topomax for weight loss?

afrelichde · 01-05-2004, 12:38 AM

My endo asked me to consider topomax for weight loss... as far as I can tell, it's a seizure medication! I read that one of the side effects of the drug is reduced appetite, so I guess that's why he recommended it.

Does anyone have experience/input to offer? Or alternatives I could discuss with him?

I'm trying it on my own for 6 months before taking meds... IR diet/ part of the June Challenge (see Diet & Exercise board)

Adoption Momma · 01-05-2004, 01:15 AM

Ironically enough, I started it Friday for weight loss!!! Yes, it's a seizure medication. My aunt has seizures and was on it and lost 40-50 lbs within 4-5 months on it. My dr. said it's been used as a weight loss pill for years in Europe and is supposed to be getting released as a weight loss pill in the U.S. With my insurance it cost $25, my maximum co-pay, whereas an actual "weight loss medicine" would probably cost me $80-$100. I've already noticed a decrease in appetite. This morning I had a bowl of mini-wheats. I maybe ate 2/3 of it. Other than that, I've had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread and a dessert size plate of nacho chips with taco meat and toppings.

I've also been craving water, which is unusual for me. I stay thirsty instead of hungry.

Stacie M · 01-05-2004, 01:56 AM

DH was put on it for headaches and was on it for quite a while. The doctor picked it specifically above other daily headache meds because of it's weight loss factor. However, my husband didn't lose any weight on it

.

He ended up going off of it because it caused him memory problems (they cleared up after being off of it though).

GOOD LUCK! I used to work for a neurologist (the same one my DH went to) and ALOT of people take it for headaches or seizures, and many of them do have weight loss.

StaciieM

afrelichde · 01-05-2004, 01:56 PM

Thanks ladies! I'm going it on my own for now, but I appreciate your input. We'll see how well I do in the next six months, I'm learning a lot about the low-carb life, syndrome x and PCOS. Hopefully I'll be able to put that knowledge together and get myself healthy again!

so-tired · 04-13-2004, 02:08 PM

I am on Topomax myself... 4 50mg pills a day.

It is a life saver!

My cluster headaches are gone!

I have lost 20 pounds!

My pain from an accident 3 years ago is 50% reduced!

I no longer have rapid mood swings!

Unfortunately I have to pay out of pocket and the insurance company reimburses me. That costs me about $700 a month. Ouch. Double Ouch. Zing!

I have been on Topomax for only about 1 1/2 months and plan to continue as long as I can afford to shell out this money and as long as it continues to work.

I do have some side affects. I get "cotton mouth", a lil woozy when I "up" my dosage, and I get what I call "tickle tongue" when I eat sweet foods. The doc says he has never heard of the latter.... I guess I am a freak! lol!

Do be careful tho.... topomax has some eye problems associated with it. I had some major pressure about a week after I took it the 1st time and had to lower my dosage and slowly titrate up.

Good luck to those on it! It really is a wonder drug for those who need it!

terilynn112 · 04-13-2004, 08:50 PM

I have dropped a few pounds. I have to go for a blood test often, for my O2 levels. Something about it lowers it. But I find myself not eating so much. Or at least until two days ago didn't. I got pissed and dumped my bf and have been crying and eating

( Bad girl. That will stop. I am up to 3- 25 mgs tablets at bedtime, and two in the am. The goal is 4- 25 mgs at am and 4 at pm each day. Then maybe even higher, if my body tolerates. Plus soon I can start physical therapy again, as I am now almost a month post op of my anterior (thru the tummy) spinal surgery. I am actually looking forward to getting active again. I worked out in a gym with weights and treadmills and bikes 3 days a week, and on a ball and stationary bike 3 other days, now they've only allowed me walking down my road and back a couple times a day.

Take care, and good luck
Teri

Christa01 · 04-14-2004, 02:45 PM

I am on this med for Bi-Polor disorder, I take 200mg at night for sleep but also they gave it to me for weight loss, didn't see much of a help for the weight loss. They had to give me a small amout at first because it does cause cognative disfunction if they give you a large dose at first such as you won't even remember who people are, scary! And it is a drug for migrane headaches. But it is a great drug for mood swings that is why I'm on it also. I also have some of the strange side effects of tingly face and mouth during the day. But I'm on the max dose that you can take at one time.

Nita · 04-27-2004, 02:41 PM

I used to take Topomax but it was not for weight loss. I took it for migraine prevention. In addition to helping my migraines tremendously, I also lost a lot of weight. It is a side effect of the med b/c it sort of reduces your appetite. But at the same time, my dr warned me that another side effect could be weight gain so it could go either way. At any rate...you CAN NOT take that medication if you are TTC. You have to be off of the medication for at least 3 months before TTC again. Oh, and it will causing tingling sensations in your hands & feet. Once you start feeling those sensations, let your physician know b/c your dosage will either need to stay where it is or be reduced.

so-tired · 05-03-2004, 04:45 PM

I have lost another 4 pounds thanks to topamax!

Also... I notice that my tired periods have waned and now I have more energy throughout the day.

For those of you on Topamax there are some great yahoo groups (topaladies) that really have some great areas of support!

Hope you all are feeling good!