Topiramate and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking it on 8/23/21 at 25 mg. I was supposed to increase my dose to 100 mg but stopped at 75 mg because I began having the tingling sensation in my feet. I then actually dropped down to 50 mg because I realized I had no different reaction to appetite suppression from 50 mg to 75 mg. I have had no symptoms while being under 100 mg. I definitely have a massive decrease in appetite while on 50 mg. I wake up wanting to eat but can go from breakfast until around 6 pm without eating anything. I might think about food (I know some people mentioned they forget about eating-I don’t) but I don’t feel the NEED to eat. By 6-7 pm, I start feeling hungry. I’ll eat dinner but don’t tend to overeat. I don’t have a crazy craving for sweets like I used to. I used to be 110. I had babies, went to over 170, now back down to 127!!! I also did not get the soda tasting flat or tasting horrible side effect, which I was hoping for. Wanted to help kick the habit. I can’t drink it plain anymore because it almost burns. But it tastes great still with food, especially Pepsi Zero. Oh well! I know everyone gets different side effects. I also love that I don’t get tension headaches, which I used to get often in the afternoons."

• jve...
• December 12, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been taking topiramate for about 3 years now. Previous to starting it, I was on cyproheptadine for migraine prevention, which made me gain a fair amount of weight. I ended up switching to Topamax following this and amped up my dose a few times and am currently on 125 mg. I’ve lost about 45 lb since starting. I do dislike the fact that I am not hungry very often at all, but if you are dosing smaller amounts just for weight loss, I can imagine the side effects are a bit less detrimental."

• ASh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 21, 2016

Topiramate for Seizures "So I've been taking topiramate for 3 years for seizures and migraines (both of which have disappeared). Yes, the side effects are terrible, especially the word searching and insomnia. But my seizures were debilitating, and I was having migraines 3 times a month, so I can deal with the side effects. My biggest problem is the lack of appetite. Because of my insomnia, my doctor switched me to Qudexy, which is topiramate in a time-release capsule. When I was taking regular topiramate, I did lose weight, approximately 60 pounds in 2 years, and then the weight loss stopped. I went from 200 pounds to 140 pounds, and I'm very happy with that. Since I switched to Qudexy 2 months ago, I've lost close to 20 pounds and have no desire to eat. I feel like I'm force-feeding myself. I don't know what to do."

• xox...
• December 28, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I was put on topiramate for my chronic migraines. I have been taking it for 3.5 years, and this was the third preventative medicine I tried. It works! I used to get at least 15 migraines in a month, and now I don't even get 15 migraines a year. Some side effects that I have noticed are a decreased appetite, and it makes me forget words. When I started it, I weighed 165 (which I gained 35 pounds from amitriptyline), and now I am down to 115. A lot of that weight was lost from healthy eating and exercising, but it curbs my appetite a lot, and I don't feel the need to impulsively eat in between meals or snack. I also have noticed that it makes my brain foggy, and it makes me forget words mid-sentence. Other than that, it saved my life!!"

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2022

For Borderline Personality Disorder "The side effects are awful. The first three months had major insomnia, unable to eat, and overall major brain fog. The side effects went away for me with time. I still get tingling fingers. This drug has been amazing for my mood swings despite the side effects. Nothing worked to stabilize me like topiramate."

• Chi...
• February 9, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I take Topamax for my hemiplegic migraines, suppressed appetite is just an added bonus. I have noticed a tingle in my fingertips and cheeks on and off, but it doesn't bother me enough to stop taking it. My headaches are down from waking up with one every day to maybe one once a week and one migraine a month. I'm taking 100 mg at night, I was tired for the first few weeks but built a tolerance to it. Carbonated beverages do taste flat to me now, I'm glad to read this has happened to others as well, I thought I was going crazy. Hoping now that I'm up to 100 mg that I will begin to lose more weight. I have noticed a suppressed appetite, eating much less of my meals, and have less of a 'sweet tooth,' which is a big deal for me."

