Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) User Reviews (Page 3)

• mom...
• September 15, 2011

Topiramate "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 "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

"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."

• The...
• November 9, 2016

"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

"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

"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."

• Mar...
• February 17, 2016

"I take topiramate and phentermine together and it works great. I lost 50 pounds in 5 months taking them in the morning. I have no appetite all day and night. I have to force myself to eat, and I eat what I want but not a lot of it. My side effect is dry mouth. I was on Qsymia, which is those two drugs combined but very expensive and the insurance won't cover it."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2009

Topiramate "I have struggled with weight loss for years. Food cravings are one of my symptoms. Topamax really did help with this, however, my energy and memory are not what they used to be. Originally, I thought it was a trade-off I could adjust to but the fuzzy memory for me is frustrating. I sometimes say words that I am thinking about and don't even realize it. Then argue that I didn't say it, only to find out I did. Silly, but worth revisiting my physician about. I struggle with the same 10-20 lbs but won't give up. I would recommend trying it to people who are serious about weight loss. It helps you push your plate away and not obsess about food. That was an experience I had never had before, but I need my memory."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2021

"Ever since I gave birth to my son, I haven’t been able to lose the weight I gained during the pregnancy. I got pregnant at about 125 pounds and had him around 185/190. I then got down to 155 lb, and now I am currently 188. I finally decided to try to lose the weight and had no luck. I tried every diet, drink, and exercise program. I work out, diet, and eat clean. I’m 5’5” and 22 years old. I was always a small person, so this is pretty difficult for me. I’ve been on Topamax for a few days now. I take 100 mg twice a day, once in the evening and once in the morning. It makes things pretty foggy, I don’t feel comfortable driving. I get full very quickly and don’t want to eat really. I’m constantly thirsty, and my mouth is really tingly, as well as my fingers and feet. I’m assuming most side effects will calm down in a few weeks. I’m willing to take it till the weight comes off. My doctor expects to see a minimum of 20 pounds gone in three months. I’ll update in a month."

• mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

Topiramate "My Dr. has just prescribed me Topamax for weight loss. I'm the biggest I've ever been at 223 lb. I have always had the tendency to be heavy as I have fought my weight my entire life but now it's becoming threatening to my health. My doctor said the 'foggy' head side effects and kidney stones, etc., are so rare that it's worth trying. He said that the tingling of hands and feet are the most common side effect and they tend to subside. Is this true? Reading some of these reviews has me scared now but my Dr. seems like it should be fine. I'm confused. HELP"

• car...
• March 23, 2019

"Just started 25 mg topiramate for weight loss and nighttime binge eating. I am a 64-year-old former social worker who has struggled with weight loss since age 16. History of depression for which I take 30 mg Prozac. My lowest weight was 120 lb, and highest was 173 lb. Currently, I am 167 lb. Unlike many people, topiramate keeps me awake at night, plus early morning awakening. It has been 16 days, and still no relief with the insomnia. I take the pill at 4:00 PM but tried taking it at noontime today. On the positive side, it has decreased my cravings and appetite. I can sit and watch TV at night and not run back and forth into the kitchen - wow - what a novel experience. So this is what it feels like to be normal with food? Still get up and eat at night, tend to eat healthy, although last night I got into the cookies. First time in 16 days. Not bad. I'm going to keep waiting and hope I can sleep at some point. Anyone else with insomnia and did it go away over time?"

• jse...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2016

"I am on day 4 now, and I am pretty spacey. I feel like I have smoked weed, honestly. However, I started at 277, and I am at 272 this morning. I am taking 50 mg twice a day. So I think what I will do since I have to work is cut them in half and do half in the morning, half at lunch, half at dinner, and half at bedtime so it's not so crazy. Lol. It does cause slight memory loss and a little tingly feeling, but it's not unbearable. I have noticed I do not want any sweets. I crave fruit and veggies, or nothing. I had 36 cookies on my desk Friday and didn't eat one of them... This is very worth it. And the side effects do wear off after a while. That's how I know it's time to take another half. I will update later. Yay, I'm extremely happy!!"

