Topamax and weight loss

[littleurchin]

I just went on Topamax this week for strictly weight loss. Ironically, two yrs. ago I had problems with migraines and the doc prescribed relpax and topamax and they mysteriously went away. In the past year I've gained about 30-40 lbs. I work the night shift and I think a lot has to do with that. In the past three month, I've gained 25 lbs. I ride my bike for 1/2 hour a day and weight train for the same. I follow a strict vegan diet and don't go over 1200 cal. So I am getting very frustrated with my weight gain. My doc prescribed Topamax 25mg./day for my weight gain and she wants to see me in a month. Then she wants to put me on an amphetimine if that doesn't work - which I was surprised at her willingness to do this. I'm 29, and weigh 133 with a BMI of 124. I know, I know, everything's normal. I'm just used to weighing around 100 because I'm a semi-pro cyclist. What I've done is increased the Topamax to 125 mg. on my own because I've read that the weight loss effect starts with this dosage not 25mg. like she prescribed. I'm worried about hair loss and actually getting migraines from this because when I took it before, it actually made me feel like **** and I have to take 1000mg. of Motrin to battle the headaches I get. I know you'll all think I'm crazy. Anyone actually feel worse from taking a higher dosage of Topamax? The things we do to stay thin...

[Harvestb]

Hi there! I was prescribed Topamax 6 wks ago for headaches which I have had my entire life it seems.  I can't remember having a day without one - they would usually run days at a time or be full blown migraines.  I started out at the 25mg dose and went up 25mg weekly until I got to my full dose of 100mgs.  I felt a difference immediately!!  I sleep great, no headaches, I feet like myself again (not to mention I started losing weight right away), I lost 10lbs by week 4.  As of today the Dr. is upping my dose because I just started getting some dull headaches (probably do to some stress in my family right now but just to avoid the migraines better to prevent than treat) plus my weight loss has tappered off and it seems that as I add the mgs it jump starts the weight loss again which is a bonus - more worried about the headaches but loving that side effect.  As for the other side effects, in the beginning I had some tingling in my fingers and toes (not bad though) that's gone now and I had pretty bad case of the "stupids" (loss of words, loss of thought and even studdering).  I felt pretty silly especially since I have to talk to a lot of people during the day for my job but they all understood.  That side effect has lessened but is still present.  I don't notice any hair loss.  What I'm wondering is are the "stupids" going to hit me full force since my dose is going work up to go to 200mgs a day instead of 100?

[Harvestb]

ok evidently I have already been hit with the "stupids" as you can see by the last sentence I wrote in my previous comment.  lol So lets try that again - My dose is working it's way from 100mgs where I have been at for the past couple weeks to 200mgs where I will stay.  Will my word loss and such get worse again?

[derbytime]

Are doctors really prescribing this med for weight loss? When did this start?!?! This is SO DANGEROUS! The side effects are not worth it on the high doses, why would you all deal with this medicine if you didn't have to? I don't get it. I thought it was only approved to seizures and just recently for migraines...maybe I'm just out of the loop...someone educate me.

[abauers1]

This medication was perscribed to me for weight loss by my psychiatrist.  It also has added benefits of calming your nerves and is used to treat people with bipolar disease and depression which I have.  So you see there are other uses for this medicine but they aren't advertised as such.  There are probably a few other things it is used for as well but I'm not sure what they are.  
To the people that are trying to lose weight on this here is an update:  I have been on this since Thanksgiving, 150 mgs and have currently lost 20 lbs.
Harvestb- it will go away - the "stupids" that is.  I only have the tingling in my hands as a side effect.  Hope that helps.  Autumn

[pulledcurtain]

Have you changed the way you ate/drank at all? Or was that weight lost by no changes and just taking the Topamax alone?

[steffers86]

I started taking Topamax when I was a senior in high school (2005). My migraines were incredibly bad when I first started after 3 years of being on the medicine my migraines finally subsided. I never had any of the side effects, I had always been a small person, 5'1" and about 110 lbs. At the beginning of the summer, I was taken off of Topamax, Over the course of the summer (3.5 months) I gained 35 lbs. My doctor told me that it must have been some physiological effect, but test after test revealed nothing. I've tried exercise and diets and nothing is helping. Is it possible that going off the Topamax made me gain the weight and should I go back on it?

[mchipalla]

I think the Topamax does something with your brain chemistry to shut you down or off earlier when your would typically continue to keep eating or drinking.  

[Sandilicious990]

I stopped taking Topamax about a year ago after being on it for 4 years and I've gained 15 pounds that I can't loss. I'm considering going back on it simply for the weight loss but mentally/emotionally I feel better now than when I was taking it so this worries me. I'm not sure I want to risk the negative side effects.

[braykaz]

I was diagnosed with peti-mal seizures @ the age of 9,then as i aged this developed into Grand mal seizures.I have been on Epilim 1000mg daily since then (about 23 years) Having given birth to 2 kids and a migrane sufferer im compelled to try this medication has anyone else transitioned from Epilim and if so what are their findings?

[scarlette23]

My doctor recently prescribed me Topamax for my debilitating migraines which I've had ever since I gave birth to my son, who is now 2 yrs old. He also said it would help with my anxiety and insomnia. But, he didn't tell me about the possible weight loss. I know for some people that might be a good thing, but not for me. I'm 5'3" and 100 lbs- underweight. I can't really lose any more weight. When I got pregnant I was 92 lbs and I looked sickly. I hear about people taking this drug and losing 20+ pounds. Anyone know how it effects women who are already underweight? I'm dying to get rid of my migraines, but not what little fat I have

[cottoncandy99]

I have had eplipsy ever since I was 16 years old and have been put on all types of meds to control them and can tell you that once that I started chemo and experience these extreme mirgraine headaches as I would just drop to the floor holding my head wandering what is going on and is there something else wrong.  Went through MRI's & CAT scans & x-rays that showed nothing , as I would just cry.  My Nurologists has me on  Dilantin 5 times a day as well as Phenobarbarbital 2 grs 2 times a day and then he tried to give me Imitrex well I took that 4 days and started seeing things abnormal and then  then he said that could try the Topamax as we started  out at 25mg for the first wk and then I went 50 mg 2 wk  and the up to 100 mg as I also have lost weight with this medicine but I am not complianing as my headaches are gone and that is the part that I have prayed for.  I go to see him on a regular 4 month check up as he monitors me very close on this medication.  I am glad that I was able to lose weight as I was in accident yrs ago which  left me in a wheelchair and now at least I am able to walk with a walker.  

I know that my PCP had me on Celbrex for pain and this Mobic for the artrithis that had set in but nothing would really make back pain and upper arm & back of which that I could feel go away, so they asked if I ever taken Advil and really never heard of it at that time so I tried it and then I broke out in hives and so that was the answer to us all as I went back to Tylenol just out of the store and  they told me after a while it would kill my kidneys plus cause other damage  so then he gave me a prescription for Hydrocodone and Soma.

I was told that if I stay away from all caffiene products and the fatty foods that would help reduce a few of these attack as as well. I lost 220 lbs since 2004 to present but this is a good thing for me as I needed to for the sake of my back since the surgeries as I think that is what help bring me out of the wheelchair as well as the help oof the man upstairs.   I know that I eat 8 to 10 times a day as they are small meals but that is what the liver specialist has me doing so that is to my benefit as well.

I am 5'5'' and weigh 120 right now as I think this is a good weight for me and want to stay here but then there are others that say I need to gain as they were usedd to looking at me being heavier.  At this point I don't know what I am going to do if I lose anymore as I am sure that my Nuro knows what the best as  I haven't a seizure for almost 6 months now.

[Jenn_M]

I have been on Topamax for a whopping 4 YEARS!!!! I was crippled by almost constant migraines. They are now more predictable and usually occur before a weather disruption and around "that time of the month".

I really need to ask some questions of anyone who has been on the drug for over a year or so to see if they are experiencing what I am.

I also can share my individual experience with Topamax and it's many side effects with anyone who is interested.

-Jenn M.

[MissAlli]

I started a clinical trial with topamax on Jan 23   It is with Topamax and phentermine combined for weight loss.  I've lost 8.5 pounds so far.

I don't know my dose as it's a double blind but I'm on the titrate for the first two weeks anyway and the topamax maximum dose will be 92mg phentermine maximum dose will be 15mg.

[innerg]

Hi All,

Well I have been reading through the comments from 2005 through current.  I must say that I am amazed at all of your experiences.  

I have been diagnosed with migranes since I was in high school and I am now 34.  I lost my father about 6 months ago and needless to say, depression is around me.  I am blessed to have a caring and nurturing doctor.  I trust his opinions.  He has prescribed Topamax for my migraines and Bupropion (Wellbutrin) for my depression.  He had previously treated me with Prozac, but I found myself still to be very moody, reserved and sad.   He prescribed me Topamax yesterday and I have just taken my 1st dosage of 25mg.  He has prescribed 25mg at night for 1 week; 50mg the second week 25mg twice a day AM/PM; 75 the third week 25mg AM/50mg PM and 100mg 4th week and on.  

He advised me of the side effects, which there are potential side effects with all drugs, so I am prepared for those. I am thankful to you all for providing your comments as well, as I know what to expect straight from those who are taking it as well.  If migraine reduction, mood stabalization and weight loss is what I can expect, I will stick it out.  I wish you all well.  Take Care and God Bless

[cottoncandy99]

Jenn,
I haven't really experienced any side effects for say but the weight loss, as I was also on chemo though through this whole time.  I have been taking the Topamax now for 3 years.  But now I am going to let you know that my doctors office did email and tell me that the  FDA is concerned if you are taking multiple meds for seizures that the chance of suicide is higher.  Just want to let know that whatever other meds you are taking won't cause a reaction.

innnerg,
I think that it is good that your doctor has you on a antidepressant!  Hats off to all those good and imformative doctors.  Most just don't care they presribe a medicine and then hope that the outcome is for the best.

My doctor stays on top of all the up to date infor and then passes it off to me as warranted.  I respect him for that.

Take care and May God Bless you all

[jshof57]

After taking Topamax for 3 weeks (50 mgs) I've noticed my hair thinning, and believe me, after chemo and my hair growing back thick for the first time in my life, I don't want to risk losing any of it. Does anyone know if you stop the topa, will your hair grow back?

Thanks...Jshof57

[cottoncandy99]

I have noticed the thinning of the hair and asked my liver specialist first due to the chemo but she said that wasn't the reason.  So then when I went to the Nurologists he told me that it could but he would monitor me for that as there may be a diffiencey in one of the vitimans that I should have, so I will be able to address it to him again in 5 weeks as I have been off the chemo for now for a month and half.
As far as it growing back all hair is supposed to grow back  in time but I went and bought this hair thicking that I apply after I shampoo hair.  Seems to really be helping out!  I had ordered it through the mail .

If you are having real problems it may be a good idea though just to contact your dr and let him or her know your concerns.  My doctor is so very helpful with anything that I have a question about.

God bless and good luck
Cottoncandy  ^j^

[samsmom931]

I have been on Topamax for nearly a year now ,100mg bid(am and pm). I am a type 2 diabetic and at the time I was prescribed by my Dr. considerably obese. My Hgb A1C level was 10. Normal level being 6. I had migranes, but mostly my Dr. gave me Topamax for Diabetic control. I have lost quite a bit of weight, and I too have plateaued. I too find words sometimes are lost and I have to concentrate to find them. But now my diabetes is under control for the first time in 13 years and my weight is under control, too. My health is nearly perfect. All my friends tell me I look better than I have in years. I am 5'7" and weigh 143 lbs. ideal for a 52 year old woman. Topamax has probably added years to my life. I will exchange a little foggieness for those years any day.

[jp65]

I am starting Topamax tonight!  I have read several of the postings and the only thing that really concerns me...is the hair thinning or loss.  I'm lossing enough on my own at 42/male.  Has anyone had hair loss or thinning and then gone off Topamax.  Did the hair grow back or go back to normal thickness??

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.  Looking forward to less headaches and weight loss.

Thanks.

[mama2joey]

I am taking Topamax for migranes.  I have been taking it for almost 3 weeks.  It has helped alot.  Yes, I to was told about weight lose as a side effect but I'm not going to complain!! I have a slight tingling in my feet as a side effect..it feels like when your legs fall asleep but I can deal with this compaired to have a constant headache and a migrane at least once a week like I was having.  I would think it could help with pain because as my doctor explained it to me the meds calls the over active nerves in your brain down.  So it would really depend on why your having the pain.  I hope it really helps you out!  Just go up on it slowly like your told and you should have minimum side effects unless your one of the "lucky" ones.

[Jenn_M]

Topamax saved me from migraines that I was getting several times a week.After 4 years I am going to stop as the side effects have piled up so that they are disrupting my life to the point that an alternative headache preventative must be implemented.

Here is a quick overview of my story it won't necessarily be yours:

weight loss
hands and feet tingle
(those two were the only two I was told to expect as Topamax was new when I started)
These came in this order over the last 3 years-
word loss
generally ambiguous, but not depressed
hair loss
constipation
red bumps on shoulders
decreased sweating
***extreme pricklly heat
persistent low white blood cell count
***fatigue(probably due to above)

I put this up so you won't think you are crazy if any of these happen to you.
P.S. The weight comes back.
Jenn_M

[jp65]

How and when does the weight start to come off?  Do you lose your appetite or do you lose your desire to eat?  Just wondering because the headaches are gone, but the weight is still here!!  Let me know what happened to you!
Thanks!

[Jenn_M]

For me food lost it's appeal, my stomach would growl at mealtimes, but nothing sounded good- even my favorite foods. Dosing ranges from 25-400 mg so maybe your doctor can adjust it. Good Luck

[jp65]

Thanks,
I just went to 100mg a day, so I may start to notice the loss of appeal to food?!  So far I still become hungry all the time.  Have you lost any weight or is that not a concern of yours.  I want to lose some weight, but also maintain a healthy diet.  Thank you for your reply!
JP

[Trish_G]

What do you mean the weight comes back???
Trish G.

[Trish_G]

What do you mean the weight comes back???
Trish G.

[Jenn_M]

The weight loss will eventually stop and then creep back on even if you stay on the medication. You can increase your dose, but then the side effects increase.  

[Jenn_M]

I was still hungry all the time too, but I would end up eating out of neccesity because nothing was calling me the way food normally does. I did lose weight, but I was taking it for migraines and ended up too skinny, so when I gained the weight back I was glad. I just stopped taking it a week ago to try something else because I had accumulated so many side effects that they outweighed the benefits. It is not going well as I have had migraines almost every day. I hope all of the imitrex I've been taking doesn't fry my liver.

[Trish_G]

I have just started taking the topamax a week ago now and have noticed the tingling hands and that drives me crazy but it goes away. How long did it take for you to start losing the weight? if you dont mind me asking .