• gre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 8, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm a 35-year-old female with rapid cycling bipolar 1 and anxiety. I take 250 mg topiramate and 300 mg quetiapine as mood stabilizers, plus 300 mg venlafaxine, 30 mg buspirone, and 1 mg lorazepam. Initial side effects were fatigue, brain fog, and loss of appetite. Fatigue eased up after two weeks, but it can still be a bit tough to wake up in the mornings. Brain fog is much better, but I'll occasionally misspell words when I'm writing or say the wrong one when I'm speaking. Appetite remains lower, but I'm still able to enjoy a healthy diet. No new effects have sprung up. Like many of you, I've lost weight. It started when I began the tablets, and the weight has stayed off. My mood cycles have basically stopped, leaving me functional and stable, and my symptoms feel under control. I'm not doing weird impulsive things, like constantly overspending while manic, generally being a nightmare, or having to deal with crushing depressive crashes. It's also great for preventing my migraines."

• Mig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2018

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I am 28 and have struggled with migraines for 10 years. I've found 80 mg/day of propranolol very effective for the last 3 years. Unfortunately, 4 months ago, I began having migraines that were more frequent, 8 days/mo. My neurologist recommended 100 mg/day Topamax. The side effects were terrible: extreme fatigue, mental fog, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. After 3 weeks, I complained, and she reduced my dose to 50 mg, which helped with the side effects. Meanwhile, my migraines were just as frequent as before, some requiring intervention at the hospital. My neurologist suggested I stay with it for at least 8 weeks since it can sometimes take that long to show improvement. Finally, after 2 months, I quit Topamax and now I'm trying verapamil. Side effects: intolerable. Migraine improvement: none. My neurologist said that the cognitive side effects can be greater for those with depression or those who are on antidepressants, which I take."

• 2Lo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took my first 7 pills, which was 50 mg, and no problems. Then started on the second bottle, which were 100 mg. On the second day of taking the 100 mg, I had changed, but because I have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia, I thought it was from that because, at the time, I had been waiting on my Humira to be approved. So I continued taking this drug my doctor prescribed for weight loss along with phentermine and became deathly weak, no appetite, dizzy, dry and burning eyes, suicidal, in more pain than normal, anxiety, and depression. I think if this drug is to be prescribed, it needs to be tested more and not ever be prescribed again because had I continued to use it (because it says do not stop it abruptly unless advised by your doctor), I would be deceased today. I felt like laying down and not ever waking up! DON'T TAKE THIS DRUG!"

• Dys...
• October 30, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed this for almost daily migraines. Reading the reviews has been terrifying! I will admit I agreed to take the drug hoping for weight loss as a side effect. I was prescribed 50 mg to start at bedtime and at 2 weeks double to 100 mg. After all the reviews, I decided to go slower than that. I'm mid-40s female with some other health conditions, started the drug weighing 300 lb. I started on 25 mg at bedtime 5 days ago. I will double to 50 mg after 1 week. I'm still having headaches, and I'm not expecting them to be gone at this dose. I notice upon waking my mouth is much drier, and I am thirsty! My appetite is a bit decreased. Normally I would want a snack of some sort at night, and I haven't. My thirst has increased, and I have also tried to drink more water, weary of kidney issues, therefore, I am peeing more. No other side effects to report at this time. I am not a soda drinker, so I don't know if that would be different or not. Last but not least, I've lost 5 lbs as of this am."

• Anonymous
• May 10, 2009

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I've been on Topamax for 2 weeks now after switching from Elavil. Now I'm seriously questioning that decision despite the problems Elavil caused me. The insomnia is outrageous. I have to set an alarm to take my morning dose at 5 a.m. so that my evening dose can be taken around 3 p.m. This way its effects have kind of faded off by bedtime, and with the help of some prescribed sleeping pills, I'm lucky to get a tiny bit of sleep. Of course, along with that, I have tingling, slight numbness (not enough to even complain about), dizziness, decreased appetite, taste aversion, and weight loss, of course. I haven't had too many experiences with confusion yet. On a positive note, my migraines haven't returned."

