Topiramate and Weight Loss: What Users Say

• 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."

• Anonymous
• February 24, 2012

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Topamax is amazing. I originally took it 6 years ago to prevent migraines and lost 80 lbs as a bonus. At that time, my doctor and I speculated that it would someday be approved for weight loss because I was not his only patient to report changes in the taste of carbonated beverages and chocolate while taking the medication. I also noticed that I did not dream about food while taking the medication, but within 3 months of changing medications, food re-entered my dream content. I am now back on the medication to address chronic pain issues and have already found the same results in weight loss, taste changes, and dream content."

• jac...
• March 19, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am an African American woman with my natural hair. I have not experienced any hair loss. I have been on topiramate for 10 days. I am taking 50 mg, 1 pill only at night, and I have lost 8 pounds so far. My doctor recommended I take 1 pill for 2 weeks before moving to 2 pills a day. I will probably stick with the one pill because I am losing weight. I do exercise 5 days a week also, so this helps. This pill alone is not going to work, you need to get moving just a little. Treadmill 20 minutes is all I do. You can do it!!!! Good luck..."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on 50 mg twice daily. I started at 177 lb, and it had been 2 months and 2 weeks today. Today, I weigh 151 pounds and have gone from a size 11/12 to a size 7/8. While I went on this to treat migraines, the weight loss has been a great side effect and was effortless. It did change some of my favorite food tastes, and most carbonated drinks taste 100% flat. BUT I DON'T CARE."

• Par...
• January 16, 2020

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "On Topamax, and 6 years ago I had what I thought was a seizure and spots in my right eye. The spots NEVER went away. Other symptoms of this horrible drug - ITCHING, SEIZURES, HAIR LOSS, EXTREME HOT FLASHES, EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS. My doctor never, ever cared about any of it. I quit this awful drug in October 2016. Had a minor stroke shortly after. Do not take this drug if you want to stay healthy and keep your eyesight. I filed a complaint with the FDA, and of course, they didn’t care either. This drug is a result of greedy drug companies and the FDA being lobbied to allow such a destructive drug. Doctors don’t care either. They all just keep making their money while patients end up with permanent damage that CANNOT be fixed."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was given this for sleep. I had not even heard of the weight loss aspect of this drug. Tonight I was looking at my pills to plan my vacation. The name didn't look familiar to me so I looked it up. One of the side effects was weight loss. The funny thing is tonight some family members I had not seen for about 4 weeks came by and they both asked me how much I had lost. I had just put on a shirt that didn't fit me at all 1 month ago and it was baggy. I was really surprised it fit. So I thought I must have dropped weight. Tonight I got on the scale and I was down to 295 from 313 just 4 weeks ago. I had no idea why until I looked up this drug and then it made sense. I'm only on 25 mg tablets 1 per night. Now I'm looking forward to trying on all my old clothes tomorrow."

• Miz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking 25mg daily for the past 5 days and already lost 3.8kg or 8.3lbs. It's also been acting as a great mood stabilizer which is awesome because I have bipolar and Seroquel alone wasn't doing enough. Very happy with Topamax so far."

• Chl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I can't seem to remember anything while taking this pill. I take 100 mg twice a day. Yes, it is amazing losing 2 pounds a day, but it is creepy not being able to have my memory and losing my mind, not remembering things."

• Boj...
• March 16, 2014

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I'm 50 years old and have suffered from migraines since I was about 12 years old. Too long! I've taken every medicine possible for prevention or cure with little or no relief. Too many trips to the ER for shots...the only real fix; then back home in a dark room for much-needed sleep. When my internist suggested Topamax, I jumped at the opportunity. Boy, I'm happy that I did. Yes, I had the initial side effects, lost 35 lbs originally (gained 10 back), have tingling in my fingers & toes but only in the winter when I'm cold. Very manageable. I don't drink pop, but tried one. Wow...it was flat. I do struggle with words at times, but still manageable. My 3/week migraines now down to 1/month are generally managed with Excedrin Migraine. A"

