Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) User Reviews (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2010

Topiramate "I haven't been on Topiramate very long, only a couple of months. Started taking it for RLS (restless leg syndrome). I was really surprised to see that it is sometimes used as a weight loss medicine. I didn't really notice any difference in my appetite. However, my last visit to the doctor did show that I've lost 5 lbs. I don't like the tingling, crawling skin sensation side effect. That went away after a few days."

• Aar...
• October 6, 2015

"My VA Dr. prescribed Topiramate (Topamax) to me for my migraines, and not only has my appetite decreased, but so have my migraines and my weight. He also added magnesium, and the combination has been nothing short of amazing. Topamax has really been great, and I've had no side effects at all. I take 1-50mg tab in the morning and 2 at night, and I've been dropping weight, my migraines are gone, and I'm getting back to my old self."

• 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."

• Jen...
• May 30, 2015

Topiramate "I was on 25 mg to start and ended up taking 100. I lost weight. But the price I paid in side effects was not worth it. I lost so much hair that when I try to braid it, it's like braiding tiny strands of dental floss. It looks so ridiculous, long I had to chop it all off just to conceal how grossly thin it is. People call it Dopamax for a reason. It made my memory Swiss cheese, and when I had to process information, it felt like fighting through seaweed. The worst side effect was the depression. This stuff makes me downright suicidal. It helped me lose about 80 pounds by starvation. I never wanted to eat. I became anemic. If you've never had that before, you'll find simple physical tasks to feel like they're inciting heart attacks."

• Les...
• September 26, 2015

"I have been on Topamax since May of 2015, and it is now September 26, 2015. I did take it for migraines, and boy did it do its job. I was having them every day, and now I get them maybe once a month. I started at 25mg, went up to 50 twice a day, and at the beginning of September went to 100mg where I will stay at and stabilize. Weight loss! Well, where do I begin? It has been amazing! I weighed in on May 15 at 167.5 lbs. I am only 5' tall (no inches there, lol), and I weighed in on September 2nd at 141.8 lbs. It is amazing to me that I have lost 26 lbs without diet or exercise. I have always done yoga and meditation, but not the hardcore kind, the gentle kind. I really haven't changed a thing except for taking Topamax."

• bur...
• May 12, 2017

"I started topamax in February of 2017 at 248 pounds on 25 mg at bedtime. Now I take 100 mg at bedtime and as of May 2017, I am 230 pounds. When I started, I noticed the difference within a few days. I have not had any bad experiences with this pill."

• Pel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2019

"I was put on topiramate for bipolar disorder after a consultation with a psychiatrist. I started on a low dose of 25 mg twice daily, which increased to a maximum dose of 100 mg twice daily. I got side effects of brain fog and forgetfulness, mainly with word recollection. I also felt tired quite often. The main side effect was my lack of appetite, though. I was already quite slim, around 140 lbs, but went down to 118 lbs. I just had no appetite or interest in food. This started immediately after beginning the meds and started to wear off maybe a year to 18 months into taking it. After a 2-year break from topiramate, I am now on a daily 100 mg dose again, and the weight loss side effect has returned."

• Jas...
• November 17, 2016

"I started topamax on October 31, 2016. I was at 227 pounds. As far as side effects, I had trouble with finding words to say at times, but it's getting better. I weighed myself today, November 16, 2016, and I'm 219 pounds. I've lost 8 pounds. I can say topamax has helped me with my bad eating habits, especially my craving for sweets that I no longer have and the reduction in overeating. I'm very happy with topamax so far."

• SHO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2017

"I have been using topiramate 50mg for 2 months along with phentermine. When I started, I weighed 200 lbs. I went to my physician yesterday, 07/17/17, and I now weigh 178 lbs. I have also been on a high-fat, low-carb diet, and it is really working for me. I never thought that I would ever see this size again. When I get to my desired weight, I will continue to eat healthy and exercise."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2017

"Update from 'Chickadee' - been on med for five weeks, down ten lbs without exercising. My eating habits have been better although this week. They changed considerably for about four days. I ate a whole lot of rubbish but still managed to lose two pounds. I've been consistently losing two lbs a week and weigh myself every Monday. Still taking 50 mg at night. Only noticeable side effects now are tingling in feet and hands intermittently, and fatigue at times. Otherwise, nothing noticeable. I am thinking about increasing dosage. I would like to see quicker results but maybe I'm just being greedy. Two lbs a week is a safe, maintainable weight loss. Hope it keeps up. Currently at 230#."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2016

"This is my second check-in. I started Topiramate on July 4th with minor success but high hopes, taking 25mg 2x daily. Now I am at 100 mg, 50 a.m. & p.m. This seems to be the turning point for me. The weight is finally starting to noticeably go down. I eat a breakfast with protein, barely hungry until dinner but make wiser choices and still enjoy desserts. Very thirsty for water all night and still biking. Good luck all!"

