Topiramate and Weight Loss: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Les...
• September 26, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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."

• 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."

• Jas...
• November 17, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "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."

• 4gr...
• July 14, 2008

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "Have used Topamax for over 2 years, in conjunction with Wellbutrin. Never knew that life was quite like this. I am now almost 53 years old. To think that I lived so many years never being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I am so happy that life is so wonderful because of Topamax. Only side effect has been weight loss but, that really is a good thing. It is wonderful to be back at my true weight because the bipolar disorder is now managed."

• Anonymous
• July 16, 2014

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "By the time I started Topamax, I was getting migraines 2-4 days a week. Topamax seemed like the best fix. And for a while, it was. My migraines significantly reduced, though I did get most of the common side effects: slight tingling in my fingers, carbonated beverages tasted gross, and weight loss. My main warning about this medicine is weight loss. It seems to be paraded as a benefit, and to some it may be, but if you are already naturally slim, pay very close attention. I wound up dropping to an unhealthy weight despite all attempts to counter it, and it's ultimately why I had to stop Topamax. I was unwillingly wasting away. When I stopped, my migraines returned in short order, and I'm still looking for an alternative that works."

• Ood...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Topamax is by far the best migraine preventative I have ever tried. I take 100mg at night and have even been on 200mg - 1 100mg in the AM and 1 100mg in the PM. My neurologist and I discussed Topamax and figured it was worth a shot since my chronic, daily migraines were uncontrollable and I was getting Imitrex injections almost every week and could no longer take Toradol. Unlike other people, I have very few side effects. I weaned off Topamax once to try Gabapentin but it by itself wasn't enough and my migraines returned full force. Very few side effects: trouble finding words, thirst, and weight loss (not that I mind). Topamax is a wonderful drug and a LIFESAVER. It and my Gabapentin together is my divine combo!"

• Hal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2019

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "On this medication to prevent migraines. It works like a charm. I had migraines almost daily, and now I only have them the day before my period starts. I have not had the weight loss side effect people talk about, though."

• Nel...
• March 29, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "It takes a while to kick in, and you have to gradually increase your dosage - like, start at 25 mg twice a day, then every 2 weeks, increase by 25 mg more - gradually increase to the max dosage your doctor wants you on. Otherwise, the more negative side effects will be more pronounced. I am on this medication for migraines, and the weight loss is a side effect. It took about 6 months before I saw any weight loss at all, so I was frustrated at first, though the migraines did start to subside a bit. Now, I've been on it for a year, and I've gone from 235 lbs. to 205 lbs. without trying at all. Like, I'm not exercising any more than I was, and I haven't been dieting at all that I'm aware of - I just don't crave food like I used to. Headaches are better too."

• Bel...
• December 31, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I suffer from depression, bipolar, and anxiety and believe me it is a struggle. I always had a perfect 10 body weighing at 112 now 175 at 5'2. Then I was put on Abilify to add to my other meds. My doctor weaned me off the Abilify and put me on Topamax for mood swings and to lose weight. I am on 50mg at night. Within 2 weeks if I don't see a change, she will bump my dosage up. I am praying that it works for me. The struggle is real and I feel for everybody going through this pain. I want to wish everyone good luck and a happy new year! I will keep you all posted."

• Jen...
• November 15, 2016

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I have been taking 75 mg Topamax once a day for about 10 years now. I have gone as far as taking 100 mg until I started not being able to get the words out that I was thinking of. That side effect has not completely gone away but is better. When I first started, I did have the tingling in my hands and feet, but it was no more than like having carpal tunnel. I also have the weird taste where soda tasted flat and tomatoes taste weird. I did lose a little weight. The tingling went away, I adjusted to just not drinking soda. And tomatoes started to taste fine. I also take Sumatriptan for when I still do get a headache. However, the headaches are much fewer and further between. I will get a cluster of them about every six months, but still better."

• WWi...
• November 23, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I used Lyrica for six months and gained ten pounds a month. I have been off of the Lyrica since April and have only lost 15 pounds. Recently started 100 mg of Topamax at bedtime and this is the answer! It actually will encourage the body to shed weight and have lost six pounds. Pain has gone from an intolerable 7 or 8 on the pain scale to about a 3. This is what I have been praying for."

