropping fat like crazy. I just don't have the desire to eat. All that food I was pigging out on, I totally stopped drinking pop, it tastes like metal. I am going to start walking around the block soon and exercise to really get back to my ideal weight of 235. Wish me luck. I see folks complain of tingling in fingers. I had that, but I took a BC powder with Gatorade, it worked."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 28, 2020
Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Had chronic migraines and was prescribed this medication. At first, I had no migraines or headaches, but then it got worse. I urge you to not take this medication if you have an alternative. It created a barrier in my conversations. I couldn’t comprehend what people were saying, had trouble creating responses, and felt like I was drugged up all the time."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Tas...
- February 3, 2016
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Topamax for migraines, but I have had weight loss being on it. I take 50mg twice a day. I had the same problem with the pop, it tasted flat (still have). I had (have) the tingling in certain body parts and the tired feeling at first. I started taking them July 2015, and by January 2016, I have lost 40 lbs. I was 190, and am now 147 and going down every day! The only thing that I have changed is I drink water. I eat whatever I want, some days I eat more, some days less. I used to go through a 12-pack of Mt. Dew a day. It was hard at first, but I honestly don't mind now. Because when I look in that mirror every morning, it's worth drinking that bottle of water."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 10 years or more
- August 16, 2012
Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I took Topamax for 12 years as a mood stabilizer for Bipolar 1 disorder. It is a GREAT mood stabilizer and I used to be quite heavy, and I lost 100 pounds in around 6 months (yes, you read that right!). The bad part was HORRIBLE side effects. Constant itching in the summer. I developed a 9mm kidney stone when I had no prior history. I developed a blood disorder (something acidosis). I was told this was a rare side effect, but that was why I stopped taking it. However, if I could go back in time, would I still take it? You bet! One of the best mood stabilizers I've ever been on. Just make sure you EAT when taking it, it makes you not want to eat."
More FAQ
- How long does Topamax stay in your system?
- How does Trokendi XR help with weight loss?
- Are Topamax and Trokendi XR the same thing?
- What is topiramate used to treat?
- mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 11, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update on my experience... I have been on it now for 21 days and have lost 15 pounds. First weigh-in at the doctor's office. I feel great. No side effects. At first, I seemed very tired, but now I seem adjusted to the medication. I take 75 mg at night before bed. Sleep better than I ever have. Appetite simply isn't there. Sodas don't taste the same; kind of like they have been sitting out for several days. I remain very hopeful this will work for the long term. I have approximately 100 pounds to lose."
- Anonymous
- June 12, 2019
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience with topiramate is that I am among those people with no side effects. It is so cool! I had to remember to eat, or rather to get nutrients because I have no cravings at all for anything. This month, with no effort, I lost 10 pounds, and because of my depression meds, I previously kept gaining weight and it started scaring me like crazy."
- J R...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 10, 2017
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started weight 287 lb and in three months dropped down to 227 with normal life activities. Never thought I would see that again. I tried the gym but never could get there with my knees and the weight I had gained."
- Mig...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 15, 2020
For Migraine Prevention "I took 50mg of Topiramate in combination with propranolol 160mg for constant migraines (tingling feeling, numbness down one side of my face, etc.) and the migraines have now gone for 95% of the time, as opposed to being constantly present. What worked for me is to take Topiramate at NIGHT before going to bed, especially when you start taking it. This way you don't get the initially unpleasant side effects over the first few days (for me, nausea, floaty feeling... when I initially took it in the morning). Bear with this drug though. It worked for me after 4-5 days initially with some noticeable difference, then after 2 weeks, it's really effective. Don't be put off by reading the horrendous list of side effects, remember they have to list every side effect reported!"
- Liz...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 2, 2019
Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Two weeks ago, my Dr. prescribed Topamax to help aid my weight loss and 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!"
- Lov...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 30, 2016
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed topiramate for daily post-concussive headaches, and I also needed to lose weight. The first three weeks were really rough, and I was unsure if I could take this medicine long-term. I started off with 25mg the first week, 50mg the second, 75mg the third, then 100mg as my permanent dose. I took it before bedtime as instructed, but I had next-day drowsiness so bad that for three weeks I felt like I was going to faceplant at any moment. Also, the nausea was so bad that I barely ate. Thankfully, both of these side effects stopped after about 3 weeks as did most of my headaches. I've also lost 22 lbs in 2 months. The best part is that it has given me control back in that I eat smart and don't have unhealthy cravings."
