Topiramate and Weight Loss: What Users Say (Page 3)

• mel...
• April 2, 2008

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "There are a few ways to get rid of one of the most annoying side effects, the tingling hands and feet. Potassium- I used to eat a banana or drink fruit juice high in potassium. All of my side effects went away after 2 years on Topamax. It is hard to wean off of. I have not taken a pill for 2 months and have far fewer headaches than before Topamax! Great drug! I lost almost 30 lbs but once we found the right dosage I leveled out and stayed at that weight for a year before weaning off."

• You...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 9, 2016

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I took this medication starting in August. I stopped because my hair was falling out. I'm 20 years old and I've lost most of my hair now. I had to go get it cut to my shoulders in hopes it would look better, but it doesn't. I began taking Topamax to help with my migraines, and I dropped a lot of weight. I lost 20 lbs over the course of 8 months. I now weigh 136 lbs and sort of want to continue because I love the fact that I'm losing all this weight, but I know it's bad for me as I am now getting addicted. I've been off the medication for about 2 months, and my migraines are returning. I don't want to continue taking it because of my hair loss, but I am not sure what to do. I tried taking medicine for hair, skin, and nails to help, but it didn't work."

• Cal...
• November 5, 2016

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I started out at 75 mg, had to decrease at first because it made me super emotional and had really bad tingling in hands/feet, so I ended up going back down to 50 mg, then I slowly increased by 25 mg until I got up to 100 mg and I'm doing OK now. I do feel emotionally sensitive at times and do get occasional tingling in my fingers and toes if I don't eat for a while, which the Topamax also decreases my appetite and I have lost weight on. I still have ocular migraines if I stay up too late or don't get enough sleep. If I have even a small glass of wine the evening before, I will wake up with an awful migraine the next morning, so I see why they say not to drink while on the medication. Overall, it has really significantly decreased migraines."

• rav...
• November 6, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on this med for 10 or more years. For my BPD, I also suffer from clinical chronic depression, OCD, suicidal tendencies, major mood disorders, and anything else they can throw at me! I had a severe breakdown 15 years ago, and I believe something in my brain actually disconnected or fizzled out! Unrecoverable! I have tried many meds for many symptoms. I have been on Topiramate for at least 10 years, I have not had weight loss from it. I was put on it for my borderline to control my rage. I take many different meds, I believe they are all fighting one another! Topiramate has affected my vision, motor skills, slowed down my thought process, blurred my decision-making, and my ability to recognize reality from my own distorted thoughts!"

• Bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2015

Topiramate for Bipolar Disorder "I had extreme vision changes, loss of memory, extreme depression with long crying spells, anger, and suicidal thoughts. I have tried it at three different points in my life and have had the same experience each time... NOT GOOD. I tried the medication three times because the doctor and I thought that perhaps the side effects were from a mix of other medications I took with the pill. I did have weight loss, but it was not worth it at all. I could barely drive, and soft drinks (although not really important) tasted amazingly disgusting. I had no warning about all of the things I might experience, and it was horrible trying to teach middle school, raise two young children, do daily tasks, and drive. I've had friends get divorced due to side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 7, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I started having migraines a week after starting the birth control pill as a teen. Over the years (I'm now 55), I have tried many drugs for the treatment of or prevention of migraines. I get the classic vascular migraine with an aura each time I get a migraine. I finally was prescribed Topamax as a preventative, the final dose that worked was 75 mg in the am and 75 mg in the pm. My migraines went from daily to maybe once a month. I took this for at least 3 years. I was just at the point of quitting it when I lost my job, so I had no choice. The reason I was quitting it was that I lost so much weight that I looked anorexic! I soon realized that my memory was horrible!"

• eis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 7, 2015

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Started 100 mg at bedtime (in case of drowsiness) because I was waking up with 3 migraines a week. Later we added 25 mg in the morning to prevent afternoon migraines. My headaches have gradually improved, not just in frequency but also in intensity. Only side effects have been weight loss (about 10-15 lb, and it seems to have leveled out there, which is fine; I'm a relatively small person) and paresthesia/tingles in my hands and face. Tingling is more frequent in cold weather, but it's not bad enough to make me quit, especially not with the benefits I'm experiencing. There's been a bit of research into its use for mood disorders, which I have. I'm on other meds for that, but I wonder if the topiramate is having any extra little benefit there."

• Anonymous
• October 2, 2012

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "I liked Topamax because I never worried about having a seizure. I obtained complete control and the added benefit of helping the migraines, however, the MD discontinued it after I had personality changes, severe weight loss, and acidosis."