• Anonymous
• February 15, 2011

Topiramate "Topamax combined with Melatonin have prevented me from waking up and eating in the middle of the night. It has allowed me to diet and make progress. However, side effects have been challenging, mental fog and reduced sex drive are just a few."

• myb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2015

"I actually requested to be put on topiramate to help lose weight knowing it was a side effect and to prevent my horrible migraines. I can say it has worked for both. I started out on 50mg a night on Dec. 21, 2014, and at that time, I weighed in at 227 lbs per Doc scales. At my last check-up on March 31st, I weighed 203. And my migraines were reduced greatly. The thing was my body was starting to get used to the medication, so they did have to up the dosage to help my migraines; I'm now on 100mg a night. The side effects subsided after about two months of taking the medication (slightly tingling in the fingers and feet from time to time, little foggy/forgetful). I cannot taste and have not had one carbonated beverage since the 21st of December."

• Les...
• August 20, 2017

"Been obese all my life. Weighed 385 lbs, 5'5'' tall. 30 years old, no kids, divorced. Made an appointment with a new psychiatrist for antidepressants. Uterine cancer diagnosis a year ago, dark times. Oncologist won't perform my major surgery because of my weight and complications during prior surgery (had trouble breathing on the table). Doctor prescribed me Cymbalta for pain and depression, and Topamax 25mg at night to help with weight loss. I lost 10 lbs in 10 days. Keep in mind I had started working out 3-4 times a week for 9 weeks before our appointment. I spend 20 minutes straight on the elliptical and 20 minutes on free weights, cardio, low weight high reps. Soda and coffee taste like crap to me now, and I was addicted to both. I stop eating when I'm full. I feel hungry a lot less."

• Cas...
• June 10, 2016

Topiramate "Ok, so I am going on my third week of Topamax. I have seizures, uncontrollable migraines, and obesity, so let me begin with saying this. I have noticed a significant change in my body as far as the weight loss goes - 6 pounds since I have been on it and still losing. However, I have lost my appetite, I have no desire to eat. I may eat only once a day, that's the only downside I have noticed. I have noticed a change in carbonated drinks, they don't taste the same anymore. I am currently coming off Tegretol, which was only treating my seizures, and I was gaining so much weight. So, I'm thankful that Topamax is working for me, and I only have to take one pill a day to treat all my ailments."

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2017

"Started ten days ago. First night, I passed out. Very tired. Next few days in a deep fog and a bit disconnected. I no longer have those side effects. Doctor has me at 50 mg once daily, and I take it in the evening. I literally eat half of what I previously did. I lost about three pounds over the course of a week, no exercise involved. I'm not counting calories; just not interested in junk food. I read a post on another forum to take extra B complex and Biotin to avoid any hair loss as the drug seems to deplete that nutrient in the body. Will post again in another few weeks with more information. I was at the point where I was considering surgery because I had tried everything."

• Vio...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2017

"I'm on my 3rd day using Topamax for weight loss. I weighed myself after the 2nd day and had lost 6 pounds, having not changed my eating at all. Second day evening I started craving all healthy foods, so went to the store and got all healthy stuff. I get full pretty easily now (before I could eat for 2 with no problem!). I did get a tiny rash on my face, but it is gone now on day 3. I haven't had any additional side effects yet - hoping I don't! I'm taking 25 mg in the morning and 50 at night. Oh, and I was absolutely addicted to coffee, drinking at least 40 oz per day. Now it makes me sick to think about. Also wine is not appealing at all. I'm pretty happy with the results so far!"

