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

[gorawyn]

I am on topamax, and lamictal as well. I am using it for bipolar, both medications. I take 150 mgs of lamictal and 75mgs of topamax. I have found that the side effects of both meds go away after awhile and dont effect me so much if I take them before bed and not in the morning. I have lost about 16 pounds to date. I have been on the lamictal for about 3 months, the topamax for 2. I have not noticed any thinning of my hair, and I am an honors student at Texas State University, and have not had any difficulty in my classes, so no cases of the stupids.

[redpixie]

My Topamax update....I started Topamax 12 days ago.
I am now on 100mg at night and 50mg in the morning. My head (brain) remains pretty clear, thank goodness! I have trouble every now and again finding a word but it's not too bad. My energy is quite low sometimes and I find I really need a nap after work as my job is quite mentally demanding. I found that the medication I take for my fibromyalgia was interfering with the Topamax being completely effective. I have stopped my fibro meds. (I don't want to be on those forever anyway). The pain gets pretty bad sometimes, so I'll have to see how it goes. Since then, I have noticed that I have lost my appetite. I have to force myself to eat. Food has lost it's taste and appeal. I just don't seem to desire it the way I did. I can't believe the difference. I know I have to eat because I need the energy. I try to force in the veggies, and fruit and gluten free bread with peanut butter since it's the most palatable. I would imagine that in a few weeks I will see some weight loss. The pins and needles has increased in my fingers, but that doesn't bother me at all. That's pretty much it for side effects. So far, so good I think. Time will tell. I plan to stay at this dosage for another week.
Blessings to you all.
Red Pixie

[redpixie]

Well, one week later and on 50 mg in the am and 50 mg in the pm. I still have an appetite. I get some mild "pins and needles" in my hands, lips and tongue. It feels like there are particles in my water when I drink it, but that's just the prickles I feel on my tongue....very weird. I hate to admit it, but I am anxious to see the weight loss. I am losing some hair, but not enough to worry about. So far my brain is intact but my energy level is a little low. I read on a previous post that someone wrote "be patient for the weight loss, it takes time". I am going up to 75mg at night on Saturday. I sure hope it happens soon! a couple of pounds anyway...something would be nice! I am eating healthy and staying on course no matter what. Can anyone relate to my impatience? Is there ANYONE out there where it took a few weeks before the weight started to decrease???? if there is PLEASE let me know. Thanks...
Blessings. :)

[tallgirl27]

I forgot to mention that I am (was) a huge Diet Coke drinker and since taking the Topamax is tastes horrible so I have also quit drinking pop and drinking more water which I think is obviously helping with the weight loss.  I am trying to change my diet too.  I have been an athlete all my life and have had some knee surgeries preventing me from playing volleyball which hasn't helped my depression since it has been my passion.  Thus the weight gain.....  At 6ft tall and 240 lbs something had to change. The migraines and the extra weight on my knees.  Now that the migraines are resolved and no more weekly trips to ER, I am now working on the weight.  I am not experiencing the side effects others have stated other than not much of an appetite.  Keep you posted!

[tallgirl27]

I have had a long history of migraines... thought they were resolved about 4 years ago with my neurologist and they are back.  I am taking Cymbalta for depression and my Ob-Gyn put me on Topamax for my migraines since my Imitrex wasn't working at all anymore.  I felt like a million bucks almost instantly!!  The migraines gone!  My appetite is dimished.  I have lost weight but haven't been on the scale yet.  My doctor wants me to call back in a month with my weight to keep monitoring me.  I first started out with 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg at night for the first week and then 25 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night for the next and so on until I reach 100 mg total per day. All I know is I am sooooo excited to not have migraines and need to lose weight after working 70 hours a week for the last year and half sitting at a desk!!  No other side effects for me!!  I will keep you posted!

[Debbie101672]

I have been on it for 2 months at 75mg a night and I will be going to 100mg a night this week and have not lost any weight but I think I have lost inches, how long does it take to see a change. Do I need to be taking the full 100 mg or more for a long period of time to be seeing results? Do I need to up the dose to 200 mg? And what vitimins should I take for my hair I do not want to loose my hair.. my hair is damaged allready it wont grow and it breaks off really easy  and I dont know if it has anything to do with these pills it just keeps getting shorter and shorter.