Topiramate and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Mig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Before Topamax, I used to suffer from chronic migraines. I mean 3-4 migraines a week. Been on Topamax for nearly 3 weeks, day one 25mg instant appetite suppressant loss. 18.7 lbs in 2 weeks! Inches everywhere, food tastes good, just eat very little of it. I'm never ever hungry, but I enjoy cooking! I have energy, not bogged down with lots of medicines anymore, and not one full migraine! I'm excited to lose weight, it's actually very easy to eat healthy. It's all you crave, and I was a sweet addict. No ugly side effects as described, not on this dosage. So, I hope this has helped someone."

• She...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on topiramate (Topamax). I take 200mg 2x a day. The only side effects I get are tingling of the fingers, loss of appetite, and weight loss. I do not get headaches, which I love. My stress level stays down, and I sleep really well at night. My 14-year-old daughter loves it, she says, 'Mom, you're nicer,' and my 3-year-old son is much easier to cope with. From my personal experience, I would keep a scale close by because it can cause rapid weight loss, or it may not for everyone, everyone is different. It did for me, I went from 150 to 118 in 3 weeks on it. To all who are taking a high dosage like myself (400mg a day), be careful and keep a close eye on your weight. That high of a dose can also make you not want to eat for 2 or 3 days at a time. There are times my husband has to make me eat something because I am not hungry, I will just drink coffee, juice, and water, and that is it. So please, just be careful."

• Bec...
• July 7, 2021

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I was given Topamax about 2 months ago for recurring migraines; it did nothing but make my life a living nightmare. I started with complete loss of appetite followed by extreme nausea. After that, the psychological effects started. I became extremely paranoid. The anxiety and paranoia got worse the longer I was on Topamax, which was soon accompanied by intense depression. Next came the hallucinations. I would see paintings moving on the walls, see colors and shapes moving across the floor, and I would hear voices multiple times a day. I fully regret ever taking this drug. I want my life back."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2019

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve taken this medicine, Topamax, two separate times. The first time it helped me lose weight and I didn’t have many side effects, but went off of it once I got in a serious relationship and heard it can make birth control less effective. However, two years after I got off of it, I went back on it because of my binge eating disorder and it was horrible. This time, I had side effects, I was losing feeling in my hands and feet. My face would go numb. It didn’t really help with appetite, and it started to impact my memory. I almost immediately went off of it, and I’m still experiencing memory issues. I’ll be talking and can’t remember words in the middle of a sentence. Or I’ll tell someone something and then a couple of minutes repeat it because I forgot if I said it or not. Keep in mind I’m 21 and shouldn’t be having memory issues like this. I don’t recommend it..."

• Los...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2017

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm definitely losing weight extremely fast with this medication. I took 25 mg at night the first 30 days and I'm now on the start of the third month at 50 mg at night. Also, 37.5 mg Adipex every morning. With Topamax, I CANNOT eat. Everything I eat makes me sick. It definitely changes your sense of taste and smell, which has pretty much stopped my smoking. So, there are huge benefits, just the side effects can be a little unbearable at times. I've lost 28.7 pounds in 2 months."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2012

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I started this medication for weight loss, bipolar, migraines. Seems like it may just be perfect...hopefully. I just finished my first week and lost 3 pounds! I workout 5-6 days a week, but due to antidepressants making me gain so much weight, regardless of my diet and exercise, I am fat. So today stepping on that scale and seeing 3 POUNDS LIGHTER! I am a very moody person, but the medicine seems to be making it right, moods seem to be very level. And haven't had one migraine! No side effects other than weight loss and loss of appetite... can't complain about that!"

• car...
• March 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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?"

• Les...
• August 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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 for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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."

• lis...
• October 26, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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."

• Jen...
• May 30, 2015

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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."

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

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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."

• Sun...
• May 10, 2016

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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!"

• Tyl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2023

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I don’t typically write reviews on medications but feel I need to for this one. I have had migraines with aura for quite some time, but recently worsened over the last year. I finally saw my PCP for treatment and was placed on 25 mg of Topamax, which I was to slowly increase over a 3-week period to 2 tablets twice a day. The first week was 1 tablet at night for 7 days. I started the medication on a Monday, and by Wednesday I already developed absolutely no appetite and persistent nausea. But I continued taking it, thinking it would pass. By Friday, I had developed fatigue and general malaise. On top of that, I still had no appetite and had eaten very little over the five days I had been on the medication. My mood was terrible, and I felt like I was in a persistent state of being hungover day after day. DON’T take this med if you can use other options for migraine prophylaxis. This medication causes more burdens than benefits."