• ard...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on this medication for about three weeks. It has helped with the migraines. I don't have as many episodes, and when I do have one, it's not as severe. I haven't experienced any bad side effects. The one side effect (which seems to be the most common) is appetite suppression, a change in sense of taste, and constant thirst. I haven't lost much weight in three weeks, but I have a feeling the longer I'm on this medicine, the more I will lose. I guess it's a good thing."

• Kin...
• July 6, 2016

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Personally, this drug helped my mood swings greatly, however, I was quite disturbed that it agitated my diet as much as it did. I have a co-morbid eating disorder, which was agitated by the med. The topiramate made it so I HAD to eat my food a very specific way: something soft, yet crunchy at the same time. Normally, I wouldn't complain, however, it was always on my mind. I think the hardest thing about the med was the appetite suppression for me. I was down to eating one meal a day, which ultimately led to me not losing any weight, which I can say was very difficult for me. I had increased irritability, and I felt overly fatigued. I am also on citalopram, which is a terrible combination if you're prone to fatigue."

• Msg...
• September 30, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Recently started on topiramate for migraines. First week 25 mg at night, no problems, even a little loss of appetite and weight loss, which I can't complain about. Second week 2x 25 mg at night. Second week started to notice sleep problems such as insomnia after taking my dose at night, so took it early evening but still not sleeping till 2/3 in the morning. 3rd week 1x 25 mg am 2x 25 pm... Really not sleeping, appetite is back, but stomach pain when I do eat. I'm hoping if I drop back down, it'll even back out and I will be OK. Quite enjoy losing a bit of weight after being so ill with migraines."

• Jac...
• July 13, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I got headaches as a child and then migraines in my 20s. I am a fit person and work out, all beta blockers and blood pressure meds dropped my pressure too low. On my rescue meds, Botox, and topiramate extended release. Taking it at night like I am told. I wake up with blurry double vision that goes away. My feet, hands, and jawline are tingly on/off during the day. Super tired! And in the beginning of taking this, maybe TMI (I was going from an everyday bowel movement to once weekly). Plus nausea, no appetite, constipation, and I was consistently thirsty! Now I am at 125mg, need to be 150mg. BMs are better, thirst is better, tingling and blurry vision still there, tiredness is not as bad... still can’t run as far as I used to without being tired. And I have lost weight, not that I wanted/needed to. Has it helped with migraines? At this point, yes, I think so... I was just too busy feeling like crap otherwise to have one!"

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2022

Topiramate for Epilepsy "My dad was given Topamax for seizures. After the first dose was given, he was incredibly sick, he vomited. A few days after this, he lost his appetite completely. He then started having severe memory problems and then came to anger outbursts. It also caused incontinence. After around a month of this, we decided to take him off this drug, and I would never again give this to him. It works for some people, but we will not be ever trying this drug again. It almost destroyed him."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on Topamax for 7 days now. I started it last Tuesday and didn't notice the loss of appetite until Friday. My doctor started me on 25 mg for the first week. Friday I ate breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and didn't eat again until 6:30 p.m.! Even then, I couldn't finish my meal. My soda tasted like dirt! No joke! Saturday I made peach cobbler, I love cobbler! I ate four bites and threw the plate, it tasted like dirt! I notice if I force myself to overeat, I need a bathroom very fast! I did a one-week weigh-in this morning, I started at 229.9 and today I weigh 223.3! Total of 6.6 pounds! I take mine for headaches and migraines. Today I start 25 mg twice a day! Then move to 50 mg twice a day next week! I'm excited about losing weight!!!!"

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2012

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I took it for about 3 weeks with no improvement in symptoms whatsoever. Side effects included complete loss of appetite and rapid weight loss, mood swings, intense nausea, insomnia, hallucinations, memory problems, and constant confusion. Everyone reacts differently, I guess, but this was not the medicine for me."

