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

[415]

i have been on Topamax for a month, I have not noticed tingling in my hands or feet but on my upper lip, has anyone alse experienced this.  I also have been on phentermine for three months so combined with these two drugs i have lost 22lbs!!

[canderina]

I have recently changed medications and I am on the topamax alone for the 1st week now without my other drug lamictal. i have noticed serious side affects such as tingling in the hands and feet, fizzy drinks taste flat to me, and I have a serious non stop dizzy feeling... did anyone else feel like this when they first started?
candy

[smittys]

Hi, Can anyone help me??? I was just started on Topamax along with keppra, lacimtal, duragesic fentyl patch (for pain - have had over 12 abdominal surgeries in 15 years). During that time I gained 55 pounds of very unwanted pounds, after each surgery I would lose the usual 10 to 16 pounds and then it would come right back on. The seizures weren't diagnosed until late last year when I was started on keppra and lacmital fairly high does.  Now my Neurologist said based on last eeg my seizures continue to worsen so instead on increasing the above (which I think I'm already on the max) she suggested we start topamax (the weight loss would be a side effect that would be welcome for a change).

My question is does anyone have any experience with other medication interactions and will the weight loss still be a factor?  Is the weight loss only a factor if you experience the loss of appetite? I have not noticed a reduction in my appetite nor have i noticed any additional sleepiness or trouble with words (I write so I would certainly notice this).

My injuries started in 1995 with a Doctor's mistake compounded by another mistake to fix the original mistake - from there you get the picture 12 surgeries in all.  The icing on the cake was the insurance for the insurance company went bankrupt - I never knew that was even possible), sorry I digress.....

So, I asking what to expect and what would be the time line and associated dosage?  that would be so very helpful.  

To all those reading may every day be a little better than the day before.  smittys

[smittys]

Hi, Can anyone help me??? I was just started on Topamax along with keppra, lacimtal, duragesic fentyl patch (for pain - have had over 12 abdominal surgeries in 15 years). During that time I gained 55 pounds of very unwanted pounds, after each surgery I would lose the usual 10 to 16 pounds and then it would come right back on. The seizures weren't diagnosed until late last year when I was started on keppra and lacmital fairly high does.  Now my Neurologist said based on last eeg my seizures continue to worsen so instead on increasing the above (which I think I'm already on the max) she suggested we start topamax (the weight loss would be a side effect that would be welcome for a change).

My question is does anyone have any experience with other medication interactions and will the weight loss still be a factor?  Is the weight loss only a factor if you experience the loss of appetite? I have not noticed a reduction in my appetite nor have i noticed any additional sleepiness or trouble with words (I write so I would certainly notice this).

My injuries started in 1995 with a Doctor's mistake compounded by another mistake to fix the original mistake - from there you get the picture 12 surgeries in all.  The icing on the cake was the insurance for the insurance company went bankrupt - I never knew that was even possible), sorry I digress.....

So, I asking what to expect and what would be the time line and associated dosage?  that would be so very helpful.  

To all those reading may every day be a little better than the day before.  smittys

[Kconcerned]

alright so I was on Topamax for migraines before (about 2 years ago) and had severe stomach cramps and diarrhea as well as extreme loss of apetite.Therefore, I lost a lot of weight. (for someone who was only 5' 1" and 96 pounds at the time, losing almost 20 pounds of bowel was not so good). My stomach pains were so unbearable and I was so depressed that I was out of school for over 6 months because the pain was unbearable. I was juggling various depression and anxiety as well as stomach medications at the same time because I as well as many different doctors couldn't figure out what it was. Because I was on so many medications at the time, we were looking to eliminate as many as we could that were unnescessary. Topamax being one of them because it was just a preventative. I was under many life changes during this time, so I have no idea what eventually stopped the stomach aches.

The most likely speculation was that it was due to extreme stress and swallowing of emotions...however, I'm wondering if it is linked to the Topamax..

Now to the present. I recently re-started on the Topamax because I am having frequent, horrible migraines. My doctor thought trying something that I had been on before would be a good idea because it had seemed to help stop the migraines. But now the excessive diarrhea and the appetite loss have enlightened my life again. Oh how happy I am! I'm proud to say that I'm 107 pounds now and have gained a substantial amount of muscle over the past 2 years. Things have been extremely stressful lately and I have no idea whether or not the Topamax could have a relation to the stomach aches and diarrhea or if it is the stress or if its a combination.

Topamax is used as a weight loss method. My ultimate question: Does anyone lose weight because they get frequent diarrhea along with extreme stomach cramps????

[ErynEF]

I get the numbness in my face, and I notice it especially in the mornings, when I am putting on makeup. Also I get the tingling in my feet. It wakes me up at night sometimes, but usually goes away after a few minutes.
I have a strange question. I've only been on topamax two weeks, but after the first week, my breasts hurt and grew. I took pregnancy tests and went to the dr, but it isnt that! Is it the topamax?