Topamax and weight loss

[bobbiek]

I have digenerative disc disease and my neirologist just prescribed topamax,
he said it would help with the pain and tingling but could result in weight loss.
  I am wondering if prescribing topamax for ddd is common among neurologists? I can't seem to find any other information related to topamax as a pain med, only information I have is that it's a powerful drug with lots of side effects, most not so good.
The weight loss aspect is the only plus...also could this drug alter my brain function since I know it is used for bi-polar and seizure disorder... I'd like to know more about this med both from a neurologists view and from a weight loss specialists view. before I make a decision to take this medication
Thanks in advance for any/all responses

[MimiGrace]

My dr called me in a script for topamax for my migraines. along with maxalt. The dose on the topamax is listed as take one 100mg pill at bedtime. Then i come here and see everyone talking about slowly working up to it, also the topamax websight said the same thing. Should i do that or just take what the dr prescribed?

[bri1290]

Thank you for your reply! I am so happy to hear that you actually did lose the weight a second time around. I also have been on other drugs, and found that nothing works quite like topamax does. I agree that it does come with the tingling feeling, and losing some hair, but I have been able to get my life back it seems like.

[AllisonRNinMass]

That was the case with me, when I went back on it the second time, I lost the weight I had gained while off it. I no longer have any migraines either. Many other remedies I tied didn't work on my migraines, and I carried Imitex, or similar meds with me. The Topamax has been great. As far as the weight, I believe the Topamax has been instrumental, altough as stated above, I've had other issues going on at the same time as well.

[bri1290]

Hello, I used to take Topamax for migraines in high school because my migraines were taking away from my everyday life. As most of you probably know, I was actually staying home.. I actually got off topamax 2 years ago, because the migraines stopped. They recently came back and I am back on Topamax. I have put on about 25 pounds over the last 2 years I would like to lose and was wondering if anyone has lost weight a second time around???

[bri1290]

Hello, I used to take Topamax for migraines in high school because my migraines were taking away from my everyday life. As most of you probably know, I was actually staying home.. I actually got off topamax 2 years ago, because the migraines stopped. They recently came back and I am back on Topamax. I have put on about 25 pounds over the last 2 years I would like to lose and was wondering if anyone has lost weight a second time around???

[AllisonRNinMass]

I forgot to mention, YES, I have noticed the hair loss side effect. Quite substantially actually. When I used to go to the salon they would charge me double, complaing that my hair was so thick and there was so much of it.  That never happensanymore. I live in a different state and am considered to have thin hair. I had to show them a picture of what my hair used to look like because they couldn't believe I ever had "thick" hair. If I can figure out how, I'll post 'before and after' pics.