[mslilrose]

My  regular physician hesitated to put me on topomax (topamax) for my migraines because my liver profile came back with a high enzyme level. I took 6 aspirins a day for years and tylenot  for my migraines, and I had stomach problems. My Doctor sent me to a neurologist who'd rather I took the topomax (topamax). Tylenol  affects the liver and aspirin, the stomach. Jenn, you had a list of side effects, but the liver wasn't on it. Perhaps my family Doctor is wrong? My neurologist only mentioned kidney stones being the worst side effect of topomax (topamax). I started taking 50 mg. a day last week and stopped taking aspirin. I feel very headache free. I'm thirsty as heck, and maybe that's one reason people lose weight, if they're drinking lots more water. That can decrease the appetite as well. However, I'm open to pounds falling off me. I also take wellbutrin, syntroid, and 20mg of prozac(only to ease the recent withdrawal symptoms of cymbalta)

[mindful]

Woa~! Not sure I am gonna like this drug. I have been having weird sensations in my head already that affect my ears. I told my doc I thought I was gonna go crazy and he put me on this Topomax (topamax). I start tomorrow. I have migraines but I can tolerate them most of the time. I cant stand my head feeling weird though and it has started to affect me. I have had anxiety for years and been on depression meds when I lost my grandmother but I have been dealing well with allof this by becoming aware of what triggers it. Depression, migraines, anxiety, etc. I do try to pray more and leave it in Gods hands. Not sure how I will like this medication. I will let you know how it goes with me~!

[Ayoflo]

Hello All:

Well, I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 4 years ago, and went on lithium for a short time (3 months or so) and gained 30 lbs. Then became very depressed, and I was prescribed topamax. I took topamax for about 3 months and lost 40 lbs, the thirty I gained on lithium plus 10. I found the topamax made me forgetful and sort of numb... I was mourning my hypo-manic self. I couldnt find words to express myself, or remember my times tables to help my 7 year old with his math, so I stopped taking it. Since then I havent been on medication. Ive been using meditation and yoga to cope with my moods. But the weight is back in full blast. I now weigh 165 lbs, 40 lbs heavier than is comfortable for me. I'm feeling pretty good bipolar-wise. I use my awareness and conciousness to keep my moods in check. Only because of the weight, I went to my doctor who started me on topamax again (25mg) to start. This is call off-label - when a drug is prescribed for the side effect (weight-loss)  rather than for what it was manufactured for - epilepsy. Anyway... I want to be skinny again. That may be vain and shallow but that's me for now. Blessings to everyone... Namaste.

[athompson213]

My Dr wants me to take this med but I still breast feed has anyone heard anything about the effects that it has on the child by taken this medication?

[Ayoflo]

I dont think you should. I read somewhere that pregant and nursing women should not use topamax. You should get a second opinion.

[Ayoflo]

Oh, this stuff makes you a little daft. That was supposed to be pregnant, not pregant. Ha!

[pj74]

Hi there.  I have been on Topamax for about one month.  I am mostly on it for help with weight loss.  I am on a nasty little pill called Zyprexa, which is great for my mental health, but it caused me to gain 14 lbs in 3 wks!  Not good when you are 5'3 and already about 20lbs over weight.  So far, I am not losing any - but I am not binging as bad as before.  I have been up'd from 50mgs to 100mgs.  What dose really gets the weight loss in gear?

[Jenn_M]

Your bi-carbonate levels(liver?) should be checked regularly as Topamax decreases sweating and can lead to a condition listed in the insert from your pharmacy.Read Read. And if anyone is taking it for migraines and you decide not to use it anymore (like me) beware of physicians prescribing Prozac as a migraine preventative if you take imitrex(or any triptans for that matter), I just recovered from a VERY scary reaction from the two ( also in the inserts from the pharmacy). All medicines have side effects, just make sure you know all of them and that they don't outweigh the benefits that you signed on for in the first place.

[ash724]

I saw someone post that the weight loss comes back.  Is this only if you increase your calorie count to an excess so that of course you'd gain weight, or did you gain weight while still eating fewer calories? I'm at 118 lbs (5'4'') and extremely happy.  However, I don't eat over 1800 calories a day I'd guess, if that.  I also exercise a few times a week.  I'm never hungry but eat because I know I should.  I figure the Topamax has increased my metabolism some and it definitely keeps me from ever being hungry so I don't overeat.  Any insight from someone taking longterm?  I've been on Topamax for almost 5 months now- put on for migraines- enjoying the weight loss aspect the most- I've lost 30 pounds. Some side effects- tingling hands- went away first month; brain fog- comes and goes; mood changes- somewhat; decreased sweating- sometimes- have to watch carefully when I run

[wycowgirl]

I have just been put on Topamax for Migraines what dosage is everyone usually taking??  I have been put on 25 mgs being taken before bed for 1 week to see how I handle it & then am suppose to take 2 afterwards if no real awful side effects takes place.  I really could loose at least 40 lbs also., which I am looking forward to ..

[Tanyaskees]

Hello all. My Dr. just put me on Topomax (topamax) for migranes that I have had sinse I have been a teenager. I am 42 today. I have read so much information and every post on here. This stuff terrifies me. I am to start with 50mg at night and work myself up to 200mg. Loosing my hair scares the h*** out of me. Loosing my appitite on the other hand is just find...LOL. I am not a big person, but would not mind dropping a few.....but not at the cost of my hair. Any advise and/or comments would be greatly appriciated.

Tanya

[Jazz55]

I just started Topamax this past Monday for Migraines. This first week I am on 25 mg and then next week I will be at 75 mg and then the following week I will be back down to 50 mg. Does this seem normal? I haven't had any real bad side effects. The first day I noticed a little bit of a decreased appetite, and I had somet tingling in the arm but it was nothing bad. I think I have noticed that I am falling asleep much better at night, but who knows. The first couple of days I didnt have any headaches which was a relief but yesterday I kept having this pain coming in and out of my head which was a little weird. Maybe upping my dose will make that go away. Oh, before I forget. I went to the tanning bed last night and I got really dizzy inside there, and that has never happened to me before. Has this happened to anyone else that has been on this medicine? I am hoping I will have luck with weight loss like you others have had. I have been trying to lose weight for about a year now, hitting the gym hard and I have hit a plateau so I'm hoping this will help me get past that.
But I just thought I would share. I hope I don't experience the hairloss like other have.

[Tanyaskees]

One of the side effects is that your body is not able to cool itself off. You are to stay out of the heat and drink plenty of water, so be careful on the tanning bed.

[Jazz55]

I already drink plenty of water and I did realize that I am not really tanning in the tanning bed anymore, but I am not feeling like I am going to have a heat stroke or anything. Should I be careful when I work out at the gym as well?

[Jazz55]

I meant *sweating* in the tanning bed.
sorry about that

[newtotopa]

I have been on topamax for about two months have been peeing like crazy and having diarhea (diarrhea).  Seem to be having some mood swings too.  Does this goe away??  Unfortunately in the middle of all of this I had some suregery and have had some other temparary drugs as well, so some of the problems may have been caused by them.  But have been off all of them for a couple of weeks so think it is the topamax.  seems to be reducing my headaches but, I can't go through life peeing constantly and having this diarhea (diarrhea).  Hoping someone else has some thoughts.  Also have noticed the bad soda taste, some tingling, some poor memory, ect.

[feroshacoutura]

Hi everyone,

So I just started taking Topamax this week for...bulimia.  I don't know really how I feel about this yet other than that I can't take the binging and purging he** anymore.  I've had this for way to long and am at a point where I can't control it (there were times I had anorexia, albeit brief).  My doc had tried prozac but I get waaay too lethargic.  On top of all this, I've gained alot of weight and am very uncomfortable in my body.  The topamax is supposed to help suppress the urge to binge and purge.  I'm starting on 25mg at night for a week, then 25mg @ morning and 25 mg @ night the next week.  My issue is I have trouble just having energy to do anything and/or wanting to do anything.  I hate this feeling.  I asked my doc about adding Adderall (adderrall) to this, but he said not yet and to give this time.  Clearly, I'm impatient.  I'm glad I finally made the decision to get help again(it's been an on and off battle for...let's see...wow...11 years), but I can't afford to gain anymore weight b/c it's really affecting my life.

So my question - after my rambling back story - I've noticed while many of you have said you've lost weight, you've also mentioned fatigue.  Is anyone out there taking this for and eating disorder and finding this also true?  I know this is so difficult to pinpoint b/c we're all different and if we're on different dosages or different meds, it can change the effects.  Ultimately, I'm concerned with the tiredness, concentration and weight less. Yes, I realize this is NOT a weight loss drug, but this post is coming from a girl who could take out a 10,000 calorie meal in one sitting (and have it came back up, sorry but it's true), and whose lack of control is her undoing at the moment.  Thanks for listening and I've learned a ton reading though (all!) the posts.  At what dosage, if any, did you start noticing a decrease in appetite?

[Jazz55]

Hi,
I think it's interesting how you are taking topamax for bulimia because the big side effect that i noticed right away when i started off with 25 mg a day was a loss of appetite. Then again some people are taking this medicine to treat bi polar, and some are using it to treat their migraines and in my case it is for my migraines. The best thing that has come along with this medicine so far for me is the weight loss because I have been trying to lose weight for over a year now and hit a plateu and Topamax helped me get passed that plateu. It hasn't completely taken my headaches away like I thought it was going to, but then again I am not up to my dose my doctor has prescribed yet and I am noticicing that I am becoming moodier, so that isn't always fun. Oh, and yes I am very fatigue. It seems when I up my dosage for the next few days I seem very out of it and then for a day I seem fine but then the next day I always have tp up my dosage. So who knows, my body may just not be used to the meds yet. I do sleep better at night though so that is always a good thing :) Topamax alters the mind so who knows what effect it is going to have on you. Hopefully it has the positive effect that you and your doctor are looking for.
Good Luck.

[flightbag]

Just took my first 25 mg dose of Topamax this morning.  I work out very hard at the gym and sweat a lot!  Sweating is so cleansing for the body---if I don't sweat and work out, what will happen?  I drink tons of water during and after my sessions.  I've been on Lamictal for the past four years for seizure prevention (never had one, knock on wood).  Since I have to take meds for life, I wanted to try this to see if it would aid in weight loss and decrease cravings for alcohol.  My goal dose in the next three weeks is 100 AM and 100 PM.  It will take seven weeks to wean off of Lamictal.  Glad I found this forum.

[petz]

I have epilepsy and have just started Topamax. I am suffering from sooooooooo many side effects, but as long as i don't have the seizures I don't really mind them. The only ones that are really bothering me are the really bad stomach cramps.
Is anyone else getting them?

petz

[DawnMichelle]

I have only been taking Topamax for three days now at a dosage of 25mg at night. I am taking it for PTSD, binge eating at night, to help with sleeping well at night, and to aid in stopping smoking. I used to be anorexic for almost 20 years. I went through my last treatment center and took Zyprexa. I gained over 40lbs. I know that I needed some of it, but it came on too quickly, and I never could get it off. I stopped taking Zyprexa about a month after returning back home.

My doc is concerned about the anorexic part of me and weight loss, but I am above my ideal wt. range right now. He will be monitoring me weekly and will take me off of it if I lose too quickly or too much. I have read all of the stories on here and it some things do scare me.

1)You'll gain back the wt. that you lose.
2)Thining hair.
3) Mood swings

And more. So far I have lost 2 lbs. and just feel loopy and so very tired all day long. And I don't seems to care about much of anything. I like that I never think about food, but if I lose too much my doc will pull me off of it. I don't know if I am making any sense here. I am just concerned and do not know if I should take this med or not. If I lose wt. I want it to stay off of me. Any advice, suggestions? Does everyone gain back the weight?

[happyontopamax]

I have been taking Topamax for a month now. I have lost 7 pounds. I was at the same weight for a full year no matter what I ate or didn't eat.  I was on Lyrica and gained 50 pounds.  I suffer from migrains/depression/anxiety/sleep apnea.  The Topamax has almost gotten rid of the migrains. The meds from the depresion are probably keeping awake. The doctor has me taking 75mg at night. I don't have any of the side effects that most of you have said except the tingling in my hands at times. And the plus, the end of the cravings for sweets, fatty foods.  Now I eat when I am hungry. No more munching. Try asking your doctors about taking the medicine at night then you might not have the side effects. Hope this helps someone.

happyontopamax

[harley98]

I started having headaches last August, my primary care sent me for an MRI, where they found an aneurysm and a tumor (lucky me), neither of these things causing my headaches. I have all the classic symptoms of migraines, but I have them everyday, not once a week, not twice a week, EVERYDAY. Ten months now, everyday. I was feeling pretty bad for myself until I read some of your postings, I'm not diabetic, epiletic, and I've never had chemo, so all in all, I guess I shouldn't complain, but I'm going to anyway. I feel like **** most of the time. I've tried OTC Excedrin, Immitrex, Fioricet, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and now Topamax, nothing seems to be working. Some tingling in my hands and toes, but not bad, fuzzy headed a lot, tired all the time, weak, black hole memory (mostly I go for a word and it's just not there), no weight loss to speak of, and still the headaches everyday.  Has anybody tried anything else they've any success with that hasn't made them gain weight?

[simplyme2u]

Hi, Im only 20 years old. I started Topamax last Tuesday for Bipolar disorder and Epilepsy and so far I haven't had serious side effects except for being sleepy all the time, I have lost 6 pounds already, and sometimes my hands tingle. I started off on 25mg AM and PM for a week and I just started yesterday on 25mg AM and 50 PM yesterday. It works just fine for my seizures because I haven't had anymore yet, but do you think it would be okay for me to ask for an increase for my bipolar disorder.

[law38]

i was put on topamax for migraines about a year ago. within two weeks i lost five pounds. now let me tell you - i am a gym rat by nature, and i eat healthy, but NOTHING would get rid of the pesky five pounds that i wanted to lose except this.  now i would never take a weight loss drug b/c i firmly believe that you can change your body if you put your mind to it, but it was a nice side effect, considering it totally decreased the severity and the duration of my migraines.  i was taken off it and only gained those five pounds back, nothing more.  but now i am back on it since nothing else is helping and the headaches are worsening...and we'll see what happens. stay tuned...

[feroshacoutura]

Hello again.  I just wanted to post an update.  I posted back in April.  I was put on Topamax for my bulimia.  I've been very hesitant to post an update because, well...I'm almost afraid to jinx it.  Topiramate been a tremendous help.  If you can imagine starting from a place where all you can think about is eating thousands of calories worth of food EVERYDAY knowing full well you're going to throw it up within a half hour to not even thinking or wanting to....that's what's happened.  I'm not even on a high dose.  I'm on 25 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night.  I really don't want to go up if I don't have to b/c I don't want to develop a "tolerance," if you will.

I'm at the point right now where I have a "day" - Saturdays - where I'll throw up b/c today is always the day, but I want to stop that.  I only do it b/c I'm afraid if I don't, I'll do it another day and it'll just downward spiral from there.  Of course, I realize the logic is completely irrational - but so is an eating disorder so...par for the course.  The topamax isn't a miracle drug; so stopping the Saturday habit is on me.  Last week was the hardest internal fight I had w/ myself in a long time in regards to whether I should binge/purge or not.  I'm not going to today.  I've made plans for today so I physically cannot.  I've realized that even one day a week is NOT OKAY.  