• ooh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "Side effects in the first 3 months included tingling feet, loss of sensation in hands, some minor hair loss, weight loss (11 kg), appetite loss, loss of words (especially nouns), and inability to taste carbonated drinks. Almost all of these disappeared after about 3 months. I am left with a somewhat reduced appetite, occasional pins and needles, and I can't drink fizzy drinks. Weight loss was short-lived. The effect on migraines was instant and measurable - reduced severity and frequency. Not to zero, but to a more manageable level. I am left with regular headaches, which I now think are medication overuse headaches that will pass as I reduce painkiller use. I still get menstrual migraines, which can be tricky to shift, but with sumatriptan, I can usually cope."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I've tried every medicine you can offer someone in pediatrics, so they are now trying me on adult meds. I've been on topiramate for nearly 6 months, and it's not been great for me. I'm currently doing my AS levels, and although it has cut my headaches/migraines down from 6-7 a week to 3-4 a week, the side effects have been awful. I had been irritable and tired. I lost a fair bit of weight that I don't need to lose simply because I'm not hungry anymore. I've been experiencing pins and needles in my hands and feet and am constantly cold, and I am dizzy and feel like passing out. And with exams coming up, the memory problems and the problems with getting out my words aren't helping. At 17, suffering from migraines for coming up to 4 years, I don't know what to do."

• Fay...
• April 25, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking this drug since the end of Sept 2014. On 100 mg per day, taken 25 mg 4 times a day, as I find them so strong. They've been working really well up until about a month ago, but the migraines have returned, so wondering whether I need to increase the dose or to request to try Botox - anyone tried this for migraine treatment? Side effects - these have been tough and ongoing. Pins and needles in hands and feet, severe nausea, dizziness, memory loss, lack of concentration, reduced heart rate (normal 70 bpm to 48 - I'm a 35-year-old female), find it hard to sleep. Have lost 2.5 stone so far, have real trouble eating as I feel so sick - the dietitian scored me with a high risk of malnutrition. Concerned about the damage this drug is doing."

• Sid...
• July 29, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I only took this med at the 50 mg dose for two days and quit. Felt doped up and nauseous soon after the first dose. The next day, I was completely out of sorts, depth perception was off, felt outside myself, brain fog, headache, shaky, numbness in hands, burning in heels, no appetite, nothing tasted right, pop had no sweetness. The next day, same symptoms to a lesser extent with a constant tremor, overheating with movement, confusion, mood swings, and horrible mental fog, then a headache hitting about 9 out of 10, worse than my average. I decided to discontinue that evening. The next day felt hungover, had light sensitivity, diarrhea, and an upset stomach. The next day, the cloud slowly has lifted, my taste buds have not returned yet and I'm pretty fatigued."

• Hai...
• November 3, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed Topamax at 25 mg 2 times a day by a family practice doctor until I saw a neurologist, and that doctor immediately increased my dose in a gradual dosage over a 2-week span to 200 mg a day. The side effects I had were horrible, I couldn't even force myself to eat more than a few bites of food for the whole day. I was in a constant fog, it was like I had smoked a bunch of weed. I was tired all the time, my speech was like I was drunk, I couldn't remember anything, and I had severe mood swings. I would go from perfectly happy to wanting to beat the living daylights out of someone for no reason. After a few months of it, I had had enough, and my primary care physician took me off of it, but I had to slowly decrease the dosage, so it took about 6 weeks."

• Kie...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2023

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "It was prescribed to me by my consultant for the prevention of chronic episodic daily migraine with and without aura. Since starting it over two years ago, the main side effects are pins and needles in hands and feet, the sense of taste has changed (things taste sweeter, I no longer like chocolate or enjoy fizzy drinks). I eat less, appetite has gone down, and if I happen to miss a dose, I get dizzy and the pins and needles start about 6-8 hours later. I do still get migraines but not as severe or as often as I had them. I no longer have severe nausea or vomiting, but I do still use Triptans and ice packs to deal with pain. Overall, I wish I could come off this medicine as the side effects are annoying."

• sle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I am on 50 mg, working my way up to 100 mg ER. At this point, I am a complete zombie the next day. Just feel 'blah' with no energy or desire to do anything. Also, I have lost my appetite, and drinks taste awful. This behavior is not me! Has anyone had this 'exhausted' 'hangover' feeling lasting all day? If so, will I get used to this if I keep taking it? I'm scared to go up to 100 mg... also the 100 is Extended Release... are the side effects any different? Better? Worse? Thanks for your help! :)"