• Gon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Been taking for 3.5 years. Total godsend when I first started during a depression; I felt a calmness I'd never felt before. Got the weight loss side effect, and eventually managed to drop the 70 lbs. that I'd gained from other mental meds (karma!). Starting side effects were hard: was nauseous the first week and felt like someone had kicked my butt; the successive titrations over the next few months were the same, minus the nausea, lasting a week or less. Side effects afterwards: I'll occasionally get pins and needles in fingers, slight name/word recall issues, but no serious case of the stupids unless I go above 150 mg, and constant thirst/dry mouth. Only 8 stars because I'm not sure it's working anymore (possibly because pharmacy switched brands)."

• Mai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I am on 200 mg of Topiramate a day, and it does wonders for my migraines. I used to have upwards of 60 migraines a month and now am down to 4-6 migraines a month. I would not know about weight loss as, even though I am overweight, this drug is not making me lose weight, I just stay the same weight as I always have been."

• 3de...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "If you have had problems with eating disorders, please avoid topiramate. I have struggled with eating and weight loss for many years. I was prescribed this medication for sleep and as a mood stabilizer from a psychiatrist who didn’t know the severity of my eating disorder. The severe abdominal pain, absolutely no appetite, weight loss, and for some reason, sensory issues have caused me to relapse. I only got up to 75 mg. Please avoid if you are struggling with similar issues!"

• oif...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2014

Topiramate for Seizure Prevention "Good medication, reduced my GMS disorder but now I see the effects of being on this medication. I've been on it for 3 years now and like I said it reduced my grand mal seizures. But I've lost 40 lbs. I have trouble speaking the complete thought in my mind, and I'm always exhausted. Though, I have other issues that affect my sleeping habits, as I am a veteran. Pros and cons, so consider them."

• Pur...
• May 7, 2013

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I've been taking Topamax for over 3 years, and the only side effect I experienced was an initial weight loss of about 15 lbs. If there was any cognitive difficulty, memory loss, difficulty remembering words, etc., I didn't notice, as it was worse when I was experiencing a migraine. Before taking Topamax, I would have a headache for months, with no relief. After I started taking Topamax, the migraines were down to 3 a month. My Dr. started me on a dose of 25 mg, 2 X a day and titrated me to 100 mg, 2 X a day. Unfortunately, the Topamax no longer seems to be effective, and on my next visit, I will ask my Dr. to either increase the dosage or prescribe a different medicine. Also, I have to agree with another post I saw, I am always freezing!"

• Anonymous
• June 1, 2008

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I dealt with migraines for so many years that I cannot even remember. Due to the cost of Topamax, at one point I quit taking it. I am back on it now. It is a lifesaver for me. I have had some of the side effects: weight loss, tingling fingers, cold feet, taste change, etc., but they are all worth it not to have the life-stopping migraines anymore. Once the dosage is regulated, it is wonderful. I have probably had 2 migraines in the past year, and neither has been intolerable."

• Ree...
• September 6, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 36-year-old woman, and I am currently suffering from fibromyalgia and moderate obstructive sleep apnea. I have gained approximately 92 lbs since 2012, and I am currently 230 lbs. I am so depressed over my weight and have tried diets and exercise, but with my illnesses and medication, I'm always at a loss. I am currently taking gabapentin for my fibromyalgia symptoms, which encourages weight gain. On Friday, September 4th, my neurologist started me on topiramate 25 mg for weight loss. I am really hoping it will work for me, as I am eager to be at a healthier weight again, plus look like my old self. Does anyone use this combination of medicine? If yes, how has it worked for you? A medication that promotes weight gain and one that promotes weight loss."

• Fib...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I have been taking Topamax for 3 years now, for fibro and bipolar disorder. My dosage has been 150 mg twice daily, and on this dosage, I have not experienced any pain, and my mood has been stable. Getting onto this drug was difficult for me. I am an ex-street drug user, and while getting onto this medication, it made my body feel like I was withdrawing from drugs at the times I was in between my doses. Once that was over, the normal weight loss that most have, carbonated drinks, etc. I also experienced. Something that I have experienced that I have not read about is a MAJOR increase in food sensitivities. I am in my 40s, and I have read that women who are hormonal can become food intolerant while taking Topamax. Recently, I reduced my dosage to 100 mg twice daily, and my pain has reared its ugly head. For me, Topamax is a good medication. Good luck, everyone."