Lastly, and most satisfying effect is the huge appetite is gone.  It's...unbelievable.  When people say they could eat a whole pizza or whatever, I'm one of those people who truly could, and then would eat an entire cake after - or would try to (ashamed to admit that, but true).  Now just the thought of that is overwhelming. Obviously, this is just my personal experience and anyone who is suffering from this, I strongly urge them to get help because you CAN conquer it (I would say this applies to binge eating disorders also).  I finally realized this.  It just took waaaay longer than I thought.  I know there's side effects but thankfully, I'm on a low dose and the tingling in the hands/feet is quite minor.  If I can stay on a low dose, I'd obviously prefer it.  

Anyway, thanks to everyone.  I'll continue to update.  Oh, and I'm exercising.  I was worried about lethargy, but I think that WAS indeed a symptom related to the depression which was derivitive of the bulimia, to an extent.

[Terry697]

I have been taking topamax since November for Bipolar disorder. It has helped with my bipolar disorder and I have lost 20lbs. I cant drink cokes because the meds make the cokes taste funny, but other than that I like the meds. I really have had no other problems.

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[NoMoMigraines]

Hello Everyone!

I just started taking Topomax (topamax) 4 days ago.  I've been been getting migraines more and more frequently over the last 5 years. I had a headache or migraine EVERY SINGLE DAY 2 weeks prior to finally going on Topomax (topamax).  Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing!! I haven't had a migraine since!  I had a little fogetfulness the first day or so after and I have a little of the tingling in my pinkie fingers.  Has anyone else noticed getting tired easily? Going up and down stairs seems a little rough since I've been on this med.  I don't know if it's because of the Topomax (topamax)  or if it's just because I've been really busy and I'm just tired.  Anyways, the reason I wanted to post is.... I can't believe what I'm reading in here!!  My Dr. seemed to question me when I asked about going on topomax (topamax). She said people ask for it because they want to lose weight!!!  OMG!!! She was RIGHT!!  I personally don't feel any different, no loss of appetite ,etc.  I really don't see myself losing any weight on it. Has ANYONE out there NOT lost weight??  I'm only taking 25mg and thats what I plan to stay at as long as the migraines go bye-bye.  (Guess I should have weighed myself before I started this,but I don't "feel thiner" :)

[Starbuck451]

I am on Topamax for alcohol abstinence, which is working fabulously well; I used to binge drink every single day and really binge drink when I would play at a bar with a band I would be with and have gotten kicked out of several bands because of this. Anyway, I have lost around 25 lbs on 100 mg. Topamax. 5'3" and 100-105. Can eat whatever the hell I want! However, I am bipolar and have a nasty case of insomia. My psychiatrist prescribed Seroquel, which has the second greatest (I think) nasty reputation for weight gain and am fighting gaining a buttload of weight. The Seroquel is also making me  crave sugar like crazy. I'm eating chocolate chip muffins; ice cream sandwiches *10 at a time.* and I'm not kidding.

Anyway, I'm going off topic. Topamax is also called Stupamax, Dopamax, etc. I am definitely experiencing that and memory loss. ALSO WATCH YOUR EYESIGHT!!! I haven't had any problems, but have read many comments elsewhere of peeps who have.

[Kallen]

I've been on 50 mg at night for about 4 weeks now and i am having some pretty bad side affects with my appetite. I never feel hungry anymore, and eat only because i know i should. But the worst part is anything that isn't liquid or having a lot of water in it (i.e. soup, fruit, veggies, water) my body tries to reject. as soon as i start to chew things most of the time, every instinct my body has tells me to spit it out, and sometimes i have to work intensely hard just to chew and swallow it down.
I can only usually get 3-6 bites of food down before i am either too stuffed or feeling too sick from that feeling to continue. It gets awkward being a college freshman and living in the dorms w/ friends who don't get what's going on...
Has anyone else had anything close to this type of side effect? Any suggestions on how I can trick my body in taking more than what its letting me right now, because im starting to lose weight in a pretty big hurry, and while i don't mind losing weight, i seriously doubt whether i break the 1000 calorie mark most days. I need to change that.

[DrV3]

I started Topamax in 2004 for alcohol addiction and it reduced the cravings to zero. I also lost 50 lbs over a year. I stayed on a ioo mg profilactic for 4 years and kept the weight off. Then I was put on seroquel for the next two years and gained from 150 to 200 lbs. In feb I cold turkeyed the psychtropes and all meds but eded up with neuropathy and couldn't sleep. over withdrawl(puking) I lost 10 lbs.  I have been on Lyrica and Vistaril for tha last month and have plateaued the weight loss at 190. The head aches and alcohol cravings-carbs are back. I think I awill go back to the topamax as the migranea are back full force as well. being drug free and 50 is nearly impossible. actually impossible for me. best of luck to you all.

[Mamma23_01]

I just started Topamax about a week ago for bulimia.  It does help with the uge to binge, however, nothing feels strong enough.  My appetite is diminished, but I still want to eat.

Its week two, and I'm up to 50 mg at night and 25 in the am.

At what point did you find that your appetitie really diminished?

[faerymoon]

Hi.Been reading thru all these comments,so nice to find people "in the same boat" so to speak.Okay here is my experience with topamax.I was having debilitating Migraines for months. I could hardly function at work and spending all time off in bed.Went to a neurologist he started me on 25 mg for 1 wk then 50mg.Supposed to be 25mg in am and pm. That did not work out. I was out of it. I changed it to 50mg in the evening with my doc's approval.I could not function in the morning before. I ran off the road on the way to work the first day, he had not fully explained the side effects. I had tingling in my hands and feet, forgetful, loss of words,what I call the "stupids". Soda's tasted funny. Over a year of being on it I lost 40 pounds.I just don't have an appetite. So if your on it for weight loss, be patient. It takes some time. I HAVE HAIR LOSS ALL THE TIME! When I shower and wash my hair it falls out. I see it growing back and so does my beautician.I have a lot of stress in my life too.I have wondered if its due to my poor nutrition. I eat and drink very little. I can't stomach vitamins.Now don't flip out people, I am not bald. Its a little thin threw the top, but otherwise its looks healthy and pretty. I don't have bald spots I am not loosing clumps. Just several hairs a day. Yes its disturbing. but not too noticeable. I just recently went up to 100mg a day due to a return of migraines. The majority of side effects go away although I am a little absent minded with this recent increase.So be patient, it does get better. My doctor told me though that some people just cannot take it. My husband could not tolerate it at all. The side effects were severe.Oh yeah, the weight loss, caused my high BP to go away and I am off my BP med. Good luck to every one. Its been worth it to me, my migraines were ruining my life and that it did help.

[angiebaby13]

  I have been prescribed Topamax by my nurse practitioner for weight loss.  I have not got on the scale but have noticed with a small starting dosage of 25mcgs that I can only eat half of any meal that I eat!  This is very exciting since the dose will go up!  I had the Lap Band surgery in November and I feel I will I will have much better results with Topamax!  The aftermath of the Lap Band surgery have been a nightmare!

Angela

[tchtopa]

I've just been prescribed topamax to replace the bad side effects of Dilantin( bone-loss, gum problems). I'm at the middle age mark and have 20 lbs to lose so I am looking forward to that possibility. I teach school and am worried about the "stupids" does that gradually improve, or will I be asking the little kids questions and forgetting the answers?

[milmom]

I'm 50 pounds overweight ever since i had my baby and I'm taking an antidepressant (remeron) which causes tremendous weight gain. I can't get myself to take more than 50 mg of topamax for the weight loss because it makes me feel so anxious I feel like I'm going crazy. is there even a point to taking just 50 mg??? (instead of the 200mg i'm supposed to work up to?) I'm not seeing my doc for another month. I'm currently in Germany so I can't ask him!

[cccsmom]

I have been on Topamax since about March. I started at 25mg a week and increased each week by 25mg. I got up to 175 mg and the tingling of my hands/feet was driving me crazy. My Dr. took me back down to 25 mg  a week and then to 50 mg for a few months!  He also put me on Provigil to give me energy during the day. That does help but at the end of the day, when it wears off, I crash hard!  I'm so tired and can't make my self do anything! I don't see any decrease in numbers as far as the scales are concerned but....I have definetly lost inches!!!!  Right now, I am very concerned with the fact that I my blood pressure which pre-topamax was always normal is now lower (94/60 ish and my pulse is 90-96. This freaks me out! I can't sleep at night and even so, I can't get my self out of bed in the morning! I go to the Dr. on Monday the 9th so, we will see what he has to say!

[austinmommy]

I am currently back on topamax after the birth of my second child.  I have taken this drug for over 2 years.  I am on a 200 mg dose.  Does anyone know if it will still have the weight loss effect if I have been on it before?  I do not have the food repulsion sensation that you guys are describing.......food still tastes good.  I have also not been very good about taking it.  I have skipped doses in last couple of months so I am hoping that it will be take effect both for mental and physical awareness now that I am being better about my schedule.  Any advice or pointers?

[happyontopamax]

When are you taking the topomax (topamax)???  I take 100mg at bed time. It makes me tired so i do sleep better. I also have been on povigil during the day but that started before the topomax (topamax). I was taking one in early am and one at noon to keep awake. But since being on the topomax (topamax) I don't need the provigil as much. I was taking 75mg and lost 10lbs. and the migraines were almost gone but then the weight stopped coming off and the migraines are creeping back. So I went up to 100mg. sleep is still good. weight is coming off again and the migrains are subsiding. I do have tingling at times bu that is from not drinking enough water. when the tingling starts try drinking water. don't sip but really take a drink.  I was doing strenous activity one day and didn't drink enough. the entire next day my whole hands were tingling I had to drink about three bottles of water before it quite. so that tells me that i need to drink constantly.  I do have the fuzzies at time but i just laugh it off.  Isn't like i haven't done that before. This is the only medicine that i have taken that really has worked on the migrains. and doen't interfere with the other meds i'm on. It is expensive but I'd rather spend the money that have the migraines.

[49senior]

I will say this I took alot of seizure meds that were suppose to help me with severe burning that I have all over my body. They were all terrible and didnt work. I don't think they should be using them for anything but what they are for and if people have success
great for them. I can gain weight on my own without the help of meds. I rather be in my right mind and try to deal with this god awful burning then take these meds and feel out of my mind. Now, I take injections of bupernex although its not a cure and I still have many flares at least I feel in my right mind.

[Steph_T]

I have been on Topamax for 4 years now at 50 mg 2x/day. I initially went on it to treat migraines which I had 3 to 4 times per week. I also take Wellbutrin in combination with it. I've read through and noticed there are lots of questions about hair loss, weight loss, etc. and since I have been on the drug for some time now I thought I would share my experience with you all. First regarding the hair loss, mine seemed to fall out all of the time too, in clumps. It still does from time to time but not nearly as much and it is actually thicker now, I think, than when I started on the stuff. I've never had a bald spot in the past 4 years, much to my amazement. I've definitely had some blocked drains though! Second, regarding the weight loss, I lost 40 lb in the first year on the drug, then as someone else mentioned (and I am so glad someone else confirmed this to be true), the weight started creeping back up. I gained back 14 lb in 6 mos following that year and have not been able to lose it. I have since gained another 8 lb. I have been dieting almost constantly, my appetite has not increased at all, I stay around 1200 cal/day and have taken phentermine on two occasions with no luck. I do have a hypothyroidism but I don't think it is totally to blame for this. I am going to try increasing my dosage of Topamax to see if that will help, since it seems to have worked for others. With all of that said, according to doctors, some people will not lose any weight at all on Topamax. Third, initially, I noticed that I didn't sweat but that has changed and I now I do, not excessively, but like I did prior to taking it. If you're concerned about it, drink more water and go outside when it's 90 degrees, you'll sweat. Fourth, I was never repulsed by food, I just ate less. The way doctors think it works on your brain is that it inhibits receptors that cause addictions. That is why it is prescribed for bulimia, cocaine addiction, alcohol addiction, nicotine addiction, and weight loss - food addiction (really just an inability to know when to stop eating). I did stop drinking regular soda and switch to diet soda, the regular just tasted funny. Fifth, it doesn't help all of my migraines, the ones that are cause by weather changes are not helped at all by Topamax. Sixth, the side effects you experience, like tingling in your fingers and toes, and that goofy feeling, when you first start taking it, will subside for the most part, I still get the tingling from time to time but I am not as forgetful as I was at first. The word loss other people have mentioned happened to me for a while but that seems to have passed at this point too. If you have side effects like feeling off balance or like your inner ear is somehow affected or anything extremely unpleasant (like it's making you feel crazy), you should call your doctor. I am NOT a medical professional, I am just passing on some common sense advice. I've had a few friends and relatives who tried to take Topamax for weight loss or migraines after they saw how much weight I had initially lost and they had bad reactions to the drug.

[Bellinda]

Back In 2003 I was on a cocktail of medications, topamax, risperdal, and wellbutrin. Though the wellbutrin and risperdal had side effects of weight gain, I was lucky enough to lose 80 out of the 95 pounds I gained during my pregnancy in 2002-2003. I have extremely fine but LOTS of hair so the hair thinning was a blessing to me, a little shocking in the shower, but no big deal. I never felt any tingling in my hands, my migraines were gone from one day to the next. But I had a bad case of the stupids, which nearly had me fired from my job. I quit taking all my medications without a doctors approval, I had used all my medication benefits for the year by november and I was going to have to pay for everything full price.... naaa I don't think so!!! I fortunately did not have any withdrawl problems, I also did not gain the weight back on for a couple years, but that was due to an extremely large amount of stress that I was going through.. and I now still have the weight to prove it. I surely feel that I never had bipolar disorder, I think I had a huge case of post partum depression.. none the less I have considered going back on topamax, but very uncertain due to the stupidity that I had...although I could start writing everything down!! I hope this help anybody... and if anyone has any ideas as to my going back on it or not.. please give your opinion... -Bellinda

[spacekitty]

I was put on topamax back in 2001 as a mood stabilizer for schizoaffective disorder because I was unable to stay on traditional mood stabilizers due to the invariable weight gain they caused (which exacerbated my comorbid eating disorder.)  It allowed me to lose the 40 lbs that I had put on with lithium, and then some.  I rapidly dropped down from a size 8 to a size 0 in a matter of two months.  I did not particularly change my eating regimen, but I did feel able to exercise more, initially.  In fact, I found the topamax made me slightly manic.  I experienced numbness and tingling in extremities, increased alogia and avolition (poverty of speech and flat affect and lack of desire,) weight loss, and hair loss.

After about 4 months, though, my energy tanked.  I felt fatigued all of the time.  I gained the weight back.  My dosage was increased, but so were my negative symptoms.  Basically, topamax causes the thyroid to produce extra thyroid hormone...inducing hyperthyroidism.  Any change in thyroid function, either up or down, causes significant hair loss and weight change, which will stop once your thyroid balances out.  So, when you go on topamax, the extra thyroid hormone will make you lose hair, lose weight, change your sleep/eating schedule, mess with your hormones (causing or clearing acne, causing or fixing menstrual irregularities,) and messing with nerve signals (causing numbness and tingling, fixing migraines and seizures.)  In severe cases, topamax may cause heart problems because your thyroid controls your heart beat. Topamax is an excellent medication for people with mood disorders that are also on anti-depressants that cause seizures as a side effect (like Wellbutrin,) or meds that cause migraines or weight gain, as it can counteract the side effects of some of these meds.  But use any med that plays with your thyroid CAREFULLY, or you may find you will have to have thyroid hormone replacement permanently afterward.  It is not a good idea for people solely looking for a weight loss product.

