What dosage of Topamax causes weightloss?

[tiff423]

I just started Topamax.  I'm on 25mg/day and will increase by 25mg/week until I reach 100mg.  I heard the weightloss effect depends on the dose.  So, what dose did everyone here have their success?  And what type of diet/eating plan and exercise plan did you do to help it along?  I'm desperate to lose 40 lbs (half of which I gained on Zoloft-no longer taking).  PLEASE respond if you had any weightloss on this drug, I'm very curious.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!  :)

[heidivonh]

Hi! I have been on 100mg of Topamax since the end of April. I immediately experienced the loss of appetite. I seaked the advice of a naturopath to use it to my advantage because I had about 80 pounds to lose. I see him every Friday and since then, I have lost 43 pounds...:-) It has not been difficult. It seems like he weight is coming off on its own now. I don't crave anything. I'm hoping to reach my goal by January. I'm not worried about the holidays because I have been turned off all food and I don't think it will be difficult to continue following what the naturopath has told me to do. By the way...eat a lot of yogourt..it really facilitates weight loss. I eat about 500g of yogourt per day and drink 2-3 glasses of milk per day. Topamax alone won't make you lose the weight, it will just make it easier for you to do it on your own.

I hope this helps you!! Have a great week!!

Heidi

[tiff423]

Hi!  Thanks for the response!!  That was so encouraging!!!  I have noticed so far that I'm not craving the usual foods that I eat, mainly Taco Bell!! ;)  Did you start out on 100mg right away?  I have to make my way up to 100mg.  Great idea on the yogurt because it's great for getting rid of bloat caused by yeast overgrowth as many of us women have in our bodies.  Great tip!!!  Great job on your weightloss results!!!  Do you do any kind of exercise too?  If so, what kind?  I'm thinking about pilates and maybe taking up kickboxing as a stress reliever.  I am so excited that my DR has put me on this (for migraines), i PRAY I'll get the loss of appetite side effect!!!!!  I so badly need to lose 40 lbs!!  Thank you so much for responding!  Anyone else with any advice is greatly appreciated!!  Have a great week!

[heidivonh]

Hi! My doctor also put me on it for migraines. I was getting them 2 to 3 times per week. Now I get them once every 3 to 4 weeks. That is quite an improvement. He started me on 25mg last November and slowly increased it until the end of April when he had me on 100mg. I didn't experience any change in appetite until I hit 100mg. It seemed to happen over night. I should exercise more than I do because my father owns a health club (and I work there too..lol), but my mindset is not there yet. I will get there though. I'm sure if I did, the weight would come off faster. My naturopath checks my body fat percentage every Friday to be sure I am eating enough and not losing any muscle. So, be sure you eat the 75g of fat per day that your body needs. If you do, you won't crave the fatty foods. He also told me to eat lots of fibre. I could tell you all night what he has taught me, but it I'm too tired and you would probably get bored reading it...just be sure you eat 3 meals a day and 3 snacks a day.

Take care...Heidi

[sky74]

You have been on topamax since last november.I was wondering if you have had any trouble with hair loss ? Im on 200 mg a day for migrains.I'v lost 48lbs. now ,but I'm haveing major hair loss.The Dr. has blood work and says everything is normal.

[heidivonh]

Yes I have had some trouble with hair loss, but my hair is so thick and curly that I'm fine with it. 200mg is a high dose. Does it afect your appetite more is there no difference from 100mg? I never even thought of mentioning the hair loss to my doctor...maybe I should...but he'll probably come up with same results as your dotor did...

[sky74]

I have no difference in the appetite loss with the 200 mg than I did  with the 100 mg.I also have ,well had very,very thick hair in june I donated to the locks of love for the 4th time in 6 years.Its so thick they got 2, 12" ponytails.now since aug 22 i have filled 3/4 of a gallon baggy with my hair .Its fallig out fast .Does your hair loss seem normal or like its more than normal after about 7 or 8 months on topamax? thanx

[heidivonh]

Hi, Well, this morning I really paid attention in the shower and I think that's when my hair falls out the most. It seems to fall out a lot when I run my fingers through my hair when I rinse it. I also noticed that the hair gets caught in my anklet. It's funny how you don't notice it quite as much until it's pointed out. I knew it was falling out, but didn't pay much attention to how much it was.

If you want to send me an e-mail, that would be fine. It would be easier to talk. ***@****

Have a nice weekend!

Heidi

[Anneeee]

I had horrible hair loss from taking topomax (topamax) for only 2 weeks.  The sad part is, it didn't stop falling out when I discontinued it.  My daughter is a cosmetologist and she told me the topo causes the hair follicles to close.  What has fallen out, wont grow back, but the hair loss should stop when you discontinue the drug.  The Topo really messed up my cycle too. I think my  adrenals took a hard hit from just two weeks on the drug.  For me it was not worth it.  I was stupid, depressed and started having panic attacks on it.  I would loose blocks of time. Huge blocks.  I would get in the shower and when I got out look at the clock and realize I had been in there forever............was I just standing there? I would stare at the computer screen for long blocks of time and not realize it. It was scary. For migrain sufferers, if this works, its a wonder drug for those people, but to take it for weight loss alone, I would never do it again.  Just my experiance. Of course, everyone is differant.....