• Anonymous
• July 8, 2010

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on Topamax for almost 3 years, was prescribed it for severe migraines. The weight loss was a side effect, a nice one though! I didn't need to lose much to begin with, maybe 20 lbs or so, and I started to notice that I went from the 140s to the 120s. I am now off this medicine as I have been migraine-free for almost two years and the only bad thing I can say is that the weight comes right back on if you're not watching very carefully. Also, HUGE side effect was the medicine caused my body to not sweat, which caused severe overheating. It's a less common side effect, but a very super important one to be aware of."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Migraines, bonus weight loss. I’ve had migraines for years but they have recently increased in frequency. Suffering from severe migraines (2-3 a week lasting a day or two each). I finally decided to try a daily med. I started with Verapamil. No good - dizzy, could barely walk or function. Prescribed topiramate next. I’m migraine-free for two months (only 1 minor migraine the first week) and down from 139 to 128. I’m 5’5. No other side effects - mind is clear, no tingling. I feel great! Everyone’s body is different. I hope what worked for me works for you."

• Joj...
• December 31, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started topiramate for headaches due to head injuries. I was also overweight, at 290 lbs. My neurologist started me on 50mg of topiramate, and I lost 40 lbs. Awesome for weight loss, but the headaches are still there, so I got upped to 100mg. Then I lost another 50 lbs, I was so happy. But my headaches were not leaving me alone. So I got upped to 200mg, and that's when everything stopped. It was done, and I have gained back some of the weight that I had lost. Still on the 200mg but I'm not losing any weight."

• ado...
• March 27, 2013

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I have had a good experience after trying to find the right cocktail for several years. I have a very high-stress job and my anxiety is put to the test daily. It is not clinically significant at this point, and I can only attribute that to finally having my medicines right. I am taking Wellbutrin, Lamictal, Topamax, and Zoloft at pretty low dosages for each. I did lose about 70 pounds. After over a year on the Topamax, my normal appetite has started to return and I have gained back about 10 pounds, but I still have self-control that I lacked when I was fighting depression, which is now at bay."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Nom...
• November 10, 2014

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I started taking Topamax about 3 years ago. Began at 25mg a day for a week. The second week I was supposed to move up to 50, the third week to 75mg, and then finally to 100mg on the fourth week. I never really had to move past 25mg. My migraines all but stopped after a month of being on the medication and at the lowest dose. I had all the side effects - tingling, weight loss (very happy about it too), forgetting certain words, and the nasty taste of soda. That was okay because I only drink it very rarely anyway. I was getting 1-2 migraines a week and now, I may have 1-2 a year. Most of the side effects seemed to have faded with time as well. Very, very pleased with this medication."

• 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!"

• rog...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 21, 2013

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "This is for the Newbies out there. I started this medication when I was 15. Had my first seizure a few days before my 15th birthday. The first side effect you will experience is sleepiness, don't fight it. Let your body get a nap between 1-3, which I found to be the best time. I sleep for 1 hour and still can fall asleep at night. I am 21 now. Some advice to you: whenever you don't feel like eating, I found that sweet tea gets me hungry, find that X factor in you. The weight loss is insane. I lost 40 pounds in 6 months just by breathing. Now, sleep patterns are important. If the average person needs 8 hours, you and I need 9-10 MINIMUM. Also, try to take the dose at the same time every day, you will fall asleep faster. Hang out to see sunrise."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2009

Topiramate for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "After having developed neuropathy post surgery, I was suffering daily. I had tried Neurontin with little relief and was prescribed Topamax initially at 25mg. Over the last 6 years, I've been titrated up to 300 mg and can tell you that this drug has helped tremendously. Initially, I had common side effects: difficulty finding words, I lost weight about 20 pounds, and found that I had some tingling in my hands and feet. These issues generally resolved in time, or I have just grown accustomed to them. For anyone who initially has issues with the side effects, try and stick with the medicine for a little bit unless totally intolerable, it gets better."

• 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."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 29, 2015

Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking 50 mg of Topamax for the first month and went up to 100mg for the next three months. Lost 40 pounds. For the next year and a half I have kept off the weight but have not lost any more. I still need to lose 30 more pounds, but have seemed to plateaued. And I am at 200 mg now. Don't know what to do."

• sur...
• July 7, 2010

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I have taken Topamax for the last 8 months as a mood stabilizer. It has worked great. Not only has it helped with my moods, but it also helped me lose more than 30 lbs without struggling to lose it. It was easy and great. I am happy again, and I don't feel like I want to chew off everyone's head when I start to get irritable or around 'that time of month'. It's been a lifesaver."

• 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."