- rob...
- December 22, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Topamax for about 3 months. 25mg 2x a day. It's definitely effective in controlling my appetite. It took a little time but became more effective with time. I am able to eat very small portions and have full control over myself. I have changed to healthy eating - less bread and pasta, more brown rice, veggies, sweet potatoes. I still fry veggies in olive oil and eat a baked potato sometimes, but cut way back on portions and added snacks between meals. Then every 3 days, I make sure to eat something a little more fattening and it helps me lose weight. For salad dressing, I use oil and vinegar with a seasoning packet. No sweet tea, etc. Lots of water. I walk daily too! I started weighing 267, now down to 225. I'm confident I'll lose 85 lbs."
- Hel...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 17, 2019
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "One year ago I weighed 265 lbs. I started Vyvanse for binge eating disorder. I lost 60 lbs. 3 months ago, the Vyvanse began not working as well as it had been so my doctor started me on topiramate. Brain fog was really bad, and when it wore off in the afternoon, the exhaustion was overwhelming. However, it did really help with the constant thoughts of food and binging. I just left my doctor, and I was switched to Qudexy XR (extended-release form of topiramate) to get rid of the afternoon crash. Weighed in today at 199 lbs. I also suffer from Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and with that, depression and recently, anxiety, along with PTSD from childhood abuse and my job (Medic). Overall, I'm kind of a hot mess, but I've finally been able to lose weight, which I've struggled with for a very long time. So I'll take it!"
- Ldo...
- November 7, 2014
Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Topamax before and it worked, and went off. I don't know why. I recently went back on it, and it has made a world of difference. It's like night and day. I take it with Abilify and Xanax because I have really bad anxiety as well. I am 24 and was so depressed I wasn't leaving my apartment, but now I feel like a new person, like I want to go out and do things again. I'm not held back. I like that this medicine doesn't make me gain weight too because I've had that problem in the past. I lost 10 pounds since I went back on it 4 weeks ago. The only thing I will say that is not great is it slows down my thought process sometimes, and it gives me tingles in my hands and face, but not all the time. The benefits outweigh those side effects greatly."
- mom...
- September 15, 2011
Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been battling my weight since I was pregnant with my first son, who just turned 2. I was 165 when I got pregnant with him, and on the day I went in to have my second son (who is 5 months old today) I weighed 270. I just took my first 25 mg dose of Topamax last night. I am addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper and can't even stand the taste. Not hungry either, so I'm hopeful that this medicine will work. I also take Celexa and Tenuate. I don't know if it's the combination, or just the Topamax, but I am feeling kind of 'floaty' today, in a sense. Maybe this will improve with time."
- Ama...
- January 14, 2016
Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been obese my whole life. I have struggled with diets and exercise and eating and starving. I have gone as far as having weight loss surgery. EVERYTHING has only been temporary. My new doctor has recommended Topamax. I currently weigh 282.6. I have started out on 25 in the morning and 25 at night. In 1 month I will go in for my follow-up. Has anyone else tried everything else and completely failed? My doctor says it could be my genetic makeup. But anyway, I plan on keeping a record on here of my journey for myself and others to follow. Thank you for your support."
- Mar...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- March 10, 2016
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I went on topiramate in January 2012 for migraines with positive results. By the end of 2012, I had lost 85 lbs. I had also lost the ability to form sentences because I couldn't find words and was constantly in a fog. That is not good if you're a nurse. Also, my short-term memory was nonexistent, also not good for an acute care medical nurse. By the time the side effects became debilitating, I had to take a short leave of absence to sort out my situation. In the end, the medication was discontinued and I gained 23 lbs of the weight back. I'm not upset because now I have my short-term memory back, plus I've returned to work migraine-free. I'm still better off because I'm still thinner than before I started with topiramate."