• fgh...
• July 2, 2008

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I have been off and on Topamax for about 5 years now, and I must say that it works better for bipolar mood stabilization than any other one out there. The one thing I love the most about this medicine is that it is helping me lose weight. They need to put in the time to verify that this drug is, in fact, a mood stabilizer because it certainly does help with bipolar disorder."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed Topamax for my bipolar as a mood stabilizer and because all my psych meds have a side effect of weight gain, and I had put on 60 lbs in the last two years. So when my doctor told me Topamax had weight loss as its side effect, I was beyond excited to try it, and it has been nothing but smooth sailing. I was started at 25 mg at night and moved up 25 mg every week until now, three weeks in, when I'm currently on 75 mg and have lost 10 lbs already! At 3+ lbs a week! What this drug has done for me is curb my sugar and fast food cravings while eliminating my emotional eating and cutting my normal appetite in half. I've stopped all my addictions and binge eating, even alcohol. No bad side effects, but I am closely monitoring just in case..."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 31, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I felt compelled to write a review, as I was on Topamax (or should I say Dopamax?!) for about 2 years. I started this medication when I was 21 and was so desperate to find something that would actually help my ongoing migraines. Personally, the side effect symptoms FAR outweighed the benefits. I started out on 25 mg a day and gradually increased to 100 mg. As soon as I got on this, the side effects came rolling in. Before I knew it, my memory was completely gone. In daily conversation, I couldn't think of simple words, names, or phrases. I knew what I wanted to say but couldn't form the words to do so. The worst of all, it really affected my grades in college. I used to have awesome memorization skills. Unfortunately, I would study for hours upon hours and still wouldn't do well as I would have 'brain fog' during tests, etc. Another side effect I experienced was weight loss. I lost around 25 lbs., HOWEVER, I don't believe all of this was ultimately from Topamax. I'd definitely say it suppressed my appetite, but I really changed my eating habits and worked out daily. It helped with my first few pounds and got me motivated to do the rest. On the plus side, I saw a significant difference in the amount of migraines I received. It was a night and day difference in that aspect. However, approaching a year and a half on this medication, I couldn't take it anymore and had to get off. It wasn't worth it anymore. I don't think tapering off or stopping cold turkey on this really makes a difference. My mom stopped cold turkey, and I tapered off, as my doctor instructed me. I rebounded off this HORRIBLY, as did my mom. I was STARVING constantly after no longer taking it. This didn't just go away either. My body didn't feel leveled out and 'detoxed' from this for honestly about a year after. I not only gained back all my weight I lost, but plus some. Although everyone's body reacts differently, I highly do NOT recommend taking this. Not even for those desperate for weight loss. Losing weight from a medication like this is not sustainable long-term. I'm 24 now and am still affected by my choice of taking this. Topamax has ultimately ruined my memory to this day. I still cannot remember words or things. It changed me. Do not take this! There are other answers out there."

• Yah...
• August 6, 2017

For Borderline Personality Disorder "This drug is a game changer! I'm coping daily much better... I was a mess, suicidal, a roller coaster of instability and terrible migraines, so far, so good. I'm in a place where dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can at least sink in... I'm hoping not too much weight loss because I'm tiny to begin with. But no side effects so far."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 28, 2012

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I started taking Topamax in January of 2012 for migraines. I was getting one a day. I did experience brain fog at first, but I found that after about a month or two, I was mostly back to normal. I have experienced weight loss and loss of appetite, and I'm also lactose intolerant, so I'm trying to work on eating a healthy amount. I have found that drinking a lot of water really helps with the tingly feeling in my feet and hands!"

• ben...
• June 25, 2011

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "Topamax helps tremendously with mixed bipolar and rapid cycling. However, I was an athlete at the time, rode cycling, and was a psychiatric nurse. I went from 120 to 105. This was not a bad experience for me. My manager illegally pulled me into her office and told me, granted she is not even an RN, that I had anorexia and an eating disorder, and illegally discriminated against me to stop me from working with eating-disordered patients. My doctor even told her I was normal and healthy, just solid muscle. P.S. Have you ever seen a serious road cyclist have an ounce of fat on them?"