[sky74]

i take topamax for migraines. if you read up on it most people start haveing hair loss after a couple of months . are you sure it was the topamax after only 2 weeks ,thats realy scary !i read in another post of yours that you are still haveing hair loss .is that still going on ?Im wondering what im up against because this med does help with the headaches so much .thank you and good luck. sallie

[Anneeee]

yes, still hair loss.  I started taking evening primrose oil about 10 days ago. I have some hope this will help.

My sister in law has had a great deal of hair loss w/topo also, but after living with a head ache everyday of her life, its worth it to her.  She cycles with the drug.  Works her way up, then starts decreasing dose again.  Seems to work for her ...

[tiff423]

Hi again!

Well, I'm at 50mg/day now and I will be at 75mg on Saturday.  I feel like I'm doped up on Benadryl all day-sooooo tired!!!  Hope this will pass!!  Also getting some pressure behind my right eye.  Almost feels like a bad muscle twitch, yet no twitch, just feels like it wants to lead up to a twitch.  Does that make sense?  I dont know myself b/c this med is making me not make any sense at all in a lot of stuff I say.  Which really sucks because I talk to customers all day long in person and on the phone and they are beginning to look at me strangely.  They probably think I've lost my mind or on drugs! Hope that will pass soon too!  Havent really noticed the hairloss side effect yet, because I lose a lot of hair each day anyway.  I actually have to run my fingers thru my hair in the shower to get the loose ones out-and there is a lot of them-so they dont clog the drain everyday.  Draino is our friend in my house! (sad, huh?) ;)  So, it probably wont be much of a difference to me. All in all, I hope these side effects are worth it!  I hope I see a difference in the migraines and maybe even the loss of appetite (hopefully)!  If not, I'm definitly stopping this.  I dont like feeling like I'm staring into space all day!!!  Have a great weekend!! :)  Tiff

[heidivonh]

Hi! The dopey clumsy feeling does go away. As long as you are increasing the med, you will feel it. Once you are on a dose that is stable, the feelings should subside after 2 to 3 weeks. I didn't notice a difference in the appetite and the migraines until I was at 100mg. Everyone of course is different...You have a great weekend too!!

[msvicky]

I have been on Topamax for 2.5 years now for Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD). The current dose is 400mg for more than half that time. Many years ago I was on Lithium and gained 200lbs during the 6 year period that I was taking it. But after I went off the drug and went to a natural regimen, found that my body would not allow me to lose any substantial amount of weight without gaining it back. I carried this weight for 15 years. Two years ago, I was seeking help in the summer as I was having difficulties with my SAD cycle. New research had been released at that time linking the weight problems to SAD. So my doctor put me on Topamax, which is also used as a mood stabilizer, to help release the lock on the weight. As far as the weight, the first 50 lbs. seemed easy with moderate lifestyle modifications of diet and exercise. I have lost a total of 140 lbs; but have had to make permanent lifestyle changes to diet and currently workout an hour 5 days a week.  

Now the side affects: the dopiness mentioned was more of a drugged out stupor for me and only occurred at dosage changes.
Tingling in the fingers or toes lessens over time; occasionally have bad days. I do tend to have numbness in the tips of my
fingers most of the time. These things I've gotten use to. What I've finally discovered from reading here, is the cause of the hair loss which was extreme over the last six months. I've slowed it down to a tolerable level using a hair product called Nioxin, that you can get at a beauty supply store. I have lost half the fullness of my hair-I'm not sure about regrowth as of yet; luckily, I have a lot of hair. I've had some other stumbling
blocks associated with this med and my eye doctor told me this year it listed associated possible side affects as Glaucoma. So everyone needs to weigh the risk they are willing to take. For me, after carrying 200 lbs for 15 yrs,  I willing to take the risk. Unfortunately, none of my doctors have given an answer to what happens when I actually lose the weight, as I'm thinking I may have to stay on a maintenance dose.(This is probably based upon my situation w/SAD).
Eye twitching: tried to explain this one to the doctor as I thought it was from a severe fall that I had taken in which I
hit face down on the cement. What I discovered is that it is not actually your eye twitching. It only happens to me when I am overly stressed or very tired. The twitching is actually in the eyelid. I'm not sure if it is a nerve or vessel that twitches making it feel like the eye itself is twitching. I had to stand in front a mirror to figure it out because no one else could see it. I have not followed through with the doctor on this.

Hope this info was of help.