• nur...
• September 3, 2017

"I have had good success with weight loss with 50mg topiramate & a therapist for stress eating. I went from 265lb to 195lb with watching diet in 12 months, walking 2-3 miles/day. Topiramate makes you less hungry, the rest is up to you. (I did get some brain fog.) I took magnesium and biotin, as the reduced appetite can cause nutritional deficiencies in some that can give you hair loss if you aren't careful, and the magnesium helps you 'go'! If you're taking that topiramate at night, a small dose of melatonin every few days (if you take melatonin consistently every night, your own pineal gland will stop producing it and you'll have more sleep problems!)"

• NAS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2014

Topiramate "I was very excited when I started taking this medication. And then... I had read the side effects, and I was like, oh, this is crazy. I will say I was on no other medication. I have never had hair loss like this. It was gobs of hair in my shower. The previous posters that refer to brain fog - yep, that too."

• Com...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2019

Topiramate "I was put on 25 mg of this drug by my psychiatrist to control my appetite, but felt, well, just 'off.' I told my psychiatrist that I will stop taking it because I didn't like the way it made me feel and never took it again."

• MN ...
• August 17, 2019

"Started taking 2 weeks ago at 25 mg Topamax, 1/2 phentermine tablet. Nothing. No change in anything. Increased to 50 mg a day as directed for second week and also decided I needed to change my diet and eat whole foods, mostly protein and vegetables/salads, which are my favorites anyway. I’ve dropped a pound a day for 6 days. On the 4th day at 50 mg, I got a cough and started to get asthmatic symptoms. Dropped back to 25 mg and upped phentermine to 37.5. Ate crappy yesterday and still lost another pound. I see my doctor on Monday. I’m happy to lose this quickly for the first 20-30 pounds (I’m starting at 286), but I will need to cut back on the meds to slow it down after that. I don’t feel it’s healthy and I don’t want sagging skin. I also need to be able to maintain my weight loss. I recommend with caution, be aware of the side effects."

• Emm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2021

"I was just prescribed generic Topamax, 100 mg a day. I asked for Adipex, but my doctor wants my blood pressure lower, so she prescribed this. Today is only my first day, so I decided to research. Reading these stories has me both excited and anxious. I am a recovering heroin addict. When I got clean and started methadone, I gained about 60-70 pounds and am having a hard time taking it off since I still take 30 mg of methadone daily. I work out anywhere from 1-5 days a week, depending on my schedule. I'm worried about the tiredness some people have experienced because I do love to work out. Also afraid of losing the ability to recall words, as speaking and grammar are my strong points. I guess we'll see. I plan on getting on Adipex as soon as my doctor says it's safe to do so. I will update. My starting weight today is 225 lbs, and I am 5'5. Wish me luck!"

• Sun...
• May 10, 2016

Topiramate "After getting a blistering skin rash from Lamictal, Topamax was prescribed. It did decrease my appetite. I went from 209 lbs back to my regular 135, which I hadn't been in 7 years. This took place in about 10 months. At about the same time I started taking it, I was rear-ended and suffered a MTBI and scored very low on my neuropsych exam. My old psychiatrist retired, and the new psychiatrist is against Topamax because of the 'foggy' side effects that are common. Now, a little over a year later, I feel okay about this med considering the alternatives - wish there were better alternatives!"

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2017

"I'm calling this the 'Closer to Perfection Drug!' All since March 13, 2017 - Taking 200mg now - Psoriasis has diminished substantially! - Went from wearing my hubby's 3x to men's L (loose fit shirt too!) - No more migraines but I have a pressure system in my head like old men do in their knees when storms are coming! (Never wrong on this one) - The trick to all this, I work with it. I don't expect the pill to do it all for me. I drink 2-3 liters if not 4 a day and I eat healthy. I have a big protein breakfast and I have a smaller dinner. I exercise. - I have cheat treats but watch my sodium every day. It helps. Take care of your body and it will take care of you in return!"