• Jil...
• December 8, 2015

"I am 56 years old and weighed 249 pounds. Finally decided to deal with this weight issue once and for all. My knees prevented me from working out, and my weight caused my knee issue. I sat down with my primary care physician, and she ultimately suggested the use of topiramate. In July 2015, I started with 25 milligrams and evolved to 125 milligrams. It is now December 8, and I weigh 221 pounds. Here is how I would describe the experience. It stops the need to impulse eat, so you don't feel deprived, so...you're not crying when the scale isn't moving quickly. It's not quick because I am postmenopausal...but it's not painful. Appetite is down, I can now walk for 45 minutes...and for the first time in my life...I know I will reach a goal weight."

• Lis...
• August 8, 2016

"I just started taking this medication. I was at a starting weight of 198. My migraines made me very sick, and I vomited a lot and lost weight with that down to 186. Started on topiramate 25mg in the morning and evening on July 30. I am now 178. Coke tastes flat, so I drink more water. I do have tingling in my hands and feet, but I am glad not to have migraines. Sleep is a problem, so I think I will ask for something to help with that. I just wanted help with migraines, now I'm losing weight, so I got help for both. I couldn't be happier."

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 2, 2017

Topiramate "My original intent with Topamax was never weight loss (mood), nor would I have ever believed the results I've obtained 19 months later. Quick negatives: my mental agility decreased significantly, I misspell my own name, most food & beverages taste like rubbish, and the generic version is subpar. I was always overweight. I'm in my mid-30s, male, and slimmed down from 275 to the low 180s, size 42 to 32, XXL to L. The weight stays off! I still drop a few pounds every month. However, it's impossible for me to get off. I tried once and went into severe depression, but I'm at a healthy weight now with perfect blood pressure."

• ZFe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 14, 2024

"I've been on Topamax for 2 years! I've had my struggles at first with weight because of being on medications like Hydroxyzine, Buspar, Lamictal. I could never lose weight because they were massive weight gain medications. I figured that out maybe years later! And the higher doses of Effexor XR, considering I was diagnosed with the higher end of the autism spectrum with ADHD, GAD, Acute Phobias, PTSD, etc... Well, long story short, I stopped taking Lamictal in 2021. I had been on it since 2015, so it was a 2-year wipeout. By 2023, I lowered my antidepressant dose of Effexor XR from 150 to 37.5 by tapering. I tapered off the Buspar as well. My life did a complete 180. Being a 30-year-old male at the time, weighing 278 pounds in January 2023, as soon as I eliminated most of those medications, it was only half the battle. I stayed on Topamax at 50mg twice a day with Effexor XR at 37.5mg. I started to drop weight and now, at 31 years old, I'm 155 pounds. I hope this helps."

• Com...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2018

"I started this med back in late November 2017 and lost 40 pounds by early Jan 2018. For some silly reason, I went off the med, but watched what I ate. Then, that slowly went out the window as well. While I didn't gain any weight back while I was off the med, I didn't lose any either. I went back on my healthy eating regime yesterday, but the sugar cravings were so bad last night that I binged and ate half a bag of chocolate morsels. This morning the craving was still there, and then I remembered the topiramate. Took a half dose to get me through the day and will begin the normal full dose tonight. Took that half dose about an hour ago, and cravings have settled down, and I'm chilling. It also helps with my mood disorder, so I guess I will be a lifelong fan! Love the med!"

• Mik...
• August 31, 2014

Topiramate "Awful. I lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks before I had to quit Topamax due to side effects, which were terrible. They included: memory loss and 'senior moments' which increased 10-fold. I think this medicine dropped my IQ by at least 15 points, that 'I'm not part of this world' feeling of disconnectedness, and overheating to the point that I simply could not work out. Gained the 10 pounds back within 3 weeks of quitting."

• lis...
• October 26, 2015

"Was given this due to daily headaches. I'm not one to take pills, so I started slow. One morning and one at night. Stayed like that for two weeks. I started exercising around that time also but only about 3 times weekly and dieting pretty well but lost quite a bit of my appetite. I weighed myself and after two weeks, I'm down 15 pounds. I ate a lot of yogurt and drank a lot of coffee and water. That's all. I can't believe it was from this pill. I'm more motivated than I ever was! Starting weight was 189. Now I'm down to 174."