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Avatar universal

Topamax

I could easily get a prescription for Topamax as I have migraines and my doc and I talked about it at our last visit.  I would also LOVE the weight loss side effect.  Anyone that has or is taking Topamax - does it make you feel nervous?  Does it make your heart beat faster and/or palpitations?  I have anxiety so I can't use it if it will make me more nervous.  Anybody have bad side effects from Topamax?
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Avatar universal
I also have been taking Topamax for about 6 years (I am 27) for my seizures.I take 450mg/day to control my epilepsy. As high as the dosage sounds, I have adjusted to most the side effects after many months, if not years to find what meds are best for me. I still have problems with remembering things and the "sudden loss of words", and confusion at times, ordeal all the time- and sodas still taste horrible. I did lose around 15- 20lbs when i first began Topamax, which I was concerned about considering I am 5'1 and dropped to 92lbs. But now my weight has leveled out for my size. As for the memory concerns-  My suggestion for anyone who has these symptoms and wants to continue on this drug is to keep a planner and a list of "things to do" on hand at all times. I still can not live with out my planner or my notebook I carry on hand all day-  of course I have always been one to have a planner... There is hope- I promise.
However, I would not recommend this drug just for weight loss simply because the side effects aren't worth going through for a short term period. Good luck!  
Helpful - 0
5350050 tn?1366750910
i am new to this site and i just read ur post..i know it was made years ago. i know it is not a good idea for ppl to take this med jus to lose weight or any other medication for that matter because of the severity of the side effects. but in that being said..i am someone who has struggled with my weight my entire life and have done every diet in the book..and healthy eating and exercise..life changes do work yes..however, this medication is prescribed now for eating disorders mostly bulimia and binge eating disorder; and thats why i have been prescribed it. I have binge eating disorder so im hoping this medication, at a low dosage, will hopefully help me with my urges in my binging and my obsessions with food and the depression and much more that comes along with it. I dont expect or even want this pill to make me lose the weight even though i have about 50lbs to lose, i want it to assist me into controlling my disorder and allowing me to make healthy choices and not just some quick fix.
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Avatar universal
I started on Topamax only a few days ago.  I am taking it for migraines and hoping to lose weight as well.  So far, I have not lost any weight.  I sort of believe that the reason it works for losing weight is that it makes people lose their appitite which for me is really not going to help a lot.  I do not over eat and already have to remember to eat.  The Topamax is making me a little quesy so I am probably already eating a little less than before.  I can tell that I am having a little trouble remembering some tasks that I would do on a regular basis on the computer and that is worrying me.  I am still on a verly low dose because I am in the "building up" phase.  I really hope this works.
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Avatar universal
I do not know what Topamax you all took or have taken but I have been taking it for some time now and yes, at first it was weird but that is why my doctor recommended I took it at night while I slept.  Yes, I still had tingling and I was forgetful during my tappering of the medication, but I finished my Bachelors, my Masters in Science and now half way through my PhD. and I love not having migraines.  Yes, I lost 30 pounds and I not only stopped having the killer migraines but I look good and still continued my studies, which I thought (according to all the stories I was hearing) would have to drop out of school.  I am so blessed because in my family we have lost several to Aneurysms and I didn't want to be another statistic in my family.  Topamax has been a blessing for me and my family.  I have no issues.  It is crazymax at all.  TAKE IT AT NIGHT NOT DURING THE DAY PEOPLE---HELLO!!!!
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Avatar universal
I'm 22 and I've been on Topamax since November.  I'm losing my ever loving mind!!!  One of my friends is a doctor and when he found out that I was going to start taking it, he didn't want me too...he refers to it as Crazymax, and I now understand why.

It has helped with my headaches.  I don't have them every day like I did have, and I have lost some weight.  I wouldn't recommend taking it just for the weight loss though.

I finally got my appetite back when I started working out again, before that I was to the point of eating 1 meal a day...and having to force myself to eat all of it.

I have to make lists all the time, or put things in my phone so I don't forget.  I forget where I'm going.  I'll be driving down the road and begin trying to figure out where it is that I'm going, because I've forgotten.  There have been mornings that I've washed my hair 2-3 times in the shower because I don't remember doing it.
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Avatar universal
after you adjust, your appetite returns to normal as does your metabolism.  It works great for migrains.  I have suffered since I was 12 (44 now)  and this is the first drug to really help.  I notice mild symptoms of what others complain about but nothing significant.  try it....you can always stop
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Arlington, VA
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