Vicky

[missyhair]

First of all I am not a nurse ot doctor but I wanted to comment on the hair loss. I have also been prescribed topamax for pain, mood stabilizer and weight loss so I have been looking a lot on the net. I have seen a few things about hair loss. I wanted to comment on that. I have been a hairstylist for 24 years and one thing that I have noticed without doubt is that when one of my customers loses a significant amount of weight (25 lbs or more) they always have a loss of hair. When your body suddenly changes the amount of calories it takes in it also is getting a change of nutrients. Our body will go in survival mode and the nutrients will go to the essential organs and the other organs will get the nutrients left over (so to speak) being the hair, skin, nails. Which usually results in hair loss, acne or dull skin and brittle nails. that is why you MUST talk to your doctor or pharmacist about a good supplement to help off set the hair loss. I hope this all makes sense to you. Like I said I have been a stylist for 24 years and NRVER fail when someone loses a significant amount of weight they also lose some hair

[Chopa's Girl]

I have been on 400mg twice a day of topamax for at least a year or year and a half. I have lost 165 pounds (in about 2 years).  It killed my appetite and I barely ate anything until just recently.    However, over the past few months I have noticed my hair falling out excessively throughout the day and coming out in big clumps in the shower.  It is getting increasingly worse. The past few days my scalp or perhaps my hair follicles have started hurting too. I used to have extremely thick, healthy hair. People are always picking hairs of my clothes and my boyfriend told me last night that it is getting visible. My hair is everywhere, on all my clothes, all over the house... but not on my head. Great. I am  getting ready to go off the topamax especially now that I have just learned that this is a side effect.  I didn't know.  Had I had known would I have gone off it?  I don't know...  I had been fat all my life and it was so exciting to watch the pounds drop off so fast and change sizes so quickly.  But now I am seriously going bald at age 35 and I am really freaking out.  It isn't worth it anymore to be thin.  I want my hair back.  I was a happy fat person.  I am a miserable size 12 now.  I am so scared it won't grow back and I am so broke I would never be able to afford a wig.  Can you imagine... wearing a wig at my age?  All because I decided to lose weight?  And my doctor keeps telling me my hair is falling out because of stress.  I am furious with him.  He didn't even suggest that I take vitamins while I was losing the weight.  I also don't enjoy all the loose skin that will never bounce back... Weight loss isn't always worth it, especially when you take a pill to do it.  I found out the hard way.

[Love4me]

I have been on Topamax 150mg for 1 1/2 years and recently went off because of hairloss. I did have 25 lbs. weightloss but also noticed in past 6 months that my hair was falling out! If there was just one thing that I do take great care of it is my hair. I am afraid to wash or style it at all! However, I do! It is now about 50% the thickness that it once was prior to Topamax. I have started to take Biotin 1000mcg about 2 months ago but did take a multivitamin the entire time. I had great success expecially at first and then my weight stayed the same which was fine. I am now using Minoxidil at night.
Aside from the hair loss I have definetly found that since discontinuing the drug I have immediately put on 5 lbs but also noticed that I retain water which is not something that I did when on Topamax. I do work out reguarly.
Has anyone elso experienced the weight gain and water retention upon discontinuing Topamax? Also I have been reading more on how others like myself who have lost their hair....any other remedies or suggestions?

[Mercury1951]

I take 100 mg. of Topamax daily for migraines.  Hasn't really helped at all with weight loss, but does help the migraines.  Just wanted to add my two cents on the hair loss issues.  Add a daily biotin supplement.  And take a very high dosage. It's water soluable so it isn't toxic to your system.  I take the highest dosage I can buy which is 5000 mcg, once a day.  Topamax keeps the body from absorbing biotin which is crucial for hair growth.  It might take about eight weeks or so for you to notice regrowth, but it does help.  Keep using the Nioxin products too.  There is one called Follicle Booster which is expensive, but helps a lot.  And drink tons of water.  Topamax is dehydrating and water will help the tingling sensations you get, along with the brain fog that comes with it.  A couple of gallons of water a day will help.  That's a lot, but you'll notice the difference.  Plus you need to replenish your electrolytes with an occasional sports drink.  Again, speaking from experience here.  Good luck!

[Rapunzil]

I was very glad to find your comments here. I have been taking Topamax for about eight months as an appetite suppressant.I was also taking Naproxen for joint pain which I discontinued in August. Hair loss can also be a side effect of this drug! My dermatologist confirmed my fears two days ago that my hair is "shedding". I am very depressed. I was not sure what was causing it. I have been very careful to get enough protein and vitamins in my diet. And actually the way I have lost the 50 lbs. (and you won't believe it) was just by weight bearing exercise at the gym three days a week. I didn't change my eating at all, because I've been eating very little for years. The Topamax just made it easier for me to get throught the day. But I don't really care. I just don't want to lose my hair. I'm contacting my doctor tomorrow to go off the drug and I'm going to add the biotin and some Omega-3 Thanks for the tips. I just hope I've caught it in time. I was so happy about the weight loss which I will continue, but I'm not sure how I'll deal with the hair loss. Sorry this is so long. I'm in a panic.