- Swe...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- October 4, 2012
Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Began Topamax in 2005 after suffering from migraines that would last for weeks. The litany of side effects is true, and its nickname 'Stupamax' is honestly earned. Word recall, memory, trouble focusing, hand numbness, fatigue, insomnia, the works. But the number of days with headaches went from 21 to 9 in the very first month. Now, after years of taking it, my body has been depleted of vitamin B12, and I have been suffering from horrible GI troubles. However, none of my doctors seemed to link Topamax to the B12 depletion. It took Google to figure that one out. But thank you to Google and B12 supplements. I hope this helps someone else relieve any issues they've been experiencing."
- The...
- November 9, 2016
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started at 25mg twice a day, then 50mg twice a day. Definitely helps my appetite! Easily drop 10 pounds a month when I behave myself and have lost 80 pounds so far. When I went to 75mg twice a day I started feeling in a fog and definitely getting a bit zombie so I dialed it back to 50 twice a day and am carrying on. I started at 404 and am currently at 315. I would imagine like anything, you have to work with it but I am thrilled! STILL a long ways to go, but I got a good start! I like it!"
- Ms...
- August 23, 2016
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on topamax for 6 weeks now along with walking at least 2 to 3 miles a day, sometimes skipping a day or two depending on the weather. I'm 40 lbs down. Appetite is gone, smoothies are enough for me, and no snacks. No side effects, by the way. 50 mg twice daily."
- Dee...
- June 9, 2018
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on 25mg of topiramate, 1x a day, in the mid-afternoon (my binge likelihood increases around dinner until bedtime). I have had some form of an eating disorder since I was 16. I am 41. I stopped starving a few years ago and binge with purging about every few months. I gained 60 pounds over the last 4 years. I managed to not gain any weight in the last year, but unable to lose anything. I simply fluctuate a few pounds. I had tingling in my hands on my 4th day, bad numbness, that has subsided to occasional tinglingly. From day 4 to day 9, I have lost 5.2 pounds. In the last 3 years of attempting weight loss, I couldn't lose 5 lbs in a month. I am eating 3 meals and maybe 1 snack. The best way I can describe it is that my attitude toward food is 'meh'. I am a carb addict, yet I am unable to binge, even if I wanted to. I stop eating even though I still have 'hunger pains' (I am eating full servings). I have always struggled with eating until STUFFED. Not in the last week."
- Bur...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 24, 2015
Topiramate for Fibromyalgia "Topamax was a miracle drug for me! It helped with my Fibromyalgia pain & headaches. I would definitely recommend this drug. I have to stop taking it now due to the development of kidney stones. I wish I could stay on it as it improved my life by 90%. I'm a 59-year-old female. I have had fibromyalgia for 23 plus years."
- Lad...
- November 12, 2019
Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I am 24 years old and I've had terrible migraine headaches since I was in high school. I've been on Topamax for 3 months and only taking 50mg a day since it can lessen the effect of my birth control, and I don't want to heighten the side effects. This has also been good enough to where I'm not getting migraine/tension headaches every day like I used to (it was making my life miserable). I get them sometimes once a week now. My side effects from Topamax are I used to have some hand/feet tingling, but it went away after I got used to the medication. It does make soda taste flat, and sometimes I forget words - but it's kind of how I am anyway. So far, this has worked well for me and hasn't caused me any problems."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about topiramate
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Patient resources
- Topiramate drug information
- Topiramate Extended-Release Capsules
- Topiramate Extended-Release Sprinkle Capsules
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Other brands
Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR, Eprontia, Topiragen
Professional resources
- Topiramate monograph
- Topiramate (FDA)
- Topiramate Capsules (FDA)
- Topiramate ER Capsules (FDA)
- Topiramate Tablets (FDA)
Other brands
Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR, Eprontia
Topiramate for Fibromyalgia "This has been a wonder drug for me when combined with Cymbalta. I have suffered for years and had been on narcotic painkillers. The pain had finally gotten so bad that even those weren't working. I work in Pre-K and didn't want to give up my job to become a disabled person living at home on painkillers. I found an awesome doctor who understood that I didn't want to live on those types of medications. After only two visits, she tapered me off of the medicines I was on and started me on Topamax along with Cymbalta. That is all I take. No more pain! Life is wonderful again."