I hope that helps!

[POOHBEAR232]

I AM THINKING OF THIS FOR WEIGHT LOSS.  I HAVE HAD ALOT OF UPS AND DIWNS RECENTLY IN MY LIFE.  I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS MEDICATION HELPS WITH MOODS,  AND WEIGHT.  I HAD MY DAUGHTER 3 YEARS AGO ANDI CANNOT SEEM TO GET THE WEIGHT OFF,  WELL I AM NOW 5'6 AND 220LBS FAT!!!!!!    I REALLY FEEL THAT THIS WILL HELP ME OUT AND GET ME ON THE RIGHT TRACK,  MY FRIEND THAT HAS BEEN ON IT FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR, HAS LOST 65LBS,  AND SHE LOOKS HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER.  SHE SEEMS MELLOW AND DOESN'T SEEM TO LET THINGS BOTHER HER LIKE BEFOR.  WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ?  ANYONE?

[jlou99]

I just started topamax for migraines too, which i've had ALL  my life, and I'm up to 100mg, and its done nothing for me, but make me very very tired! And when is the weight loss suppose to kick in?

[Kay371]

I was diagnosed with bipolar II and depression 6 years ago after my child was born.  I was initially prescribed zoloft and zyprexia.  Later down the road, going years without being on any medication and trying to control mood swings with exercise and healthy eating habits and went on TOPAMAX and WELLBUTRIN when I was in a very low time in my life.  I look back now at all the side effects:  weight loss, tingling in extremities, hair loss, "moments of stupidness of loss of words", and weight loss is a pro!  I am a teacher and a loss of words is not good.  Even composing this I notice looking for the right word becomes a bit of a challenge.  The only thing I can recommend is stimulate your brain everyday; do word puzzles, read, Sudoku, anything that makes you think, because you are going to have to work harder, if that makes since.  Back to the weight loss, for a woman the boost is a wonderful thing.  I think this out weighs everything. No pun intended. Keep working out walk and weight train everyday if you can, this will help...  You'll feel great. Good look to you.

[gabby29]

I found this site while researching Topamax.  My dr prescribed it for me for my constant headache which he says are migraines.  I used to get migraines as a teen and then maybe only one or two a year or two years and now wth all the stress in my life my headaches are sometimes constant, I go to bed and wake up with them no matter how much Ibuprofen or Excedrine migraine I take.  I am now 51 years old and work 12 hour shifts at night as a nurse and am very hesitant to try this drug.  I would like to be headache free and of course the weight loss would be a bonus although I have maintained my weight thru diet and exercise fairly well, I'm 5'5" and weigh 120lbs.  My biggest concern is the forgetfullnes due to my job and the hair loss, my hair is already thin due to an autoimmune disorder,Vitaligo. Doe the case of the stupids alway happen and will it go away?  Any suggestions?

[dixiechic]

I ahve just started taking Topomax (topamax), my doc prescribed it for me to help "keep me on an even keel" as he put it , for migraines and said it had the added benefit of weight loss. I am on 25 mg x1 wk at night then 50mg. I was curious has anyone had a worseningin depressive symptoms when begining htid medication? And how soon to you start to see the weight loss? I am 5'4 and weigh 135 but 6 months ago i weighed 120 ...i also have been dx with hypothyriodism which i take 50mg of synthroid ANY SUGGETIONS OR ADICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED

[playwithzoe]

I too was prescribed Topomax (topamax) for the migraines which I suffer from, I also had gained weight so I was excited about the side effect of weight loss.  However, I became a zombie on the drug.  I did lose some weight but I believe that was because I would come home from work and go strait to bed without dinner.  I was starting to nod off on my commute home from work and was generally a space cadet at work.  I decided it was not worth it.  So that was my experience I think I was on it for 3 weeks before I quit.  Perhaps the sleepy/spacey side effects go away over time but it was just to debilitating for me to find out.

For migraines I have had success taking Claritin D and Klonapin. I used to take Imitrex but can't any longer due to the antidepressant combo I take (Cymbalta and Wellbutrin) and the potential serotonin storm.  This combo works get for me better than each alone.

Currently I am debating a Lap Band surgery for weight loss but I could safely lose 60 lbs, your 15 lb weight gain does not require such desperate measures.

[Emerald420]

This is now my 2nd day taking this medication, and it was prescribed due to my severe migraines, i am afraid about the hairloss but since ive taken birth control and never loss any hair im hoping it will work the same in this situation, now my issue is because i do take a very low dose birth control what the percentage is for the effectiveness of it, i am happy to know that i may lose weight for the fact that i am now 182pds and use to be 125-130 before i had my daughter who is now 2 years old, and i tried a weight loss doctor which worked only for a month then i got stuck at 175 pds for like 5 weeks, i couldnt lose anymore weight. So i hope in a few weeks i will have something good to report and for any women who are taking birth control what are you taking that is compatible to this, that is a low dosage. thank you!!!

[Kimidawn]

I was on Topamax for 6 months and I lost a lot of weight.  I went from 160 lbs to 115 lbs and I went from a size 12 to a size 6.  I do exercise and drink a lot of water but I hate the side effects.  I haven't seen it mentioned on here much but I had the side effect of extreme depression to the point of being suicidal and not being able to take care of my kids.  I just went off of it and I am worried that I will gain my weight back which I do not want to do.  Any ideas to keep me skinny but not have to be on that awful drug?

[alpa]

I'all been on Topamax now for a month. 25 m per day and for shoure I've got some of the Side effects from the drug. Like (thinkle in my feet and hands, I cant sleep, I've something screwing in my head). I've got Topamax to gain loss weight, so I have to deside. Can I stand this or will I have it the same as before? My Doctor will increase the dosage to 100 mg per day to reach the real weightloos. I deside this and I think it will bee more pleasent than being overwighted. Thats my opinion and if whant to to stop taking topamax I can just stop, and taking some other Drug (maybe you know what)? If you have a problem and have to take Topamax and it seems to Help you, why dont wait and see. I will wish all good luck and dont let anybody deside for your sake (you know it best). Let God be with you. JI

[lbj1223]

I've been on Topamax for over 2 months. I'm up to 150mg a day...50mg in the morning and 100mg in the evening. A doctor prescribed it strictly for weight-loss. I feel tired and dizzy all the time. I've always had so much energy...it's gone, but my clothes are getting looser daily. I'm supposed to be up to 200mg. but I'm afraid. The tingle in my hands and feet has decreased, but the "fog" in my head is still here. Someone told me you lose weight because Topamax is a diaretic...true??? I get severe diarrhea daily....

[Amarilyne]

I have been on Topamax for almost a month now, and clothing that I bought five days after I started it requires a belt to stay on my body.  I am overweight by a considerable amount and was going to get the gasteric bypass surgery but will instead work it off myself with the help of the cocktail of medications I'm on.  Between the antidepressent, the sleep aide, allergy pills, and migrane medication I do not eat anymore and have to physically force myself to eat at least one meal a day.

The good thing is, I've given up soda completely and fast food.  I've also started portion control and slowed my eating down to where it takes an hour or two to eat one meal.  I am loving the weight loss, but the taste change is terrible, I miss things tasting good.  I find myself going to the fridge to get something to eat and just the smell of food makes me throw up.  My exhusband started making me drink protein shakes so I get nutrients because I am anemic and can't take vitamins due to allergies.

My son is scared that the meds will kill me, but for the first time since I was a child I do not have migranes and I am not willing to give it up, and yes I have a case of the stupids and did not get out of bed other than for work for the first three weeks.

[lbj1223]

anyone up to 200mg yet? I'm afraid to take the next step. I don't know if I can work.

[rowe16]

Hello all,

I started topamax four years ago for weight loss and in one and 1/2 year's time span I went from 300 lbs to 170. I kept my weight more or less around 185 lbs for 2 years.  I did this in a weight management plan ran by a psychiatry department and it changed my life.  I stopped taking the topamax at 650 milligrams when I wasn't seeing much more change, was experiencing significant hair loss and didn't want to have to be dependent on medication.  I also had lost motivation and was leaving the country for a year.  This year off of the topamax, I  managed to gain 35 more lbs this year and I have found myself miserable again at 220 lbs.
I've decided to go back on the topamax and just started again. It actually gives me the motivation to eat right and exercise regularly. For me, if I can lose and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle on this medication, side effects such as hair loss, tingling and cognitive mishaps are worth it. We'll see how it goes... Anyone else taken topamax for weight loss, gained it back, and then taken it again?

[Bombin_mama]

Been Migraine free for 6 months..Lost 40 lbs which is great..I am currently at 200 mg a day..though i tend to cut it to 100 mg a day because of the loopiness..i can handle the tingling in my toes and fingers..i haven't had any hair loss..I love this drug..

but what i will say..living in Arizona in 120 degree weather..i got the side effect that decreases my sweating..so I have had several cases of heat exhaustion..Never in my 20 years of living here have i had that..And just this past 2 weeks with our humidy..I now have prickly heat rash..so I have been itchy for 2 weeks straight..So i have to be very careful of the heat..

[woahnow5157]

Hello,
I am now just discovering all these problems with topamax... I just turned 17 and NO ONE told me this medication could also be used for depression. Just today I found out all these side effects. For the past few months I have been thinking that I've been going crazy. From only taking 75 mg a day I have gone into a deep depression from this medication and have lost 15 pounds and now only weigh 97. I pretty much got all the side effects... including the "stupids" haha... good thing I found out about this now because I'm supposed to take the ACT in a couple of months. I can't even pick up a 3rd grade book and read anymore. It takes me 10 times longer to read yall's but I have mostly lost all my comprehension skills. I had lost interest in everything and I seriously thought I was turning into a depressed anxious freak. The only thing I liked about this drug was that it got rid of my headaches and now I have a body like a model.... too bad I'm deciding to drop the drug and get my normal body back. Is there anything else that makes you lose your appetite like topamax?

[GK1024]

I take 150 mlg of topomax (topamax) in the am and 300 mlg in the pm. I get the tingles in fingers and mouth but my appetite hasn't really suffered much... I was on 100 mlg a day up until recently my dr upped my dosage. I don't know if the appetite decreases after time or not so I will have to wait and see. I do know I cannot drink sodas and that has been since day one, but my migraines are gone and I can live with the side effects for that!! I am  thirsty a lot, but I need to drink more water anyhow. the side effects don't outway the benefits for me yet.

[ebonyf]

Hi everyone,

been on Topamax 3 days now, just on 25mg, go up to 50mg tomorrow and then up from there. Taking it for Bulimia to decrease appetite and stop cravings but so far has no effect, I am hoping this is cos only been 3 days! But just wondering how long it took you to notice any effect?

Also is it just a decrease in appetite that it causes or does it do something else to help you lose weight?

Hope you can help and that your all benefiting so far!!! Thanks xxx

[kellyspencer]

I was on this before and lost like 20 punds in 2 months. I loved that part but it was for my headaches. I dont get migraines just daily stress headaches. I quit taking it 5 years ago because i didnt think i needed it anymore. this past year I gained 15 pounds and it wont come off. Has anyone taken this medication for just a few months for weight loss and than gotten off. Did the side effects go away quickly. I dont remember its been so long ago? also can you still drink on this medication. My husband and i love to go out sometimes and drink?

[SecretGirl1]

I just started Topamax for migraines 2 days ago. Right now I'm taking 15  mg, then I'm going to increase to 25mg, 50mg, and so on. I've gained weight in the past year or so, due mostly do "comfort eating" so I'm hoping that the Topamax will help me to lose the weight I've gained as well as help decrease my headaches. I am worried about the memory loss or forgetfulness though. I feel like my appetite has already decreased, but maybe it's just "mind over matter." How long does it take for weight loss to begin with Topamax? What dosage is necessary for the weight loss to occur? I feel kind of guilty focusing on weight loss, cause it seems kind of superficial, but I'm actually looking forward to it and feeling exciting. I think it will help me feel better about myself and improve some of my negative feelings.

[HealthClub]

Hey guys-

I have been on topamax for over 3 years.  I started at 25mg then it kept getting increased gradually.  I am now taking 100mg a day before bed because it makes me tired.  I've suffered from migraines since I was 4 years old.  I am now 25 years old.  Crazy right?  I would have to get sent home from school 2X a week.  Eventually I had MRI's done of my brain and tried furiocet (spelling???), Imitrex, ETC. They both made my jaw hurt.  Topamax seems to be working however, I want to stress that it definitely did give me a very weird headache while I sat in my Grad School classes.  I would have to put my head on the table and everyone constantly asked me if I was ok..   I live in New York City-- my friends that didn't see me for a while kept saying..  YOU LOOK SO SKINNY, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!????   It was the best feeling in the world.  I never even knew it was a side effect of the drug, nor did I care because I just wanted the pain to go away.  I lost about 9 lbs with Topamax, however 5 lbs came back.  I am still pretty thin- however maybe the weight gain is due to my inconsistency with takin the meds.  I always forget to take it and besides, I love BURGERS lol.   I do not think it ever gave me less of an appetite but I would def love to lose about 8lbs....what girl wouldn't???   Any suggestions on how to do it?  Increase the dose?  I just do not want my birth control pill to become a lot less effective.  Also.. to  feroshacoutura-  I know you are battling an eating disorder addiction- I am a Health Education Specialist and have a Masters from Columbia-  I would just like to tell you that Adderall (adderrall) will definitely not help you in your efforts to getting better.  That is highly addictive-  substituting one addicting for another (unless it is benefical) is not good.  Please speak to your doctor about that.  

Have a good day!

[citygirl28]

I just started taking a low dose of Topamax for Migraines (25mg at night).  Will the fatigue / foginess get better with time or is this drug just not for me?!  I can deal with any of the other side effects but i've been a ZOMBIE since I began this drug two weeks ago.  I suffer from some depression and I think that the weight loss aspect would give me a nice boost BUT a lack of motivation / sluggishness like I have been experiencing since I began Topamax (all i want to do is go home and lie on my couch and sleep!) is not good for my depression!  However my headaches have gotten worse and it would be great if this medication could help subdue them.  PLEASE let me know if the tendency is for the side affects to subside and if that is the case how long it normally takes??  Also, how does alcohal (alcohol) consumption work / interact with Topamax?  

I REALLY appreciate feedback!  I am 28 years old, i like to go to the gym if I can motivate to go and I take a low does of wellbutrin.  I haven't been able to get myself to the gym really since I started this drug.  I just feel extremely low energy and lethargic.  My appetite has not been affected yet.  At what dosage does that normally occur??