[Luvmooz]

I started topamax 2 years ago for severe migraines.  Last July (2005) I started to notice my hair falling out, on my clothes, my chair at work, in the tub, my combs, etc.  In October, it became so thin I decided to cut 7" off my hair.  I would say I had lost 50% volume.  My doctors all said don't know what the problem is, everything is normal, all tests are ok, including dermatologist.  He mentioned Telogen Effluvium and that I wouldn't go bald.  Well, that was reassuring.  I have only lost 10 lbs on topamax, I needed it more for the migraines than the weightloss.  I bounce back and forth on it because I want my hair more than a temporary cure for migraines.  I still lose hair, but not to the volume that I had, but I don't have that volume to lose.  I remember looking for posts on hair loss for topamax patients last year and no one reported it.  I was wondering if I was the only one.  Thanks for your posts.

[sky74]

THANK YOU !!! For all the post about hair loss due to topamax .I have been looking for input for months! The doctors still say all test are normal. I have been taking biotin for about 4 weeks and zinc. I have been so scaredto lose all my hair at 32 to stop migraines. Thank You everyone and GOOD LUCK!i still take my 200 mg a day .I just wonder if when you go off ,if the hair loss stops.    

                  Sallie

[RSKontos]

My daughter and I take Topomax (topamax) for migraines.  My daughter takes it for complicated migraines that lead to seizures and topomax (topamax) is an anti seizure drug.  Her neurologist never mentioned hair loss.  I even called to verify.  She said that hair loss isn't mentioned.  but that everyone's system is different.  If extreme weight is involved then that is the culprit not the drug.  The drug only helps kill the appetite.  YOu still need some will.  The weight loss you are taking about is fantastic.  I have been on the drug for 2 years and I 47 and about to enter menopause and I haven't noticed a large amount of hair loss and believe I would notice since as I have aged my hair has thinned and it wasn't thick to begin with.  I lost 16 lbs.  and haven't continued as I didn't need to lose anymore.  My daughter lost 12 and had to gain 6 back as she is small only 106.  So I believe the hair loss is extreme weight loss and not the drug so much.

[RSKontos]

Oh, I went from 7-8 migraines a month to NONE now!!!!!

[sky74]

I went from 2 - 3 migrains a week to none.  I take 200 mg of topamax a day .I did not start my hair loss untill about 8 or 9 months on it .In over 1 years time I'v lost 53 lbs. Alote of walking and playing softball with my 15 year old daughter this summer.The weight loss is not the cause of my hair loss my doctors have checked my blood levels.I'm not vitamine dificient and my hormone levels came back fine .I'v had a hysterectomy. Like other people on it I'v read about my hair folices hurt.My doctor says my scalp is very dry .I see another doctor in January. I dont have any regrowth.It bothers me alot that my hair is falling out but for now I'm staying on the med because I'm not on it for the weight loss I'm on it to controll my migraines.It does that very well.There are other sites that you can tell about your side effects, good and bad that you can look into.Some people dont say anything about weight loss but hair loss. Good luck !and Thank you!

[pczarnik]

I am taking 75mg. of topamax and also taking Zoloft and Verapamil for migraines.  I am not loosing any weight.  I am so frustrated because I feel that I'm the only one that's not losing.  Does anyone think it's because of the other drugs I'm taking?  Next week I go to 100mg.  Please help

[manda dawn]

how long have you been on topomax (topamax) it takes several months for it to get into your system...and you have to take as you doc. prescribes...
I've lost over 30 pounds slowly with prob. three to four months but know its been nearly 8 months and it's stayed off, i do eat healthy  but love to you eat mexican food out once a week!!!  Anyways if it works with you medical issues i would try to stay with this, it's good!!!!!  Amanda  God Bless.

[insomnia]

In response to the comment about about hair loss while on Topamax being attributed to dramatic weight loss and not just to the actual drug--I just wanted to put in my experience so far.  First of all, from what I have read, and this is true for any medication, not everyone experiences every side effect.  From what I have read, with Topamax some people are lucky enough to never have any hair loss and some have to deal with a lot of it.  I have been on Topamax for 2 months now (100 mg/day) and it has worked wonders on my headaches.  I lost about 4 lbs in the first couple weeks, but since then my weight has stayed stable--and that's okay because as long as my headaches are gone I'm happy!  However, starting about two weeks ago I started noticing significant hair loss in the shower, when brushing, or blow-drying my hair.  I'm only 26 and I have long hair that used to be thick.  In the past two weeks it has become incredibly thin, dry, and brittle.  I am afraid to even brush it with my fingers because it comes out so much.  Since I have had no significant weight loss, there's no way it could be from that.  I've started taking selenium, zinc, biotin, and a multivitamin and I hope that they can counteract whatever this drug is leaching from my body (I've also got an appt. with a dermatologist).  Topamax has brought me such relief from paralyzing headaches, but I'm not sure staying on it is worth going bald!