• cad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2013

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "This medicine was great in taking care of seizures, but I honestly felt like I was crazy most of the time. I lost weight, which I was happy with, but when it comes to the final review, I was a crazy, small person. I couldn't even call an order in on the phone because I couldn't think fast enough. I went back to my doctor and asked him to take me off this."

• mnp...
• November 12, 2019

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I took 50 mg Topamax daily for migraines. Six months into it, I started noticing increasing hair loss and looked for answers, including having both hormones and thyroid checked. I reread the included drug information several times and found nothing about hair loss. At the point I had lost half my hair, I finally Googled Topamax hair loss and found it is a side effect of Topamax. Also during this time, I had extensive testing trying to find out why I was having increased period pain, and both my doctor and I missed that this is listed as a side effect. I stopped the medication six weeks ago because of the hair loss, but also putting on hold additional procedures considered for dealing with the menstrual pain as there is a good probability this was also caused by the Topamax. Two stars that I give the drug are only because of the 'bonus' side effect of the weight loss, which was the only hesitation that I had about stopping taking it, and the nominal reduction in the number of migraines I was experiencing."

• mel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 6, 2013

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Began taking Topamax in 2006. Before starting on Topamax, migraines were lasting 4-5 days after onset, and frequency of approximately 3 times per month. I experienced some diarrhea, which subsided after breaking the dosage up throughout the day (200 mg daily). Additionally, I have experienced weight loss (a significant amount of 50 lbs) I could not afford to lose. However, the weight loss has subsided as well. Upon beginning the medication, I had trouble recalling words and memory loss. At this juncture, the side effects have since passed and so have the migraines. I experience 1-2 migraines quarterly. Topamax has been a lifesaver for me. I had tried many other migraine preventatives to no avail."

• pep...
• February 23, 2012

Topiramate for Trigeminal Neuralgia "It took me a year to be diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia - and I had to go to a doctor in Vienna for this, because the doctors in Romania misdiagnosed me - but Topamax is the medicine that really saved my life. Literally! Because I was contemplating suicide, the pain was that bad and nothing else was working for me. I have lost a little weight in the first couple of months, and I also have some trouble finding common words while speaking, but otherwise I did not experience any other side effects so far. My cholesterol level is now increasing - I am wondering if anyone is experiencing that as a possible side effect."

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Started Topamax 50 mg 2 weeks ago for bipolar 1. I’m losing weight like crazy due to no appetite at all. Not complaining!! I’m a little irritable, okay, a lot. Hopefully, that will go away. Hands and face are tingling, which I can deal with. The only thing I really HATE is I can’t sleep! Even with Remeron and Seroquel together at night, I’m still waking up all night and waking up stupid early. Probably why I’m so grouchy. Gonna give it 6 more weeks, and if the sleep thing doesn’t change, I’ll have to switch meds once again. Good luck to you all!!"

• sol...
• May 1, 2009

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I started on this medicine in 2004. It has been a roller-coaster ride. The first, and most immediate thing was I stopped smoking and discontinued drinking anything carbonated. I rapidly lost about 30 lbs, my nails became so thin I could not hold paper. I started taking supplements as the weight loss caused nutrition loss. Tingling in hands and feet still persists, especially when I am cold. Around 2007, I entered into a psychotic break, there are other contributing factors here, so my doctor took down the dose from 200 mg to 75 mg, where I am still at today. I have regained some weight, but that is due to another medicine that I now take with this."

• Man...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 30, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Works on seizures, migraines, and pain. I have been on a high dose for several years. Weight loss very significant at first, then plateaued with neither gain nor loss for three plus years. Now, all of a sudden (no change in meds or diet), gained 16 lbs in one month. Stopping this med immediately."

• sta...
• November 19, 2007

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I have taken Topamax for almost a year. Not only is it expensive, my husband wanted me to stop taking it. He said I was acting like a witch, and I did not notice any change in my migraines, just weight loss. I also had difficulty speaking and could not think of what I wanted to say. I no longer take it, but I am still looking for something to help with my migraines."