[feroshacoutura]

Hi HealthClub,

Saw what you wrote about Adderall (adderrall) - yep.  I know.  My doc is one of the best ED docs in the state, and he's done a pretty good job convincing me of this (and wouldn't put me on it anyway - ha).  I know this too but I just wanted a quick fix.  Thanks for the further confirmation though :)  I've lost weight on the topamax, and thankfully, I've not run into the symptoms it sounds like many of the posters here have had issues with.  I would like to add on though to your statement about talking to your doctor - to any of you who are experiencing what sounds like side effects that are affecting your life, talk to your doctor.  He or she should be made aware of it.

CityGirl28 -
I wasn't exercising when I first started topamax and was convined it was making me more tired (I was running prior but got bad shin splints so had to stop).  Then I just said to myself, "No.  Mind over matter.  Get out there.  You CAN do this."  And I just made myself do something for 20-30 minutes a day.  After I saw my doctor 2 weeks later he confirmed that it was in my head b/c he told me I was on too low of dose for me to feel that tired.  Funny how the mind can play tricks on you.  Not to say it IS affecting you, or perhaps it's something else, but maybe it's not only the topamax....just a thought.  Good luck though and I hope the tiredness subsides.

[darfox2001]

Just started topamax last night. I am sooo worried about the brain fog, but if it can prevent migrains and help with weight loss it will be worth it. I also take wellbutrin which can cause seizures, so it is relieving on some level that I may lessen my chances by taking this. Just wanted to let all those who suffer from migrains in on something. I used to get migrains 3 to 4 times a week, now I get them around my time of the month and weather changes. The only thing Idid differently was to stop using aspartame(aka Equal) sugar substitute. Now I have to check every label because if I have anything with aspartame I get an almost immediate migraine. Let me know if anyone else out there has had a similar experience. Any one else notice the high proportion of us that are on wellbutrin as well? I know that it doesn't cause migrains, but maybe migrains cause depression?  

[StaceyLeigh]

Greetings.  I just started Topamax 25 mg on Monday went up to 50mg today for weight loss primarily.  I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.  I have been on Cymbalta since Janualry and gained 18 lbs.  My psychiatrist thought this could help with weight loss and have a calming effect.

I felt very tired the first day but that has subsided.  At what dose have people experienced weight loss?  Feeling stupid?  Hairloss?

Thanks for any feedback.

[darfox2001]

I started the 22nd and have already lost about 5 pounds. I am determined to lose weight with the boost of this drug, which has helped a lot already with appetite control. I too was tired the first day but thankfully that only lasted the first day as well. Scared to death about hair loss. I do seem to be a bit more clumsy, maybe its coincidental? I've spilled several drinks:) Other than that I haven't noticed any other changes/side effects. How about you?

[StaceyLeigh]

Great to hear about your weight loss.  As for me - we'll see - definitely have the appetite control feature.  It's that time of the month so the weight is not accurate.  Felt a bit spacey today at 50mg.  Just a bit out there.  Better now.  No hair loss here.  What dose are you on?  

[handm852]

Hi, I'm on Topamax and I've lost 86 lb. in almost 16 months & hope to lose 14 more.   At first I lost 5 lb and thought "Hey, this is great."  So I started cutting back on what I ate and, of course, stopped drinking sodas because of the horrible taste (that cut out many, many calories but don't even drink diet sodas now).  As I lost pounds I began walking and doing some low impact exercises.  (I'm 63 and have fibromyalgia, "chronic everyday headaches", occasional migraines, osteoarthritis in fingers and knees, and a torn right kneecap. Am limited as to exercising.)  Anyway the weight loss went along steadily until I discontinued the Topamax for a while.  Went back on it but it isn't suppressing my appetite like it did before and isn't causing the weight loss like it once did.  I'm wondering if this happens to others who discontinue Topamax and then restart it.  Am new to this forum and would appreciate any comments on this.  Thanks.  handm852

[kikstar]

Hi - last night was my first time on Topamax. I'm starting at 25mg at night and then will go up to 50. I have been suffering from migraines for about 5 years now - mainly associated with my period. To decrease the number of migraines my doctor put me on Seasonale birth control about 2 years ago. It definitely did help reduce the number and severity of the migraines, but I developed pretty bad depression and binge eating and have gained about 56lbs! Now I've been on Prozac and Buspar for the past year to control those things. I've done some reading and it looks like Seasonale is pretty famous for weight gain and depression. So I'm stopping Seasonale and getting on Topamax for the migraines. Hopefully the weight loss side effect will happen as well!! I felt a little loopy last night and really tired today so far. My appetite was normal until I realized it was waaay past my normal lunch time - I WAS NOT hungry. I just ate some popcorn. I hope this continues! I'll post again. Has anyone else had a similar situation with Seasonale??

[kakes88]

OK....I just filled my prescription for Topamx and begin 25mg in the morning.  I follow this dosage for 1 week then increase to 25mg in morning and 25mg at night for 1 week then 25mg in a.m. 50 mg in p.m. then 50 and 50....I also was prescribed this med for migraines but I'm am overweight by about 80 lbs.  I could handle the weight loss side effect but I'm really worried about the "fogginess" and "forgetfulness"....I manage for a large financial institution and manage several people.  I have to give presentations, etc in front of my peers and really do not want this to effect my ability to do my job well.  I will keep in touch - I just need your prayers as I begin this journey into trying to maintain my headaches (hopefully lose a lot of weight) and continue to be proficient at my career!!!  Thanks for all of the feedback and information - it has really helped clear up some questions I had about the medication.
Good luck to all - God Bless

[jbpony66]

Well I just took my first pill 1/2 hour ago. I have suffered from daily headaches and monthly migraines for 3 years now. Excedrine migraine has been my best friend. But last month I had a seizure while on a flight home so I had to go see a neurologist. He wasn't too concerned about the seizure, said it was mild & no history. But he didn't like the idea of me taking Excerdrine daily. Thought I was having 'rebound' headaches.  He prescribed Topamax and said it would help all 3 issues I have Migraines/headaches, seizure and weight gain (I'm 80# overweight & NOTHING helps). If the headaches stop, that will be great. I don't expect much in the weightless area, because I don't have much of an appetite as it is (which is why the weight gain is so irritating).
I am very concerned about the potential 'fogginess'. I am forgetful enough without adding to that.  I am also a bit worried when you all have mentioned fatigue and sluggishness, that is also already a battle for me I don't want added to.
The antidepressant part concerns me too. I am not, nor even have been depressed. I've noticed that depression is a 'side effect', but some Drs have prescribed it FOR depression. How does that work?
I guess I better warn my husband I may lose my mind on this.

[mirennere]

Hi
First of all I am from Spain, so my Inglish is not so good.
I was diagnose with Bipolar II 22 years ago and after taking many diferent medications, I am taking 400 mg. of Topamax as a mood stabilizer for the past three years along with Xeristar and Dobupal which are antidepressant. Six months before taken the 400 mg of Topamax I was taken 600 mg but I was lossen a lot of hair, so my Psychiatra reduce the dose and stop the hair loss. I experience side efects like numbness and tingling in extremities, poverty of speech, poor memory, and also  I have gained weight.  In this three and half year I have gain, lost and gain weight.  The time I lost weight I did a very strict diet with 45 minutes of brisk walking 5 days a week and lost 38 pounds of the 45 that I gain. Now I gain 20 pouns.
I know that not always Topamax work for weight loss, but it is still a good medication

[JB123098]

I took Topamax for the first time in 1999.  I was diagnosed  Bi-polar I (worst type) about a year before.  I have since taken every anti siezure med, mood stabilizer, anti-depressant, and anti anxiety med.  Often the med was used in Europe for its mood stabilizing properties but it wasn't approved by the FDA for that use but my doctor would try me on it anyway.  (I think they call it offlabeling if the FDA apved the medication for one disease but the doctor prescribes it for another disease.)  It made me feel like a slug.  I never had weight loss. I took 200mg day. I had no motivation, no energy,was a step behind everyone else understanding something (like the punch line of a joke, or adding numbers in my head) and I felt like my mind, which used to work like a computer felt like a blob of jello.  I never quite got it bqck.  My doctor has given me a week to decide whether I want to use Topamax or Lithium to my "coctail" (?) of psychotropic drugs (i'm ck again and have to add a third moodstabilizer to the mix.)  I just lost the rest of the weight I gained from meds so I'm not going to take Lithium.  That leaves Topomax (topamax).  I'm totally dreading it.  I'm astonished that so many people actually take it willingly for weight loss!!!  I'd rather join WW (lost 25 lbs) and not be a zombie who could't care less about the world around her. Well, that's my experience with Topamax. (I've also vented too, I know.)  I DO HATE that drug but I have no choice.  Tete

[ChloeB2008]

I was on Topamax a year ago for a couple of months and then I found out that I was pregnant (chose to stop taking it). I started at about 25mg and worked my way up to 100. In the couple of months that I was on it, I had lost 20lbs and was feeling a lot better about myself. I started taking it for compulsive behaviors eating, shopping, and smoking. It definetly helped in all the areas. The only bad side effect was the tingling in my hands and feet that just happened during the first few weeks on occasion. I was dizzy when I had to wean myself off of it, but I was also on 300 mg of Wellbutrin that I had been on for 3 years. I had a past of a lot of headaches and an occasional migrane. I never had 1 headach or migrane in the 2 months which was unheard of. I think this medication is great and definetly worth a try. It seems to have a lot of uses, and really can help people in different ways. Since I had my baby a few months ago, I am now depressed and considering going back on it.

[handm852]

I had some tingling in my hands and feet (but not very bad) when I went up to 100 mg a day on Topamax.  It wasn't preventing headaches so I went back down on the dosage.  I haven't really felt bad taking it.  Of course, it has changed my tastes in food.  I can't stand most carbonated beverages; I do want highly seasoned foods now.  I don't care as much for sweets, especially chocolate, as I did before Topamax; but I almost crave fruits like peaches, pineapple, etc.  I haven't experienced sluggishness or any change like that.  The weight loss and the suppressed appetite have  been a wonderful plus.  I just wish they would continue.  It is so hard to lose even a pound right now even though I'm working hard at it.  I wonder if the dosage were increased it would help?  Anyone have ideas on this?  Thanks.

[Southernbelle1970]

I mentioned I had been on 200 mg of Topamax since 2001 up until the end of May 2008.   And as with any drug I think it works on each differently yet with similar side effects and we all benefit from it in one way or another.  But I question the lifetime dependency for those who suffer from multiple chronic illness(es) like me.  Do you know what I mean?  I right now, I am contemplating starting back because of moods, migraines, and weight gain.  But am second-guessing myself, will this eventually be toxic?      

[blessedwife]

Topamax was recently prescribed to me to reduce migraines, and I was told the side effect would be APPETITE REDUCTION.  It did neither.  I'm not taking it any longer, but I was not offered the "tweaking" of taking higher doses.  The migraines went away -- I think I was having a really stressful school year and that was the root of my problem.

I'm now on no drugs at all (was on 200 mg Zoloft, and .5 mg Xanax among others on PRN basis), and feeling like I really need an official, medical, pysciatric assessment.  I don't want scrips just because that's easiest, but I'm not opposed to taking a med, either.  I just want it to be becuase my brain chemistry calls for  it, and not because our HMO's primary care physicians are LAZY.

[handm852]

I'm in a similar situation about meds.  I was on Zoloft for years and finally just decided to try life without it....successfully,  thank God.  Now that I've lost so much weight and watch what I eat, I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and so I don't take meds for those any longer.  I have battled these chronic headaches for over 30 years and it is a way of life trying to adapt and adjust.  Those of you who have headaches know what I'm talking about!  As for Topamax, I started at 25 mg per day and immediately felt the appetite suppressing and started losing weight.  It didn't prevent headaches though. I had stopped taking it and now have restarted it, hoping for good results this time.  I really don't want to take any meds forever or needlessly.

[Rosieb37]

I am on my third week of Topamax, 75 mg. I started with 25 and worked my way up. I have to say the first week was the worst. I felt sick and spacey kinda out of it. 50 mgs I noticed my mood evened out..I heard you kinda loose your personality on this drug. I have changed, things do not bother me at all. I just dont let them and this is a good thing since I have a very high stressful job. I take Topamax for migraines I was taking imitrex for 13 years and my doctor felt it was time for a preventative. I have to admit I was nervous but so far so good. I have lost 11 pounds. Very happy about that, and I dont have an appetite. It is gone. Since I just started taking 75 mg's the tingling has gotten a little more intense but liveable. In three weeks I have had one extra period, Yay : ), and one horrible migraine which took 2 days to completely recover from (used imitrex injectable). This was on the third day of begining the drug. But since then I feel great. If it keeps working this way and the dopamax effect doesn't set in at 100mg (which is my goal dose) I could quite possibly stay on this for the long haul..

Take care

[phlyergurl]

About 5 years ago I was on Topamax for Migraine prophylaxis.  It worked very well.  A few months later I stopped cheating on LA Weight Loss and over the next year or so I lost about 60 pounds.  I also had the problem with finding words and the pins and needles in my hands and feet.  The idea of being medicated all the time did not appeal to me so my neurologist said if I went a year with decreased headaches I could wean off of the Topamax, and we did.  In the past two years I have gained about 80 pounds.  My appetite came back SO strong, I was ravenous.  During an appointment last year my neuro and I spoke about my very quick weight gain and he suggested I go back on the topamax.  I told him I would rather not.  Then my primary car doctor suggested it and I told her I'd rather not, then today my ob/gyn suggested it.  So I think I'll give it another try.  Being this heavy can't be good for me physically.  And I really haven't been able to make my weight budge more than 10 pounds on my own.

Wish me luck

[fairplay]

The Weight Comes back in full force.  Enjoy your life now and take many pictures.  Find the perfect mate, and make sure he accepts you at what every size you are.  This is my story:
Five years ago, I was going through a horrible seperation and moved in with my mom.  I was 30 years old.  That was depressing in it self.  On top of all that my bipolar was being triggered by all these factors.  For one year I mopped around the house reading romance novels and going to work, Teacher.  I went to my psychiatrist and her perscribed TOPAMAX for all my problems.  He said this will help me get my life back.  I started taking it around Feb.  and started having side effects at school.  I would be writing on the board and forget how to spell w-h-o.  The kids would laugh at me.  Not only that I would forget the kids names.  I would call them every name on my roll before I would get the right one.  This went one for about two months as I increased up to 400 mg.  I forgot to tell you how much I weighed when I started.......200 lbs in FEB.  The only side effects I had was short term memory for two months and sodas tasted horrible.  I started to feel great.  I had more energy than every.  I did not lay around the bed all day.  I actually went out looking for people to hang out with.  I started a belly dancing class.  That was so much fun.  Summer came and I was out for my summer vacation.  I did not have to go back till September.  When I went back to school people did not know who I was.  Thet thought I was a new teacher.  I had lost 60 pounds in 6 months.  I went from a size 16 to a size 5 or 7.  My God I was HOT.  I met a Hot man with Money and My life was great.  Now reality hits.  After two years of my fairy tale life, I went back to my husband and stopped taking Topamax, because I thought I was cured and gained all the weight back in 4 MONTHS.  I have tried to go back on it several times, but the side effects are horrible.  I feel like my skin is about to fall off, doped up, tired, slurred words, eyes hurt, legs heavy, brain fuzzy, irritable, and a cat **** in my mouth.  If you go one it enjoy it because when you stop it may be it.  I do not think it is a drug that should be taken for years, because of the damage it could do to your body.  However, it could be used to get your life back together.  Right now I am on my 5th day of trying to regain my former life, and so far so good.  I hope this time it works.  