[JulesKpt]

I had a bad experience with Topamax. I took it for seizures. I had the tingling feeling in hands, feet, knees, arms, abdomen, and face. It got to the point where it was actually painful and it gradually got worse, but the tingling was not bad compared to the muscle spasms or twitches. Just under my eye, I had a muscle twitch for 2 months. During that time, I also had muscle twitches on my face, all over my cheeks, jaws and around my mouth. It would even paralyze my mouth for hours. I was on Topamax for 5 months. The muscle spasms and twitches gradually became worse and more often. The were in my abdomen and legs. All of the twitches that I had were visible.

Towards the end of my time on Topamax, whenever I would lay down my eyes would twitch and the back of my head would tingle. I went to my neurologist 3 times about these problems. He told me he had never heard of this and he did not think it was the Topamax. He did try 2 different muscle relaxers and they did not work. I did research and the symptoms I had were identical to Secondary Drug-Induced Dystonia. In the prescribing info for Topamax,  Dystonia was listed as a rare side effect. I finally convinced my neurologist that my problems were coming from the Topamax and he tapered me off and changed my medicine. As I took less Topamax my symptoms decreased and about 1 1/2 weeks after being completely off of it all symtoms were gone.

This was not a pleasant experience and I have recently found several websites like this where other people on Topamax have had muscle twitches especially in the face.
I felt better that I had not been alone.

[benanjess]

hi i take tordal an imetrax for my migraines no hair loss been on it for years

[catwoman740]

I have recently started on Topamax for Migraines.I also take Celebrex for arthritis.  It seems like all my joints are swelling up and I can hardly move. Has anyone experienced anythinglike this?

[Cheshire_Catt]

Hello, all of you.  I am a former migraine sufferer.  I had been put on Topamax and thought the side-effects to be unbearable at the time.  Hair-loss was not a concern for me, though.  Yes, I am a woman.  With hair.  Anyway, I fasted for 11 days, a naturopathic way to detoxify the body, and I don't experience a migraine but one every couple of months.  Now I am on it for another reason: mood stabilizing.  I will admit I want to lose weight.  But I want to say this:  would any of you rather give back all that Topamax has given you (weight-loss, pain-releif from migraines, mood stability, etc.) just to have hair?  I would rather be bald and not feel as though I am on an emotional rollercoaster every single day.  I know that hair is a woman's crown and glory.  But migraines are so horrible.  I know.  I used to get them 3 days of every week.  And the reason I am now on it is because I go from calm, to screaming, to singing to the radio, to crying.  It's insane.  But I am not.  I feel like I am though.  And you probably think I am.  You have that right.  But consider what I have said.  Your hair is just hair.  Your face is your beauty.  And your smile, which shows the beauty that lies inside you.  Life with migraines, mood disorders, and feelings of inadequacy is not really life.  Is it?  I will continue to take this for as long as it continues to make me feel human.  I hope I have given you all a little bit of perspective.  I am not calling anyone shallow or anything like that.  Just saying something you may not have considered, yet.  I wish you all well.

[Marie46]

I would most like to hear comment about brain fog.  I have been on Topamax  for over 1 1/2  years, 50 MG.  It reduced 6 or more migraines a month to maybe one. I have noticed some hair thinning, hadn't lost weight (don't particularly need to) and was happy.  But, I leave hair every where.  I went off Topamax for a while, and had decided it was not worth having migraines! (My insurance will only pay 50% of the price of Imitrex or Maxalt, or any drug, and worse yet, limits me on how many a month, so I need a way to PREVENT migraines.)
The real reason I need to drop Topamax is due to the Brain Fog.  I work for a major corporation, and have made a few public blunders like forgetting stuff, in the last year.  I have been so fuzzy in the brain that I'm not getting all my work done, and then even at home am just sitting there.  I used to come home and zoom around doing my hobbies after work... I was such an energetic person that people called me jokingly, manic, because I'd be up till 1 AM on my hobby, and then at work the next morning at 8.  Now, I just come home and sit and watch TV. My craft room sits there in a messy clutter, and it's like I can't even think straight enough to figure how to organize it.  
No joke.  I am only 46, no issues with other health problems, excellent check-up otherwise.  The hair loss, I might attribute to my age (although I am not otherwise having mid-life issues). But the brain fog... well, that one is not tolerable.  
Ok, nobody else but me notices this.  Mostly, my family is so happy to not have to deal with "me on a headache" that they don't mind. I'm having to make post-it notes at work so I remember things.  I'm going to try that for a while, and take some vitamins.  I do remember laying in bed for three days with a migraine while in college, before they had good drugs like Maxalt and Imitrex. And I remember drugs like Percocet/Darvon that made me vomit, and other narcotics that made me sleep for days.
Love and blessings, Marie

[prettyfaythe]

I am on Topomax (topamax) for papalledema.  Basically, my brain hangs to low, blocks the flow of my spinal fluid and the pressure builds up in my brian behind my eyes.....annnnnnny whooo.
I have been on it for a bit, slowly have gone up to 300 mg, slowly been having the wonderful weightloss side effect, but all my other side effects are oppisite of what is stated as what are probable side effects.  Ok, no,  I have not had any hairloss.  As a matter of fact, if anything, it has been making my hair grow faster, and of that I am thankful, for I have had some mighty funky hair cuts this year. lol.
My dr kept telling that while I am on the topomax (topamax) it would be a good thing to take advantage of it for the wieghtloss, and has uped it a few times.  I found this sight trying to see exactly how far it could be uped to.  He never gave me any idea exactly to what.  But at least he is one of the nicer drs, not being rude saying I need to lose wieght out right.  Those ones get on my nerves, if they never ask your history, dont know what meds you have been on, that you have been on steriods injected in your back for other probs that make it a tad bit difficult even when your not eating to get the wight off, umm hmm.