• Bip...
• September 28, 2015

"I've been on this medication for approximately half a month. I actually suffer from bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD. Recently, after I retired from fighting mixed martial arts and had knee surgery, I was more depressed and gained weight. I am a big guy anyway, normal for me is 6 ft 6 260 lbs. I got up to 340 and was like, 'Okay, this is enough.' I started my vegan diet that I did back when I fought MMA, I went to the doctor and I was down 10 lbs. I needed a new medication, so she put me on topamax. From day 1, zero appetite, none whatsoever. I have to make an effort to eat. When I do eat, it's just cut-up raw veggies in a bowl of vinegar, that's it for the day. Now I am on top of my supplements, so my body has what it needs. I'm shedding pounds like mad."

• nik...
• March 23, 2023

Topiramate "I have been taking this medicine for a month on 50 mg a day, and so far, I have lost 9 pounds. I haven't been able to lose any weight for 12 years. I think this drug works wonders, but you do need to take the steps and eat healthier and watch your portion control while you eat. I hope I keep losing, it's been way too long for being overweight and out of control. You can't just take a pill and hope it's a magic pill, you have to put in the work too."

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2015

"I just started 25 mg on 24th, 3 days ago. I knew something was strange on Thanksgiving, I didn't go back for seconds, normally I go for thirds. I had no idea the medicine was working that fast. Well, today, I really knew it was working. I went into town about 1:00, and I hadn't eaten anything, so I stopped and got a dollar burger and fries. Well, it was all I could do to finish it. I have never not been able to finish anything, seriously, I love food. But recently, my doctor put me on this because I have an eating disorder that has caused me to gain weight, and I've never had a weight problem, and it's really upsetting me. I was afraid to get my hopes up, so when I got home, I tried to eat something that I loved but didn't even want it at all! It's unreal!"

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2016

Topiramate "I've tried it twice. The first time was about 7 years ago and I lost a modest amount of weight easily. I can't remember how much. It made me thirsty, so I drank a lot of water, and it took away my craving for junk food. The second time was at the end of May 2016. I took 100mg at night. I lost 10 pounds in about 5-6 weeks easily. I had no desire to snack or eat emotionally. The only downside was that I was anxious a lot. I have now plateaued, but at least I'm not gaining weight. I should try to up the dose. At least the anxiety has largely decreased."

• Sco...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 3, 2021

Topiramate "At 5'7", I weighed 208 after giving birth at age 31. Developed what they thought was fibromyalgia. After 6 years, was put on Topiramate - 200 mg per day. Dropped 50 pounds in about 6 months. Went off it, eventually gained the weight back plus another 30. 14 years since the first time: back on it, have lost 40 pounds in 3 months. Still need to lose around 60-75 pounds... The fibromyalgia turned out to be MS. Haven’t been able to exercise in 20 years. I miss that badly... But since I have no metabolism, it’s either starve or take the Topiramate. I’ve never noticed any negative side effects... But then, my resting state is pretty messed up; it would be hard to distinguish any new negative stuff from the plethora of negative stuff I already suffer regularly."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2018

Topiramate "I gained a lot of weight from depression medications. They put me on Topamax to fix that. I’ve been on it for several weeks. Twice a day, 25 mg. Now the first day, I immediately noticed an appetite change. I haven’t craved food all day, every day. I haven’t craved as much junk or sweets. And I have dropped a little weight. So it definitely works wonders. I am definitely struggling with the side effects, so I think I am going to wean off it. As much as I’d love to continue to eat regular amounts and lose weight, the side effects are too much. Before I started this, I had tingles in my hands and feet, but this intensified a LOT. I’m also having a lot of head pressure, tiredness, and I feel functionally slow. I feel like I can’t think, can’t remember anything, can’t do simple tasks. Hopefully, there is another medicine that can have the same effect for weight loss and appetite without these severe side effects."

• Bmi...
• May 7, 2020

"Have 100 lbs to lose. I started taking topiramate along with phentermine. I started on Saturday, March 7th. I was like a zombie on this medication, even with the phentermine. I stayed on it for nine weeks. I lost a total of 18 pounds in the first 4 weeks and absolutely no weight at all the last five weeks. I did, however, lose 8 inches around my tummy. I believe the last four weeks I was on it, but in nine weeks I was on it, I did not exercise much. I felt like I had a black cloud hanging over my head every day. I became very angry and hateful and completely unmotivated. It definitely changes you, but my doctor took me off of it because I was no longer losing weight, even though I thought I was losing inches. I do know I feel better and that now I think I might be motivated to exercise. I am taking the phentermine only and it seems to be working really well for me, with no side effects at all. Other than loss of appetite, which is the goal."