[fire822]

I started taking Topamax last week 25 mg twice a day.  Right off the bat I could feel the difference.  I have been tired every day, and have a dull headache, loss of appetite,food has no appeal and I have no desire to binge eat, which is good. I am taking it for nerve pain.  I guess I should try to stick with it for a least a month to see what the results turn out to be.

[rj65]

I was on Topamax for four years at several different mgs.  I was prescribed Topamax for Pseudo Tumor and post encephalitic headaches.  I decided to go off off Topamax at the beginning of the summer (for the second time) and try to get my life back.  The first time I tried to go off (about a year ago) I was on the couch with severe headaches within a few days, and I only had decreased my mgs by about 100.  Oh, by the way I was on 400mgs a day.  This time it worked.  I still am a little stupid, trouble with spelling, caught myself stuttering yesterday, but it is the day before my period and I get alot of my symptoms back around this time for some weird reason.  I slowly lost weight while on Topamax, about 20 lbs.  When I started the drug I weighed about 175, and am 5'4".  I went on the South Beach diet because my dr recommended weight loss for the Pseudo Tumor.  I lost 20 lbs right away  (in about one month), and then lost another 15 lbs by doing nothing special over the next few years.  I have now been off of Topamax for three months and have gained 25 lbs.  I am very active, but also very hungry.  I have never been overweight except for after childbirth (3 children)  I have very difficult pregnancies, which includes 20 lb weight loss in first 5 months followed by 70 lb weight gain in last 4 months.  I cannot seem to stop the weight gain, I am in a size 9/10 but will need to shop soon if this persists.  I am so sick of this, please help me if you know something.  

[anniebananny]

I just started taking Topamax 2 days ago.  I too feel a little goofy and distracted.  I hadn't heard about the hair loss until I read some of the feeback here, and quite frankly it makes me a bit nervous.  I am on 25 mg 2x a day for migraine prevention.  My doctor told me that it would take 2 weeks to take full effect.  I am very hopeful that the headaches stop.  I've suffered from migraines since I gave birth to my son 5 1/2 years ago.  I've always had headaches, but they most certainly increased in intensity when i had him.  They are life altering and make everyday activities a real challenge (as some of you know).  I will check back to see how some of you are doing with your symptoms as I too am a bit weary about these things.  I would love to try some holistic approcaches, but they are so expensive and my insurance doesn't pay for herbs... what a shame.  I was excited to hear about the weight loss at first, but now I'm not so sure.... I'm 5'1" and 127lbs... not all that heavy...   but would love to be 110.

[hicup]

I have been on Topamax for 5 years for seizures. I also have migranes. I have had some hair loss recently. Here is a little tidbit to get rid of the tingling in the fingers and toes take a potassium supplement it helps a lot. I have not lost any weight at all in fact I have gained not sure if it has to do with my age. Also headaches have been coming back once a month sometimes 3 days at a time. Question has any body else had hicups or sneezing. I know weird but, this is the reason my neurologist hasn't increased my meds more than 50 mg in the morning and 75mg at night.

[Jessi8788]

I've been on Topamax now for a bit (started with 25mg and went up to 50mg now) and I am not sure why but I am not getting any of the side effects you guys mentioned except for the tingling feelings in my feet. That doesn't bother me too much at all because it goes away after about 5 seconds. My headaches are gone and I sleep wonderfully which is a plus, but one weird side effect I noticed is that I have a BIGGER appetite! Why is this happening?? I am not on my menstrual cycle. I just finished that last week. In fact, food tastes better to me and I get hungrier much quicker than usual with a vengeance! My stomach growls like crazy almost all day. i have no idea what is going on. My scale is broken and I am scared I am going to gain weight instead of lose it...I was really hoping I would get the whole appetite suppressing/weight loss side effect of Topamax but instead I am getting this...

If anyone can help me out with this that would be great!

[Dan_ritter1983]

I was just put on topamax 3 days ago.

My dr. put me on these pills foe weight loss and i was wanting to know what to expect. how fast does it come off. im 310 when i looed the day i went and go the pills  i haven loss my apatiet or anything i have ate less.
Today i only ate 1 sandwith, 2 pice od bread 1 bowl od spagetie and 1 can of pop.  

100mg pills
One every day for 7 days. Then twice daily for 7 days. Then take 1 ine morning and take 2 at bedtime.

[need101]

I HAVE JUST EXPERIENCED GREAT LOSE AND EMOTIONAL STRESS AND SUFFER FROM ANZIETY AND DEPRESSION  AND THE WORKS .I CAN HARDLY FUNCTION . MY DOC HAS PUT ME ON CELEXA 40 ML AT BED TIME AND DIAZEPAM 10 ML 3 TIMES A DAY WITH 1 OR 2 EXTRA IF NEEDED I HAVE BEEN ON IT FOR 2 WEEKS BUT IT STILL DOSE NOT SEES TO HELP MUCH I AM CONCIDERING ASKING TO BE PUT ON TOPAMAX BOTH FOR MIGRAINS AND WEIGHT LOSE.DOSE ANYONE KNOW IT ALL THESE DRUGS ARE COMPATABLE.SOMEONE PLEASE ,PLEASE ,RESPOND

[Tate88]

You need to ask your doctor about compatibility and drug interactions, do not rely on the readers here to tell you if your meds are compatible with Topamax.

As for Topamax and weight loss, does anyone know how long the weight loss side effect lasts? I have been on Topamax 100mg for about 4 months and lost almost 20lbs. I'm at a healthy weight and if I lose much more weight I'll drop to an unhealthy weight. I'm just never hungry anymore and I have to force myself to eat because it has decreased my appetite so much. Any thoughts?

[xStarleTx]

wow reading all these comments and stories is scary for someone who was perscribed it but hasnt started......I was perscribed 15mg to start and slowly work my way up to 200mg over a couple weeks... I have been getting severe migraines and headaches for 5 or more months and was waiting for a dr appointment to finally get to the bottom of it.. and this was the outcome... topamax.....but my situation is not that simple unfortunately.... I found out I had thyroid cancer 2 years ago and ever since that I have never been the same... I was always in good shape and since my surgery to remove my thyroid I've gained over 60 lbs with no way to stop it or prevent it no matter what I eat..... because of all of this I have been also dealing with severe depression and I am also on wellbutrin 450 mg dose which is very high and also another depression pill added with the wellbutrin.. and I have heard many stories that it causes bad depression so maybe I'm on enough depression meds to prevent that.. atleast I hope... I am on quite a few other pills of course my thyroid hormone and others.... so now I'm wondering if this is the proper way to go and I have tried many other medications and nothing helped... I also have bad insomnia and no sleeping pills even helped me...I am looking forward to the weight loss if that is possible with my thyroid working against me... so I just wanted to hear some other opinions or suggestions in what I should do.. it would be greatly appreciated.

[gmley]

I've had a lot of luck w/ Topomax (topamax) 300 mg. I've lost about 40 lbs with it and it has boosts up my self esteem since I have have lost my parents last year. I didn't even exercise. Yes, like all of you I was cognitively slow and helped me sleep to the extreme. The doctor chanted me from Paxil to Cymbalta and that really helped.

I have always been losing my hair. Just bad diet. Now its extreme. I am also getting discharge internal and externally it is is very irritating. I am also bloating w/ a lot of gas. I'm on a high protein diet and drink water. Lots of water. The only thing that I am doing differently is that I am running everyday. I am excersing more. Help!

[veggie_ry]

I am 17 and diagnosed bipolar.
my therapist prescribed Topamax to help keep my weight under control because of the other bipolar medications that seemed to have made me increase weight.
i'd like to know the significant time it took to lose the weight and how much.

[sharonpp]

my daughter has just been diagnosed with bipolar and has been on depakote since May although it has helped with the bipolar she has put on about three and half stone and is very unhappy about this.  We have an appointment to see her consultant on the 24th of Feb and i have been looking into other meds for her.  Was very interested when i heard about Topomax (topamax), thought this would be ideal for her... After researching this i now dont no what to think.  I do no that she cannot stay on depakote because she has been on a diet with slimming world since Oct 2008 and is still putting on weight.....

[veggie_ry]

i was on depakote for quite awhile and have heard from many sources that it actually is a weight gain trigger. Abilify was a very good opition for my bipolar because it did not make me gain weight and it did help out with the bipolar very well if you would like to discuss further medication contact me at ***@****

[Bearble]

My psychiatrist started me on Topamax in November because I was very depressed, and was especially upset about my weight having reached an all-time high.  She added the Topamax to Wellbutrin and Lamictal.  She said she thought I had an emotional eating disorder and that weight loss was an "off label use" of the Topamax.  She said it wasn't a license to eat, but it might help.  

Well, I'm not sure what worked, but  have to date lost 22 pounds.  I was a complete sugar addict.  If it was sweet, especially anything chocolate, I was right there.  The first thing I noticed was that I couldn't even swallow the icing off a piece of coffee cake.  Then it was pie at Thanksgiving.  I even talked my husband out of a birthday cake because I knew I'd gag on the frosting!  But, I knew I was doomed when I got really sick on chocolate at Christmas.  

Yes, I did notice some thinning of my hair, but is has started coming back.  I also have had occasional word retrieval issues, but nothing too bad.  Certainly nothing bad enough to make me even consider changing course at this point.  I have a long way to go with the weight, and I know I'll battle the depression for the rest of my life, but if this keeps them both in balance, I'll be grateful.

[sweetamamma]

I started Topamax for tension headaches on December 16th.Started at 25mg and slowly worked up to 100mg.At first it helped with the headaches and as soon as i went to 50mg twice a day my headaches got got more numerous.I had the tingling in my left foot I could not eat but i tried.It made me sick to my stomach.I got to the point that the thought of food made in sick.I had the weight loss also.I don't think it is the healthest way to lose the weight.The stupids were there for sure.I just stopped taking this past week.I still have no desire for food.But my headaches are much better and i feel normal mentally again.But the weird thing  after all my side effects my Dr. still wants me to take the Topamax.I may be looking for a new Dr.

[CarolKaz]

Hi everyone,

I am on Topamax for migraine and tension headaches; I started taking 25 mg three weeks ago and started taking 100 mg today for the first time.  

I haven't had many side effects except the weird tasting sodas and tingling in my toes and I've been taking all of the medicine at bedtime until today when I took 75 mg last night and 25 mg this morning.  Today for the first time I noticed I had no appetite at all and had to force myself to eat - I had no lunch and just a little dinner - so I can see how people lose weight on this medicine.  

So, if you're not losing weight, consider when you're taking the medicine.  Personally, I could not take more than 25 mg during the day, though; I am a teacher and cannot afford the fogginess and forgetfulness I am afraid I would have if I took more than 25 mg.  

Anyway, just thought that would help someone; it was a revelation to me that taking 25 mg during the day lessened my appetite.

[Jillybean1205]

I started taking this two and a half weeks ago combined with phentermine (15 mg in the morning). I started at 25 mg for a week and increased 25 mg per week, so now I am at 75 mg. I have experienced no appetite loss at all. After reading some posts I see that for some people this doesn't come until after the 100mg dosage. I don't know if I'm going to be able to get there though. I can't sleep.. Cannot sleep at all, even with Ambien. That only knocks me out for a few hours and then I wake up at 2:30 am wide awake.

Has anyone else has insomnia as a side effect? Did anything help?

~Jill

[nynjcali]

I've been on TOPAMAX for 2 1/2 months now and the only side affects I have encountered are the tingling and numbness of the hands/fingers/feet. I was prescribed for migraines and BIPOLAR disorder. I find I haven't had a migraine since and before TOPAMAX, I used to get at least 2-3 a week and my moods along with GEODON and LEXAPRO are much better, I haven't had any episodes or anything since my doctor upped my dosage to 150mg a day, 50mg 3x a day. I feel I have lost about 5 pounds although I have always been a petite person, never really paying much attention to my weight I am 5ft tall about 120/122 pounds at the moment.
I think my hair has thinned out a bit, but I have always had very thick hair... we will see what happens with that.
I wonder what every one means by you will gain the weight back? How can you just GAIN it back unless you actually eat more or change your diet than what you are customarily doing???

[AtlantaFlyGirl]

Tonight is my first night on Topamax 25mg. My doctor is a pain management specialist who is treating me with epidural injections for herniated #4 & #5 disks in my neck. I have had chronic pain in my neck for over 15 years. I have had headaches associated with it at times. I typically do not take anything but Mortin for the pain....I'm just used to it. I deal with the pain and "keep on....keepin on" with my day. I wanted to understand what I was getting into so I read over 100 comments on this site. My fears are real....but to honest I havent gotten any real feedback, I am concerned with the motor skill impairments, the hair loss and the tingling. The weight loss isnt an issue, though who wouldnt want to lose a few pounds?? Ive decided that I am going to journal my treatment and experiences on a weekly basis for myself and for anyone else that is thinking of taking Topamax.

My dosing is as follows:

25mg taken at night for days 1-7
50mg taken at night for days 8-14
75mg taken at night for days 15-21
100mg taken at night for days 22-28

I was instructed to drink A LOT of water everyday and I was prescribed Phenergan 25mg which is an anti-nausea medication. **I have taken it after surgeries, and during times when I was on medication that made me nauseated. I can tell you from personal experience that Phenergan WILL knocks me out. I have a fairly high tolerance, but when I take 25mg I go to sleep.... a nice, dreamy sleep. When I wake up I do not have the groggy "hang-over" I used to get with Ambien**  EVERYONE SHOULD ASK FOR A PRESCRIPTON!!!!  

All that said, I am getting sleepy from the Phenergan...so I will close for now. I will check in next week with a detailed entry of the positve & negative side affects of my first seven days on Topamax.

"Hope for the best....prepare for the worst."

Cheers,
Angelia

[nora01]

Hi Everyone,

I have re-started Topamax, because my migrains were coming back..althought the side effects were the same as everyone elses:
tingling, loss of appetite. loss of words, dazed and confused most times..that was also one of the reasons i got off the medication, but i am willing to get back on it, and pray that the weight loss happenes and everything else doesnt. oh ya the reason the weight comes back, is becasue you can taste things normally, and you appetite opens up full swing..so its normal..i could of gone without eating no problem,i didnt feel like it..my tast buds were blah!!
So to all my Topamax users, i understand we need it for our migrains, we are happy to lose a few pounds in the process, but we can all do without the diareah, tiredness, stupidness, and that wonderful tinglingness..lol take care buddies
nora

[SDB907]

Wow - there are a lot of comments to read through!  

Well, I'm now on my third week of topamax and have just increased to 75 mg today.  I was put on topamax for migraines and started off at 25 mgs.    