[TARA76]

IF I CONTINUE TO STAY ON THE TOPOMAX (topamax), WILL I EVENTUALLY LOOSE ALL MY HAIR  PLEASE RESPOND

[TARA76]

IF I CONTINUE TO STAY ON THE TOPOMAX (topamax), WILL I EVENTUALLY LOOSE ALL MY HAIR  PLEASE RESPOND

[tejastea63]

I DOUBT THAT YOU WOULD LOSE ALL YOUR HAIR.  YOU DO GROW HAIR BACK.  HAS IT ALREADY HAD THAT SIDE EFFECT ON YOU?  JUST BECAUSE IT HITS SOMEONE ELSE LIKE THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT WILL DO THAT TO YOU.

I AM AN EPILEPTIC THAT USED TO TAKE A MASSIVE DOSE OF LAMICTAL AND TOPAMAX, 1000 MG/DAY OF EACH ONE.  I HAD BRAIN SURGERY, SEIZURES STOPPED, GOT WEANED OFF THE TOPAMAX AND CUT THE LAMICTAL WAY DOWN.  EVEN ON THAT HIGH DOSE OF THE TOPAMAX, I DIDN'T LOSE MY HAIR.  OF COURSE I DIDN'T LOSE WEIGHT EITHER BECAUSE I HAD TO EAT SO MUCH TO KEEP FROM GETTING SOME OF THE OTHER SIDE EFFECTS, BUT IT CUT MY SEIZURES WAY DOWN WHILE NONE OF THE OTHER MEDS I TRIED HAD.  YOU JUST HAVE TO CHOOSE WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT.  I JUST STARTED BACK ON A LOW DOSE OF TOPAMAX MIXED WITH MY LAMICTAL AGAIN BECAUSE OF SIGNS OF AURAS (PART OF EPILEPSY) SHOWING UP, RELATED TO ME GOING THROUGH MENOPAUSE AND I CAN'T TAKE HORMONES.  IN JUST OVER 3 DAYS A VERY MINOR DOSE, 25 MG/2 DAY, STOPPED THAT.  IS THAT WORTH THE CHANCE OF SIDE EFFECTS FOR ME.  YES, IT IS.  THIS MED DOESN'T HIT ME AS HARD AS SOME OF THE OTHER ONES I TRIED, NOR DOES IT AFFECT ME LIKE IT DOES SOME OF THESE OTHER LADIES EITHER.  GOOD LUCK!

[Bckyc101]

Just wondering how fast is the weight lose , I have been on depakote for 8 moths and gained 40 pds . I hate it . My sister did the same thing , thanks

[Stace23]

My doc. just put me on 25mg of topamax for headaches due to a car accident that i was in back in Aug. My Son was on topamax after he had a seizure and was in a coma for 7days. We took him off the topamax because he was so loopy. I havnt started taking it yet iam soooo..... scared. I hate that loopy feeling! As for the tingling i already suffer for tingling in my fingers due to the accident as well. I wonder if this will make it worse? At what dosage did you guys start feeling these side effects? Like i said iam only starting out at 25mg but iam sure my nurologist is going to up my dosage. The only side effect that sounds positive is the weight lose. Can anyone help me with my concerns?

[revins]

So, are y'all doing these seizure meds to actually lose weight???  I saw this under weightloss and HAD to ask this question!  I just remember how happy we were to get our little boy off of seizure meds after years of horrible seizures and all the bad side effects he's just now overcoming from the meds (including liver and kidney problems)... I can't imagine anyone actually wanting to take them, weightloss or not.  I mean, after all, they're for nerve blocking in the brain and can really change things (sometimes for the worse).  Really, honestly.... just curious.

[opie678]

Has anyone found a supplement that helps the hair loss after going off of it? I know that everyone's suggested Biotin to Evening Primrose, but has any of it worked and how long after stopping the drug did it take to regrow your hair? I look at my temples and it seems as though the follicles of my hair are spaced farther apart. I can see through to my scalp which is alarming!  I've only been off of Topomax (topamax) for a couple of weeks, and the major shedding has stopped. But my hair breaks off or rather snaps when I brush it. I'm guilty of flat ironing, but I'm stopping that and only doing it on the weekends (you know,... when it counts). But I'm getting super anxious about its regrowth. I've been on and off of Topomax (topamax) since 2005. I hope that it doesn't take as long as that to get out of my system! I'm starting to eat boiled eggs (which has biotin) and more meats. But the time it is taking (yeah i know... only two weeks) is making me crazy.

