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

[Starchick]

Regarding the tingling in your toes and fingers, try eating a banana a day- my doctor forewarned me about this side effect and told me that this will work.

[KICKERBOXER]

HOW RAPID IS THE WEIGHT LOSS?I HAVE BEEN ON IT FOR A WEEK AND HAVE LOST 5 LBS. BUT I HAVE BEEN WATCHING WHAT I CONSUME.ANY REPLY? THANK AND GOOD LUCK TO U ALL

[detra76]

I am currently on topamax for a 2nd time. The first time was back in 2007 when I first started it my doctor suggested I also start walking 30 minutes a day and i did. I lost almost 50lbs.. But I noticed the side effects. the tingling in my fingers and toes. This time around Im taking the topamax to prevent migraines yet it seems to sometimes bring them on. Also during the first week i was having terrible night sweats along with nightmares. I thought this was a lil weird but continued taking them because it was the first week. But as someone else mentioned, I also feel the light headed ness, forgetfulness.. feels so hard to concentrate at times. I called a friend who is also taking topamax but at a higher dosage and is a medical professional, she suggested since my doctor has me at the lowest dosage and twice a day try taking them both once a day.( just a personal suggestion between friends not recommending that to anyone) Im also on other medications and wonder if some of the side effects are due to a drug interaction.

[dabrick]

I began taking Topamax for migranes in July 2009, and experienced the side effects (weigth loss, tingling, forgetfulness,etc).  After the nomral 25-50-75 for the first three weeks, I've been on the normal 100mg since.
The weight loss was an added benefit - I've lost 110 lbs in a year, but since July my weight loss has ceased (I also started cardio and weight training at this time, so I'm curious if this had anything to do with it?).

[lastriegel]

I've been on Topamax for 1 month (I also take Celexa for depression). No weight loss yet, darn it. But I have experienced the tingling in my fingertips and feet, forgetfulness and loss for words. Sometimes I have to stop and think how to spell or pronounce a word.

The side effect I have that really worries me is the dizzy / off balance feeling. Sometimes when I turn my head I get really lightheaded. Or if I'm standing and I turn to walk or look at something I almost fall over. It's not the head rush feeling you get from standing up too fast either. It happens everyday more than 10 times a day. Has anyone else had this side effect?
  

[chanah]

Hi everyone,
I just started topamax two days ago however I'm a little nervous about the side effects such as  gaining weight I'm already very skinny i weigh 98 ponds i"m 5"6 my goal is to never have migraines again  because Ive been suffering 'so much i definitely don't want to lose nor gain.
any suggestions? any similar cases?