To everyone who is asking when the decrease in appetite starts, for me, it started right off the bat - at 25 mg.  I am thinking about taking myself off of topamax because I can barely eat anything AT ALL!  I have to almost force myself just to eat a bowl of cereal or a salad once a day!  Believe me, when the dr. told me one of the side effects could be weight loss, I was soooo excited!  I weigh about 90 lbs more than I'd like to right now, I'm 5'7" and weigh 220 lbs!  (I just had my second son three months ago)....but, I've found that if I even drink too much water, I can't keep it down.  I can't keep anything down for very long and my appetite is zero.  Is anyone else having this problem?

[nette6988]

Hi,
     My doctor put me on Topamax last Friday because I was 169 in August. I have Bipolar I disorder. I gained 6lbs on Depakote. My hair was falling out on Depakote and I was having mental changes. I also gained 20 lbs. on Risperdal Consta. I gained 7 lbs on Abilify. I am now 202 Ibs. I am 5'6 so I hope I experience weight loss with Topamax.

[nette6988]

Hi,
I am taking Topamax 100 mg once a night. I feel like I have to urinate so much. I hope I don't experience any hair loss.

[nette6988]

Hi,
Abilifiy is a good medicine for those who are seeking a medicine that won't make them gain a lot of weight. I only gained 7 lbs.

[Stef1972]

I just started Topamax for Migraines on the 23rd of April.  I've had Migraines all my life and have had an increase in the severity and the frequency in the past year.  I've already experienced the side effects, the tingles, the loss of concentration, soda tasting flat, loss of appetite but not to the point of not eating.  I've also lost 6 pounds, which is a bonus as far as I'm concerned.  (I'm 5'6 and toting an extra 30 pounds thanks to quitting smoking)  I used to wake up every morning with a slight headache and worry all day that it would turn into a migraine, but I don't have that feeling anymore.  I'm taking 75mg of Topamax, 1 in the am and 2 in the pm, and will be at 100 mg in 2 weeks.  Knock on wood, but after the plethera of medicines I've taken in my lifetime...this is the best so far!

[anto1324]

I started topamax 1 month ago, 25 mg a day the effect was inmediate i coudlnt eat anything  but now i dont feel that anymore, i take it for my hemiplegic migraine but my doctor didnt tell me to increase the dose week after week since im taking some other medicines like inderal and sibelium, my hair hast fallen and at night i do sleep better.

[nette6988]

Hi,
I am experiencing fatigue. I feel sleep a lot during the day.

[tata3859]

I have been taking topamax for about 3 months the first two months I wasnt very consistant with taking it. I am taking 100 mg for migranes, 50 in the morning and 50 at night. I have experienced the memory loss and tingly feeling in my hands and feet, and never realized that the reason I havent been drinking soda was due to the topamax. ( I used to love diet pepsi and now cannot stand the taste.) Within the last month since I have started taking the topamax on a regular basis I have lost about 15 pounds. I am considering asking my doctor about upping my dose to 200 mg because I am having slight headaches again! I love this medicine! The weight loss is worth the side effects!

[nette6988]

I feel bloated with this medicine. Does anyone feel the same way?

[nette6988]

Hi,
I am glad to know the medicine is working. My hands and feet tingle sometimes. I experienced the shivers on Sunday and last night. Has anyone experienced the shivers while taking this medicine ?

[nette6988]

Hi,
   I noticed that my appetite is decreasing. I could not finish my breakast and dinner. I can not wait until I lose some weight.

[jesus4me]

I have been taking topamax for almost 1 week (50mg am, 50mg pm).  I have the tingling hands from the get go and the bad soda taste from about day 3.  No weight loss.  I hope I do.  Does it change your appeite or do you just lose weight?

[marydjames08]

I've recently been prescribed to topamax  last wk for my migraines (which i've been having my whole life it seems) and I can't say for sure if its actually working for me. my migraines are MIND-BLOWING and all i want is for them to go away as quickly as they come. I just wanna know if this medicine really works. im on 25mgs right now and will be on 50mgs next week. Just tryna seeif it has worked significantly for anyone else. Oh, I have ben getting the "tingling" feeling but i've been getting it in my face, making me think i have an aneurism (hopefully that's not the case) has anyone else has this same feeling in the same place?

[jesus4me]

Hi Mary
The first time I was on this stuff I felt the tingling in my face.  This time only in my hands.  Go figure.  I can't say if it works or not yet.  The first time, I was on it for only 6 weeks.  This time,  1 week so far.  Good luck.

[marydjames08]

i'm not too sure about topamax anymore. i've been reading up on it and its giving me second thoughts about it. the weight loss and the migraines decreasing i can live with, but the hair loss, the loss of words, memory loss, the "stupids..." HELL NO!! i can surely do with out. i know everybody reacts differently to drugs but i don't wanna take the chance...im in the freaking Navy for crying out loud and i'm on my way to Afghanistan in September, i don't have time for memory loss...or for the extra stress that comes with one little pill.

[glorann]

I was on topamax for a year and lost 86 lbs went from a size 22 to 7 , went off and starting slowing gaining back, now a size 10...going to try it again. while on it greasy foods and sugar was a major no no... been on it 3 days and my stomach cramped up after having a few animal crackers...hopefully I'll be back down to a 7 soon

[nette6988]

Hi,
Topamax decreases my appetite.

[marydjames08]

how long ago did u stop taking it?

[rain39]

I have been taking Topamax for about 3 years now, 100mg a day.  The last 6 months, the migraines have started to return.  They are milder than before but the frequent weather changes in Texas this spring has been a little miserable.  I'm thinking I'll finally go to a neurologist after all these years and get worked up rather than go through my internist.

I have had a little peripheral numbness or pincushions but they are for the most part gone.  I do have the difficulty finding nouns which is embarrassing for a former college professor and for a while I though it was an aging problem since I'm almost 70.  I was excited and relieved to find out it was this drug.  I decided to keep the drug and lose the words as long as it worked.  I did lose about 14 pounds and have kept it off which keeps me in a size 8 along with working out and healthy eating (most of the time).

[nette6988]

Hi,
I noticed some hair loss.

[rain39]

I have also had hair thinning which I forgot to put down.  

A helpful cost hint.  I am on the Medicare drug plan.  I have to pay almost $70 in deductible for 3 months of 100mg Topamax per day and the rest is charged to my total accumulation towards hitting the bubble when you have to pay 100% of all your medications for several thousands of dollars or more.  I found a company in New Zealand who will send me the exact same medication made by the same company as I am prescribed for just a few dollars more than my deductible and way less than $100 for 3 months.  

That just shows you what the mark up is in the US.  Since this is a personal prescription, it is legal to import, and I get to stay way below the bubble.

[mindyvink]

Hey Guys,
I thought I would add my 2 cents. I went on topamax for migraines at the age of 16. I started at 15 mg per day and gradually increased to 100. For me, the weight loss happened fast. I am naturally thin, but with topamax I went down to about 112 pounds at 5'7. I also experienced the tingles, which aren't particularly bothersome. Honestly though, topamax made me SO STUPID. No, I exaggerate, I was just slow. I was in AP testing and did not do very well, and even that part of my life I barely remember. You will find that your mind just doesn't try as hard. It is incredibly unpleasant. I know everyone wants to be thin, but come on guys, it is so not worth it.

[AllisonRNinMass]

I was started on Topamax for migraine prevention before it was even approved for that. I asked to be put on it because I had read about it and wanted to try it. I was aware of the "side effect" of weight loss. Because it wasn't yet approved by the FDA for migraine prevention I suggested to my MD the dosage I would like to start at, 200mg, and he agreed. I have been on that for about 6 years. I have fewer headaches (not gone entirely) and my weight initially plumetted, then sort of plateued. My initial loss was around 80 pounds over about 8 months. At the time, I was in nursing school and working full time at a sedentary job. Now I'm an RN. Initially, I had some tingling in my hands, that only last several days. I didn't notice the "stupids". I would have had to stop the medication, because it would interfered with nursing school obviously. Any medication, can affect different people differently, and one person's dose isn't necessarily appropriate for another person, but I thought I'd share my experience. I expect we will see Topamax approved by the FDA for weight loss shortly.

[chinadopt]

I started Topamax at the beginning of March for migranes. Since then, I have lost 50 pounds. I started a 25mg per day and worked up to 100mg 2X/per day. Recently, due to the weight loss, my dosage has been cut to 75mg 2X/day. The medication has caused a variety of side effects, some of which have been very beneficial in helping me lose excess weight. Carbonated beverages taste terrible so I no longer drink sodas or beer. This medication has also stopped my "compulsive" eating behaviors. (Keeping in mind it is a 'brain drug') I did have the numbness and tingling and some of the "stupids" that others have referred to, but those symptoms resolved very early on. I would like to see this drug get FDA approval for weight loss. It's not for everyone, but I believe it could help a certain subgroup of the morbidly obese, especially those who suffer from obsessive/compulsive eating disorders.

[Casee13]

I've been on Topamax for about a year and a half now. I started out at 50mg and I still had pretty bad migraines, so the Dr. increased the dosage to 100mg. I've lost about 15lbs, and I'm kind of getting worried about losing more because I'm underweight for my height.
Does anyone know if I were to get off Topamax, will I gain weight back?
I LOVE Topamax, it is the only thing that has kept my migraines under control, the whole weight loss thing is just concerning me.....

[nette6988]

   My doctor increased my dosage to 200 mg. I couldn't finish my dinner yesterday. I noticed get full quick. I hope I start losing weight.

[spoiledrotten400]

Hi guys,
I was prescribed Topamax for the first time approximately 3 years ago,and have recently decided to give it another try. I would like to share with you my experience while taking this medication the first time.

My doc initially began dosage at 25mgs per day and gradually increased my dosage until he was prescribing 200mgs per day. However I must admit that while he was prescribing this dosage and insisting that I take it I would only take 100mgs per day. I personally felt that this drug was very powerful and that taking 200mgs per day was too much for me considering the side effects that I was experiencing.

I clearly remember not knowing anything about this drug and had never heard of it. My pain doc simply said he had a new medication that would lift my depression, ease my pain, and help me to lose weight. He said this medication would "give me a new attitude". He was really excited about it and told me that he too was taking it and had lost a significant amount of weight. He went so far as to say this medication would turn me into a new woman both mentally and physically. However, he also issued me a warning at the same time. He told me that as my doctor, he felt obligated to inform me that while he too was taking the medication,and overall happy with the results, he had been recently hospitalized with gallstones. he said to be careful what I ate because the medicine could cause gallstones, as well as other temporary side effects. He assured me that he would monitor me closely and perform all necessary testing periodically to insure that I was doing ok while taking this medication.  

I began taking the medication the very next day, on day two, I immediately  noticed that I had not thought about food all that day. and when I realized that I had not eaten, I tried to go ahead and force myself to eat something however, the food did not appeal to me at all! The sight of it did not cause my stomach to growl, and my mouth to water  like it had been. The taste of it was not the same/ Now keep in mind at that time I was 5'2inches and weighed approximately 185pds. I had an appetite like a tiger!- Anyway, by the end of the first week I noticed that I had lost about 6 pounds.

I noticed also the first week that my hands and feet were tingling but that subsided after the first week. Somewhere around week two,  I noticed while talking to a client on the phone, that I was having trouble finding the right words to use, ( I own a business) so this was a bit troubling. I was also experiencing confusion such as driving confusion, suddenly I could not find streets that I visited on a normal basis. etc... I had problems remembering things as well. All of these symptoms were temporary though and went away after about a month on this medication. ( If you can hang in there and be very careful while your body is getting used to this medication, most of the symptoms will go away as fast as they came.)- You may become a bit goofy for a short period of time.

Anyway, at about week three, I was beginning to see a dramatic weightloss the scale was saying that I had lost approximately 10pounds but somehow I had lost a lot of inches around my mid-section. and had basically no interest in food at all. I was eating a lot of salads and a sandwich here and there just to keep from getting sick. I kept busy, and throughout the day, never really thought too much about food. I convinced myself that food was a life sustaining necessity and that is what food became to me. Now keep in mind guys that this new frame of mind and will-power came from Topamax use. I could not have done this on my own. and believe me I had tried.

I would like to say a few things about hair-loss while taking this medication since a lot of you are concerned about this.- Although my hair did not fall out simply from taking the medication,  I did have issues with using chemicals on my hair.. Please be careful with using perms and coloring your hair while using this product! what happens is your hair and scalp become very sensitive to all chemicals and if you normally perm your hair using a super perm, please only use a mild relaxer because all of a sudden, your hair may become over processed by using the same methods and same products that you may have used for years..... such in my case, everytime I gave myself a perm I noticed that my hair was getting more and more weaker. One particular time I gave myself a perm, and it over processed my already weak hair, and I was forced to cut it all off. Now, while taking this medicine, I noticed that my hair continued to grow as it always had, but by using the chemicals, my hair was steadily weakening. SO BE CAREFUL WITH CHEMICALS.. it is the chemical reaction to whatever you are using and the drug combined that caused my hair-loss and thinning. If you can, go natural until you achieve your desired results. And when I stopped the medication it took awhile before my hair became strong and healthy again. - I suggest using a hair skin and nail vitamin supplement while taking Topamax.
Anyway, I continued on the medication, and at approximately the third month I realized that I had lost a total of 30 pounds.( I am a fairly attractive woman and the compliments and confidence that came with the weightloss really did change my life! I was feeling great and looking great!

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and so did my weight-loss..... I continued taking the medication for a few more months only to discover that I was not losing anymore weight. The medication was not effective anymore. Now, maybe at this time I should have went ahead and began the higher dosage, but I was unwilling to do so since the side effects were surely going to become greater. instead I chose to go off the medication completely. in doing so, I regained all of the weight that I had lost and added a few more pounds!  and let me tell you the weight comes back even quicker than you loose it! - At the same time, I realize that I have to take responsibility for being lazy and expecting this medication to do all of the work for me. Had I continued a weight maintenance program such as working out daily, and eating healthy, I may not have gained the weight back so quickly, so I say that to encourage each of you to not totally depend on this medication to do all of the work in terms of losing the weight. We must become committed to a life-long change.

I know that I have just written a book here, LOL... however I am excited about the opportunity to share my experience with everyone and I hope that I have shed some light on how this medication worked with me. Recently, I have chosen to give it another try and will began taking the first dose on Sunday of this week . I shall keep everyone posted on my progress. and I  intend to do things a bit diffrently this time. From the start, I am going to incorporate an intense exercise program from the start. I intend to maintain that throughout. I am also going to add  a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement for energy. So hopefully I have lasting results and I only want to use this medicine as a JUMPSTART to curb my appetite.

I intend to post once weekly beginning next week.- Good luck to all, and I hope the information was helpful!

[spoiledrotten400]

Yes, Casee chances are that you will gain the weight back shortly after discontinuing the topamax.

[summerja]

I am starting Topamaz today.  My Dr. told me to eat a banana a day, why is that?  As well, how concerned should I be about hair loss?  

[mfrog7]

I am currently taking Abilify and have been for almost a year. I've seen a 12 pound weight gain on Abilify. Now I am starting Topamax tonight an am nervous as hell about the side effects. My dr has me taking the topamax to loss the abilify weight. Anyone else in my situation?