[mom2seanaiden]

I agree with revins.  I can't believe how many people are considering Topamax for the weight loss!  This is a serious drug with serious side effects.  
My doc prescribed it to me for migraines.  I used to get about 4 or 5 a month.  I have been on Topamax for 6 weeks, 25 mg 2x a day, and I have not had a migraine in a month.  This drug is wonderful.  It is not without its side effects.  I have lost my appetite, but I also feel groggy sometimes, and I have noticed the brain fog, like not being able to remember the name of a very familiar place or what I ate for dinner the night before.  I have not noticed any hair loss yet.  
I started watching my weight and eating better about 2 months before I started on Topamax, so I can't say that it has caused any significant weight loss.  However, what brought me to this post was that I am recovering from surgery and I am eating more to regain my strength.  Despite this, I am still losing (or at least not gaining any) weight.  So I figured I'd check out to see if it could be a possible side effect of Topamax. I was surprised to see that it could be.  Anyway, I agree with the others that if this works for your migraines or seizures and the only side effects are hair loss and/or (happily) weight loss, then it's a good trade.  I don't think there's any medicine out there that is without any side effects.  Good luck.

[kristen1nv]

Does anyone take Wellbutrin XL with this? How is that working out?  I am concerned as take that also.

[scarson]

I have been on top Amax since Feb., I have very slowly worked up to 100mg.  The side effects have been tolerable but I went from 25 to 50 very quick and the side effect were bad: Brain fog, no appetite, tingling, insomnia.  I went from 50 to 75mg,  5 weeks later and 75 to 100mg 4 weeks later, working up slowly does help with the side effects.  Over time I have found most of my side effects subside:  I take it for nerve pain and complex migraines.  I did experience weight loss but not loss so far,  but I do take daily vitamin and extra supplements  plus making sure I drink Ensure and a V-8 everyday to  keep myself health.  I didn’t need to lose any weight.  I also cut all alcohol out with the exception of the occasional glass of wine with we are out to dinner with friends….  (Mostly so I don’t look like a party pooper) and anything carbonated taste awful.  I still had 13 migraines last month,  so the neurologist is still trying to get me on the correct dose.   But I also have two lesions on my brain from my migraines so what’s one more…..LOL

[smile38behappy]

in 2002 i was put on topamax after a car accident.Basically my dr. had put me on some meds that made me gain weight,I was upset because I was fat,so I told him to put me on something to make me lose weight.That was when he first put me on topamax.I was only on it for 1 month,because at the time it was not aproved for headaches,and I had insurance,and they declined to pay for it after the first month,anyway,i did expierence some weightloss with no side effects in that time.Since then I have gained weight on my own,and do not have insurance,but I have purchased topamax(generic form) online but do not remember the correct way to take it for the weightloss,i do remember that they were supposed to be started gradually,and yes i am willing to take the risks to lose the weight as i do know that topamax works.Can someone please tell me the proper way to take topamax for weight loss?? Thanks so much.

[lovinglea3]

I work in a Psychiatist office, and our Dr. prescribes it all the times for our patients for weight loss. I am also on it. I boyfriend was in Iraq (now fiance) and I wanted to lose weight before he came home. Well, that did the trick. I am on 200 mg @ night. It helps me sleep at night and I wake up feeling good. That is how he told me to take mine. My mom is also on it and she takes hers at night. She has lost alot of weight too. So, try taking at night. Hope that has helped you out.......
lovinglea3

[Brookelynn]

Hi my name is Brooke I've been on Topamax for about 2 weeks now just started the 50 mg and now I've been in the loopy stage and the tired stage as well.  Just waiting for the losing weight stage!!!  How long did it take to lose at least 10 lbs once you hit 100 mgs?  Did it take that first week?  I walk a lot so I am hoping it doesn't take that long.  I would like to lose a good 50 lbs.

[mtexas]

by:mtexas
please help. I just started taking Topamax due to migraines. I"vebeen taking 25 mg 2 times a day for about a month now and I'm beginning to feel the tingling, but that's all. I have no other side effects. My migraines are gone! I feel like I can live again. My children see me smile and I can work and do things without pain. I'm just worried about my hair. Do you think that 50 mg a day will eventually shed my hair? I don't plan to take more than this dosage. I'm so scared to stop taking it, but I don't want to loose my hair. Tell me what you think.

[Brookelynn]

So far I started my 100mg a day stage 2nd day not so tired anymore haven't noticed any hair loss as of yet though.