• Bmi...
• May 7, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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."

• Kar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 56-year-old woman. I need to lose 20% of body weight (about 36 lbs). I tried Contrave with horrible side effects. Dr. prescribed Topiramate because of migraines. I have been taking 25 mg in the morning and evening. I bike 3 times a week. No migraines, some minor 'word salad', steady small weight loss - 6 lbs in 3-4 weeks. Decreased appetite and increase in drinking water. It has been so easy, I'm surprised when the scale is down! I am extremely happy so far."

• Rom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2013

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I was prepared for the basic side effects: Carbonated beverages not tasting right, and also some loss of appetite. I was put on 100mg from the get-go. I also had the fairly common side effect of just feeling confused, though this wasn't all that severe and I was still able to do well in school. I also experienced tingling in my hands and feet, and though this was irritating, it was bearable. The real kicker for why I quit taking this medicine was when I began to have what felt like panic attacks and severe confusion, along with elevated heartbeat and dizziness. Also, my fingers would move on their own and seem to get stuck sticking straight out, and I had no control over it."

• DIA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2014

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I used it for migraines. My side effects were: depression, dehydration, impaired thinking, confusion, drowsiness, memory problems, nervousness, trouble concentrating, weakness, loss of appetite, vertigo, and severe anxiety. After stopping this medication, I still suffer from severe anxiety and vertigo."

• Mel...
• September 12, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've struggled with my weight for years, so my doctor started me on a combination drug of topiramate/phentermine (low dose). She said the success rate is awesome. There is a 'diet' pill out there with both combined, but she said it's usually not covered by insurance and is very expensive. I was advised by a pharmacist to have my doctor create the same thing, which is 2 prescriptions: the topiramate and a low dose of phentermine. I just started, so I'm on day 2, and it cost me $30.00. I've not had any cravings and have had to remind myself to eat. I'll keep you posted as things move along. Best of luck to you all on your journey."

• Joj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2016

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "This is the worst medication ever. Started at 25 mg for 7 days at night, then moved up to 50 mg. On night 7, advanced each week up until 100 mg. Didn't get past day 12 and decided this was not going to work for me. Vertigo, nausea, loss of appetite, irrational fears, phobias, drug-induced fog, depression, ringing in ears, and can only smell certain strange odors, which are unpleasant. All carbonated drinks are flat and tasteless. At this point, your quality of life is beyond worthless. It helped with migraines...but I was so preoccupied and sick with side effects I'm not sure what was worse."

• TCr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm going into my third week on Topamax. For the twelve years previous to this medication, I was treated vigorously for clinical depression. (Clearly, to no avail.) My 'mood spikes,' as my husband and I lovingly call them, are already beginning to subside. My toes, fingers, and nose do tingle, and now that my dose is doubled (third week, time to titrate up), I'm definitely losing my appetite. (I have a few pounds to spare, so I'm not mad about it!) I hope to update this page again in a month or so to let you know how the medication is going then. After being on every antidepressant the market has ever seen, it's a Godsend to have FINALLY been pointed in the right direction. (I'm 30 years old, married with a 2-year-old.)"

• usm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2014

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I've been on Topamax for about 5 months now (100 mg AM/100 mg PM) and am finally giving up faith. The negative side effects outweigh the slight change in my migraines. Carbonated beverages taste terrible, I have to force myself to eat, I stutter constantly, I can never find the right words and often switch words in a sentence. My memory is horrid, and I always see tracers, which is enough to drive anyone crazy. The only pluses are the slight decrease in the consistency of my migraines and the weight loss."

• a...
• March 27, 2014

Topiramate for Bulimia "It helps. For me, it wasn't so much the appetite suppression that worked, but the way it makes me more conscious of the situation before I binge. It makes me stop in the middle of the binge or just before completely and ask myself what's up with the need to hit the self-destruct button. In case that I do binge on Topamax, my binges consist of less food, and I eat slower, defeated by the situation."