[SaysPhoebe]

I have taken Topamax for several years now.  I'm a chronic migrainer and my neurologist tried me on every preventative in the book until we finally found one that worked and Topamax was the winner.  I started out at a lower dose and worked up to 400mg taken every night before bed and I've been on this dose for at least six or seven years.  

I immediately lost thirty pounds.  Granted, I changed my diet at that time as well, so that might have contributed some, but the Topamax no doubt was responsible for a good portion of it.  

I felt the same side effects as many of you, especially the tingling hands and extremities (sometimes my face would even tingle), but as time has gone by, I've developed quite a difficulty with word loss.  I'd been on the Topamax for so long, I'd almost forgotten that this could be a side effect and once it occurred to me, I started reevaluating my priorities.  

When I started taking Topamax, my migraines were horrific.  I was suffering from migraines every single day - most were dibillitating, and a few even put me in the emergency room.  After taking Topamax, my migraines decreased to about 5-12 per month - a number I was willing to live with.  Over the last several years, my migraines are a bit fewer, 2-8 per month, but I'd noticed that their severity had lessened greatly.  Rarely does one put me out of commission, but when one does, it responds well to Imitrex.    

With my migraines seemingly better, I started to wonder if the Topamax was still needed.  It's so hard to conduct business when you're using the wrong words or constantly trying to remember what you wanted to say, so in May, I tapered my dose down a bit each week until I was finally completely off of the Topamax.  I do notice a difference - I can articulate my thoughts much more clearly now.  I don't notice much of a difference in my migraines - I'm still probably averaging about a half-dozen a month, but they are no more severe than they were while I was on the drug.   I know most of my migraine triggers and adapt my diet to fit - The book "Heal Your Headache" is one of the best I've ever read for headaches and I followed his suggestions - take away all potential triggers then slowly add them back.  I avoid nitrates like the plague, aged cheese (though I miss Parmesan), msg, anything cured, and so many other things - If I slip (for instance, by having a bit of bacon), boy do I know it! Luckily, they've finally come out with uncured ham and nitrate free bacon and luncheon meats!  :) (Sadly, there's just no substitute for good Parmesan though) :(

Anyway, now, the down side - My husband and I have been fairly successful dieting lately and I'd lost about ten pounds.  I work out every day or every other day - weights, treadmill, etc.  - and yet, I'm putting weight back on.  It has to be because I'm no longer on Topamax.  I've gained back the ten I lost and five more!  I'm so worried that I'll keep gaining no matter what I do - I'm almost tempted to go back on the Topamax.  When I first went on the drug, Topamax wasn't indicated for weight loss - maybe I could go on a lower dose than what I'd been taking and see if it evens things out for me?  This is frustrating!  

[rdard001]

I am 22 years old now, and took topamax when i was 15. My doctor prescribed it for weight loss in my case. I was very unhappy at a size 16 to sometimes 18! At 5'4 it just didn't look good. I was extremely depressed because of my weight and due to some other childhood issues. I would eat all the time! I started taking topamax and within 2-3 months, i got down to a size 6!!!!! Topamax helped me with my weight, depression(which is hereditary in my family), and anxiety attacks that were driving me crazy. I did feel kinda weird while taking it at first, but it all goes away after a while. topamax even gave me more energy! Yet, at about 18 i gained a lot back. However, it was from starting birth control to regulate my period. I lost some of the weight after that, but I am thinking to go back on topamax to become a 6 again(I am a 12 now) oh, and just to let you know, you do have to diet and exercise to keep the weight off.
Anyway, I want to go back on it, so does anyone know how many mgs I should take? I don't really remember what my dosage used to be.

[HOPE28]

for anyone taking Topamax for weight loss I have been on this drug for 4 years for seizures, migranes at first over a period of 1 year i lost 59 pounds witch was great last year i had to get off because I concieved my daughter and did not want to be on any meds while I was pregnant ( best choice I made) when I was pregnant I gained 63 pounds and know I weigh 173 compared to the 125 I weighed befor I Got pregnant. my daughter is a year old now and Im now back on topamx as of 2 months ago. since then I have formed a weird crease above my lip only when I smile and I am experiencing really bad leg and feet cramps . my nuero told me it is probably a side affect of the topamax. and me sot being able to absorb sodium or magnisum. these things that are happening to my body are so not worth it. this crease above my lip is so embaressing I feel like every body is always looking at it when I smile/
I also know this drug has ruined my teeth. I know see a peridontist because it has started to eat away my gums and now my gum line is starting to shrink. and eventially I will look like a horse. for all you that are so amazed by the weight loss I bet you have never really payed attention to your gums or the difference from when you started the meds to now. I used to think I was so bueatiful and that nothing was wrong with me , im not trying to sound consedid im just being honest. Im 28 years old know and believe me fitting into those size 3 jeans and getting all those compliments was so not worth the 5-7 years this drug has aged me. Just take notice of all the little things that go one with your face and body. I bet alot of you also havn't noticed that your skin isnt as tight as it used to be. and you probably think im going thru this because im going to be 30 soon but I have spoken with people that are in there late teens ans early 20's and this is still happening.

just be carefull
God bless you all

[riesling]

Hi -- I was on Topamax a few years ago for about 6 months. I experienced some weight loss, brain fuzziness and a strange eye phenomenon -- it was as though I saw cobwebs out of the corners of my eyes...and sometimes got a "bright light" sense as well.

The eye problems stopped when I dropped down from 125mg to 100 and then to 75.  

The migraines were pretty much gone at this dosage as well, and I wasn't experiencing much more in terms of weight loss, so I went off the topamax.

Then I gained back some weight, went back on the drug, and didn't stick with it long enough for any weightloss side effects.

Now I've gained about 15 pounds in the last year or so.  Feels lousy, and have tried to find out what is making me gain so much weight.

I'm a vegan and follow a very strict diet -- and probably don't consume over 1000 calories per day.

So...the plan now is to start up again on the Topamax. I'm away from school for the next 2 months, and thought I'd give it another shot. I hate weighing this much.

Anyone else out there been on-again/off-again with Topamax?

[Tommy270]

the weight comes off because of the stupids.  You are moving so slow, you actually forget to eat. You can spend an hour just pushing food around on your plate looking at it.. I understand this drug being a necessity for its intended purposes, but just to loose weight, I would never do it again.
I would get somewhere and couldn't remember driving there.  My hair fell out so bad and it never really stopped even after stopping the drug.  I would sit for hours staring at my computer screen and never really accomplish much work.   It turned me into a "stupid" zombie. Anyone who thinks that people understand when you are sitting there with this blank look on your face trying to remember a word, or what you were talking about in the first place, think again.   When they walk away, they are either really really concerned, or they just flat out think you are a nut case!   If I had not stopped taking it I would have lost my job and my husband and possibly my life while driving under its influance.  I was taking  25 mgs a day.    I know its a life saver for its intended purpose, but JUST to loose a few vanity pounds.  Forget it..

[bri_1995]

i am 14 i have been on topamax for about a month i am on it for bipolar disorder & i am nervous that if i lose weight & when i eventually get off the meds i will gain it all & more back & i really dont want that ! what should i do ?!
please help !!!!
& i haven't seen much weight loss yet , how long does it take to lose weight or be able to tell ?

[whatsmyname150]

I am also a 4 year patient of Topamax.  All of the bad stuff doesn't kick in until 2-3 years. Weight comes back eventually, but your memory loss and word recall DOES NOT! The higher  the dosage, the more severe the long term side effects. I am starting to believe this is not the miracle drug I once thought!!! EVERYTHING EVERYONE has said has happened to me, so I am seeking the advice of a neurologist next week!

[bubba909]

Have been taking Topamax for about 9 months now(100mg), and I have to say that at first the good side effects out weighed the bad, but NOW I am re-thinking them.

The Good - Have gone from a morbidly obese 285 to a strong and fit 225 (****, I haven't been 225 since I was in freshman football!)

The Bad - Still feel in a bit of a "fog" from time to time. I would explain this sensation as everything is just so surreal to me. Words are terrible for me to find.


Thinking about going off the medicine, but I am not sure. I am still losing weight (Weighed in @ 223 this morning) but I am worried that the weight will come back. My weight loss has nothing to do with appetite loss, I still feel hungry, I just decided to change my diet 100% and work out 4-5 days a week. I wonder if I continue to do this but go off the Meds if the weight loss will continue.  

[kittenb20]

I have been on Topamax for 4 months now and for the first 3 months or so it was not to bad got rid of my head aches and I had some mild side effects some slight tingling in my hands and feet, and some days I would feel strange, worried about something bad happening or big mood swings, nothing too bad. But then about 3 weeks ago I started getting bad diarrhoea and couldn’t eat ant thing, then I started having anxiety attics, which progressively got worse. Since I we figured out it’s the Topamax I have been tapering off down from 100mg, to 75mg for one week (during this week I got blurred vision) , then 50m the next week, two nights ago I went down to 25mg and have 5 more days to go. I guess each day I get a bit better, and actually went out yesterday, by myself which I haven’t done in nearly a month. I will post again once iv been off for a week and let you know how I feel, but I wanted to let people know I now hold some confidence that once off I will return to normal.

[hunnerbunner]

I tried topomax (topamax) for weight loss and it's scary stuff. I broke out in a rash. I would get so sleepy that I would have to pull over and sleep for a while when I was out and about.
I didn't lose any weight.
Just lost a couple of weeks of my life.
I'm almost positive that I got Stevens-Johnson Syndrome from that drug.
I had almost all the symptoms.
It scared me and I ran away from it!

[Sessy123]

If you think you can take Topamax for weight loss, eat whatever you want, sit on the couch and not have a care in the world for diet and exercise... you've got to be kidding yourself. Of course you're going to gain the weight back.  I was on Topamax for migraines and lost 15 lbs post pregnancy. At the same time, I modified my calorie intake and the weight started dropping like crazy (an addl 20 lbs)... but I've reached a peak.  I am now beginning to incorporate exercise to maintain my weight. C'mon people. Weight loss is not contained in a simple pill... this is a mere side effect of a migraine medication. These medications are being metabolized through your liver and kidneys and all you are doing is burdening your organs by taking pills whenever you feel like it. Do the right thing, if you want to lose weight... diet and exercise. Put in the dedication and the time.

[SWTMALDY4U]

for those who are having problems with hair loss.  Remeber that your body ***** up all the nutrients that it needs to survive. Hair is an extra.  So if you are not eating enough food it will show in your hair and nails.  Add in a really high quality multi vitamin.  Also has anybody had constipation with topamax?  I have heard of the other postings. I must not be drinking enough water.

thanks

[ashabash]

i have been on topamax for the last 6 yeas and in that fist year the pounds just melted off. and stayed off for about 3 years. i went form 145 to 102. then i went from 100mg 2 times a day to only once a day. and now im back up to 145+ so it can come back even if you are still taking it. so watch out if you think it cant. nothings changed but the amount i take so just watch out!

[kristina2281]

HI, I read what you wrote about topamax and weight loss and couldn't agree with you more. I started taking it for my migraines that I have been getting since I was about 7 ( I'm almost 28). Before I started taking it, I was trying for months to lose weight; eating healthy, exercise, and cut back on drinking beer. :) I only lost 5 pounds in those few months. But the tomamax helped me get over that "hump," I guess you could say, and lose another 20. I don't know how long I'll be on it for, but it's working for the headaches....(it's been about 6 months) My only side effect is some peripheral tingling....BIG TIME on and off, but nothing I can't handle...once in a while I'll get a case of "the stupids," but I'm really not noticing too much.
Anyway, the whole time I've been taking it I have been watching what I eat and exercising and plan on continuing this even after I stop taking it. But the weight I have lost has been my goal for so long and I'm really
nervous of gaining it back!!
So my question to you is, are you still taking it? And if not did you keep the weight off by diet and
exercise alone? I think it's possible if I really try but reading everyone else's posts is making me a little
nervous!

[kristina2281]

By the way, I have NO loss of appetite...hungery all the time! and still lost 25 lbs in 6 months. But also worked really hard at it. Also no hair loss, and I use chemicals frequently to color my hair. I feel alright. Soda tastes a little flat, and hands and feet tingle, but my advice to anyone with severe migraines: IT"S WORTH IT...for me, anyway. Medication affects everyone differently.

[tam304]

if you have been put on topamax it deplites your body of vit.a' if you take vit. a with your topamax you will not get num!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[daisydee17]

I have an odd combination of Neuropathy, hypothyroidism and long history of migraine. I have never had a weight problem until my thyroid problem went misdiagnosed as "fibromyalgia", "sleep disorder" and "depression". You can imagine that I gained weight rapidly with hypothyroidism while on antidepressants! Yup-65 lbs! I have been on weight watchers (gained 7lbs in two weeks on the lowest point level) met with a hospital dietician (spent $250.00 to gain 10 lbs!) Worked out 6 days a week for 45 minutes -cardio =nothing! Finally my Dr tells me perhaps my neuropathy rx is causing the weight gain and in abiltiy to lose. Neuropathy is very, very painful and until now- there is no medication for it that does not cause weight gain: UNTIL NOW that Topamax has been found to work for neuropathy. This should work triple duty for me since I have migraines, weight problems and neruopathy!  I am at week ONE with 25mg of Topamax. I do not have depression, but have had cycling moodiness which is odd for me. I am not one to weep over a tire commercial or magazine article on grain farmers for that matter... but I did! So, it has been like being pregnant. Otherwise - I sleep like the dungeon doors are slammed shut until morning -out cold, and even then I don't want to get up. (Not too bad though) I don't weigh myself, so I will let you know how that goes. I always watch what I eat and follow a gluten free low fat diet and trail run x3-4 days per week. (I call myself the Fittest Fattest Club President) I have noticed most people do not post back -so I will try.

[edensnana]

I'm on my 3rd week of taking Topamax.  Started at 25mg daily and am now at 75 mg.  I have been on Dilantin for Epilepsy for 30+ years and my Neurologist and I decided we wanted to try something else.  I believe he has me working up to 150 mg daily.  After spending the past hour reading posts I'm thinking maybe I'd like to stay at 100mg if they control my seizures ( I was lucky and only had 2 grand mal and a few petit mal)  but I don't see many posts by people with epilepsy.   I have had a little of the tingling in my hands and a bit of skin itchiness.  Last week a couple of days after I started on 50 mg a day I experienced a little blurred vision. I didn't associate it with the Topamax at the time (thinking it was just this age thing) but when I think about it, it has gone away and it could have been.  Another thing is my very regular morning bm's have changed also and I've had some stomach upset.  I was thinking I picked up a bug but who knows?  I am considered morbidly obese so while the weight thing isn't the reason I'm on Topamax it certainly is something I'm curious about so I have been stepping on the scale every day or so.  I hadn't lost a pound until today.  Since I started the 75mg a day I've lost 4 lbs.   It's so interesting to read the posts and see how it affects people differently.  It is suppose to be used to treat anxiety yet in some it causes it, etc.  I would love to hear from anyone else who is taking it for seizure control and what dosage you take etc.  or anyone who isn't taking it for siezure control.  It's just nice that you all contribute to let the rest of us know things like the tongue thing.  
Best of luck on your Neuropathy daisydee

Thank you!