[Plane]

I have suffered from migraines since I was 7 (I am now 38).  I have tried most of the prophylactic drugs out there and I get Botox every 3 months in my scalp and neck (works well but expensive).  I tried topamax for 2 weeks and had headaches every day.  I was also on wellbutrin, lyrica and lamictal for migraines.  I am off all of the meds now so I decided to try topamax again. (The Botox works well but I still have a few migraines) I would be willing to actually shave my head if the topamax works.  Migraines have affected my life so negatively that hair is a small price to pay to be “normal”. I plan on giving it more of a chance this time.  For anyone that has insurance to pay for Botox, I highly recommend it.  Migraines from 5-6 a week to 1-2 a week and those were half as severe as regular.  I hope the topamax can take care of the 1-2 I still have.

[WHFTalbot78]

Hey!

I started on topamax approx. 1 month ago for nocturnal seizures on a dose of 25mg daily and have gradually gone up to 100mg daily.  I have been on the 100mg for about 2 weeks now.  I have had both the seizures & migraines for about 4 years now (I am 30); the topamax has been wonderful for the seizures, but am still getting migraines pretty much daily.  Just wondering how long it was before everyone noticed the difference for migraines on the higher dosage?

As to the hair loss, I have not noticed this.  Previously, I was losing hair in massive quantities & my family doctor recently did some blood tests & noticed that my iron levels were really low.  I have since started taking an iron supplement, as well as a calcium & vitamin D supplement (as topamax can cause osteoporosis) & have noticed that my hair loss has decreased.  My weight has also started to decrease, but I do not find that it is due to appetite suppression, but everyone is different!

Thanks & good luck!

:) Helen

[MsAbbylicious]

It took about a month and a half after being on 100mg of Topamax for me to see a decrees in my migraines. I used to get them about 3 or 4 times a week. I still get them, but they are less often, less intense and do not last as long!

Just stay with it... and they will go away! For me, Topamax is the only thing that has helped my migraines, and i would definitely say that all of the benefits out weigh the side effects.

Good luck and I hope the migraines go away!!

Abby

[yisa]

I have been on Topamax for about 5 months.  I was previously on Lyrica, which caused about a 5 pound weight gain.  I stopped that because it made me feel confused and started Topamax. I went from 135lbs to 115lb in the past few months.  The weight is falling off faster than I can control.  I plan to tell the doctor, but the loss is so dramatic at 5'8" that I look anorexic all of a sudden!  Any suggestions?  Topamax is controlling the weekly migraines well and I would hate to stop taking it, but I don't want to disappear!!
Thanks!  
Yisa

[djdude]

I am taking 75mg of Topamax daily and have been for about 3 months due to severe migraines. The drug along with weekly visits to a chiropractor for neck adjustments seem to keep the headaches at bay. I have experienced no hair loss.I have lost weight however I am on a high protein / low carb diet and I exercise daily so I wouldn't say topamax is the reason in my case, willpower is. My only complaint is I feel stoned all the time, brain fog. It has never gone away. I have a lack for words in conversation and am living in a spaced out fog.

[angel118]

that i dont agree with  , that med is whats causing ure weight loss, there are so many people on that 75mgs and losing weight without even trying , why would you be the only one that the med not causing weight loss , well at least how can you say its not ?

[dizzyg]

I personally have been on it since may and am now on 200mg and have lost 5lbs. it doesn't help me lose weight and believe me I'd look great 50lbs lighter. My biggest side effect is that I'm groggy all the time. ALL THE TIME. Ugh. But my headaches have improved.

[denise5]

I just started 200mg, my eye is constantly twitching now, my hair has thinned, weight has never been an issue for me in my life, but I do struggle holding a healthy weight now and do have stomach pain now.  Without Topmax, I would have 2-3 migraines a week, with it, I can go a month to month and a half with out one, then when they start they are slowed down and less intense.  I find I lose words, and am much more forgetful now.  It is frustrating in my job, and home life, but what am I to do?  Living with migraines is much worse and I cannot imagine going back to that.  The fact that everyone is so worried about losing a few pounds when they should be worried about gaining some quality of life back is astounding.  Not every medication works the same on everyone.  I am just happy that I can exercise, work, and participate in life in general.

[joel28]

I take 600mg of topamax for seizures a day and I have never expierenced hair loss but have lost 20lbs. I have been on topo for a year and a half but i do get extremely tired for a 19 year old.  Also during the begining of taking topo i had speech problems like could not find the right word or the word was on the tip of my tongue and just did not know it. Know these words were common words that was the hard part. People thinking that you do not have any vocabulary at all.

[teefa]

just started 25mg of topamax for bipolar but would'nt mind shedding a few extra pounds. how long before you see weight lost?

[draegunfly]

For my "topo-friends" with hair loss:
  Andrew Lessman has a vitamin called Healthy Hair skin and nails.  It's amazing.  It has plenty of biotin and quite a few other vitamins that are necessary for hair growth.

For my "dope-amax" friends:
  I saw this on another site and thought I'd try it.  Buy that old Simon game and play it daily.  It really works.  Because you have to remember which order to hit the lights/sounds it helps stimulate the neuro pathways and helps keep the "dope" at bay.  Ginko bilboa helped me with the fogginess.

Good luck and I hope these remedies help you as well as they did me!