• any...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2018

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Reduced my migraines by about 1/3, but also reduced my weight. I struggled greatly with the side effects. As someone who already struggles to keep weight on, the weight loss with the Topamax was too much for me. It was somewhat effective. If you are not concerned about keeping weight on, then this will probably serve you better than it served me."

• jes...
• November 15, 2007

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Topamax has been a lifesaver for me! I am living alone without fear for the first time in my life. I can go outside during the day and not feel like crying from the pain of 24/7 migraines. I can drive without fear of not being able to get myself home. The side effects I have had are weight loss (I needed it anyway), some memory issues (I write things down more), and last, the big one: I have lost almost all my hair. It’s very traumatic, but after years of pain and fear, I am free to live my life, and if I have to live it in a wig, so be it!"

• smi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 3, 2019

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I've been taking Topamax now for nearly two years for severe headaches that I've been getting for the last six years. They don't totally take the pain away as I have to take other pain relief as well. I have lost some weight, which is a good thing for me. I started off on 25 mg twice a day and now I'm on 100 mg twice a day because the pain gets that unbearable, and I've been hospitalized a few times. I find if you take Ixprim as well as Topamax, they work well, but ask your doctor or pharmacist. Don't know if any of this will help anyone, but I hope it does."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I am starting on Topiramate today. I was in a car accident in August, and I have had constant headaches since. CT and MRI scans all okay. Headaches vary in severity, but I'm never really pain-free. My neurologist diagnosed post-traumatic migraine and prescribed Topiramate - 25 mg at night for two weeks and then increasing by 25 mg at fortnightly intervals until I will be on 100 mg morning and night. The side effects are concerning me, especially depression, as I am already on an antidepressant. Losing some weight would be a gift, so I am hoping for that - it would be lovely to have something nice like that happen after months of comfort eating."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2013

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "Female. 19. I had sinus surgery then started getting headaches after surgery because of nerve damage. I was taking 25 mg once every night for a week and every next week would up the dose. My experience was awful! I had the usual side effects people had: tingling in lips/hands and weight loss. The main one for me was that I was so extremely fatigued and weak. I'm a young healthy girl who eats healthy, is a healthy weight, and before my surgery, worked out 4 times a week. I would have to physically force myself out of bed. And as far as the headaches, it reduced the intensity of the migraines but did nothing for the frequency."

• hga...
• December 8, 2009

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I was on Corgard for 7 years, and it did not control my migraines. I get complex migraines with neuro symptoms... numbness on one side of the face/arm/hand... feels like a stroke, but isn't... have had CTs, etc. Anyway, I was switched to Topamax at 25 mg in March and increased to 50 mg in May... no migraines except for one episode of a few days of the 'aura,' but did not go into the full-blown scary feeling migraine. My side effects have been significant weight loss and some word-finding issues, but I would not trade them for feeling like I am having a stroke. I don't know the long-term effect of taking Topamax, though... I will have to ask my neurologist. I have changed to a new one recently. I am so thankful so far for Topamax."

• Hom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 29, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve just increased my topiramate from 25 mg to 75 mg daily for migraine prevention. It’s worked wonders. No migraines in the 8 days since the increase. (That’s a rarity.) But the weight loss is a surprise and my lack of food cravings. Food is one of my biggest joys, and now, I’m happy to say, I’m eating a lot better, making healthier choices, and no headaches! The only reason I’m not scoring this a 10 is the brain fog and lack of being able to string a cohesive sentence together. Everything takes more concentration, especially driving and any form of semi-intelligent conversation!"

• Rav...
• March 21, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I was on Topamax for migraines for 4 years. I was about 130 lbs when I went on it, and every year I lost more weight. I quickly got to 116, then to 108 at 5'4. I was very thin, which I liked a lot. But this drug made me totally psychotic. They told me I was bipolar. I was in college at the time, and studying was very hard for me. I am very smart, but I could not comprehend anything. After being off this drug for some years, I am around 120 lbs. But my mood is much more stable, and I am just an overall better person to the people around me."

• Ser...
• February 2, 2017

Topiramate for Migraine Prevention "I was in a car accident with a head injury. I had intractable migraine and other headaches that came and went daily on top of that, and three months after the accident, my neurologist offered Topamax. It's been 9 months. I lost a lot of hair; I have the soda is flat thing; the pins and needles; and I have lost weight. I think the brain fog was not noticeable because of the brain injury. It took care of my headaches immediately. I didn't mind the side effects. I ran out of it once, and on day two, had a seizure. I tried to titrate off recently, and the migraine returned with a vengeance, so I am still going to be taking it. I don't mind the side effects in comparison to the headache. Also, I use hypnosis for some of the side effects."