Hi, Im new to topamax and started it today I am aware that a common symptom is weight loss. From what I understand the weight loss is caused by lack of appitite so that makes sense of course you would lose weight if you are eating heaps less but a lot of other reviews say that they haven't changed the way they eat and still lose weight how is this possible? I don't really understand how to medication can help with weight loss. Should I be on a healthy diet as well whilst I'm on the topamax or sticking to my normal diet is fine? Sorry for so many questions. Thanks in advance :)
Should you eat healthy in order to lose weight on topamax?
Question posted by manda494 on 15 Oct 2014
Last updated on 16 July 2019 by onlyTwithanE
This question has also been asked and answered here: Does topiramate cause weight loss?
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11 Answers
I suffer from epilepsy due to TBI for 25 years this August. I have been on many anticonvulsants and on and off of Topamax many times.
Topamax sends signals to the portion of the brain that controls emotional eating and cravings as well as is thought to effect Leptin levels which lead to weight gain. By controlling Leptin levels weight gain is suppressed. It is also shown in recent studies that Topamax speeds the resting metabolic rate and burns fat while keeping muscle leading to the FDA approval in weight loss medications and prescription usage for obesity.
I was just changed from one anticonvulsant back to Topamax 200mg (1) q12 hours today and will keep you posted. ☺️
I’ve been on toprimate (Topamax) 50 mgs for a little over a month and a half 50 mg at night and 50 mg in the morning, I’ve been shedding pounds like crazy, I’m on it for migraines however. And I recently went through other physical problems (in August I had a MC) so my body has been an endless flow of changes, but I’ve lost literally 23-26 pounds in that time frame. I seem to be loosing 2-5 pounds a week. It depends on the person, you have to change your eating habits and add in some exercise like you would with any diet. That’s what I’ve (tried) to do. And it’s been working for me. Fingers crossed for you love, I’m praying to be in a bikini by summer and that far fetched lol
I was on topamax about 10 years ago n lost 45 to 50 lbs., for migraines the weight loss was a nice side affect, my Dr., put me back on the generic about 2 months ago I lost 7 lbs in 9 days , but was not able to take them was making me sick , so my Dr.,ordered me the brand topamax, been on them since sept. 22 ,2017 n only lost 2 lbs.,today is Oct. 12th and unlike before I have a lot of weight to loose , I'm 202 lbs ,5'2" , I'm taking 100 mg a day 50 mg at night 50 mg morning , not eating much at all don't drink soda , drink diet green tea. getting very down about this , n was on a lower dose when on the generic, won't give up , will continue maybe slow to work ,I hope
One should eat a healthy diet no matter what!
I've been on it, this is now my third week. My dose is increased by 25 mg weekly. So I just started 75 mg. I have already lost 7 lbs. It has taken away my cravings for sweets and I no longer have a desire to snack. I do eat less because I feel that my body doesnt require as much. Even if I do not feel hungry, I will still eat my meals. I drinks bottles upon bottles of water. It does take time, i was discouraged at the beginning when I lost a couple pounds then gained them right back. But as soon as my does increased that weight disappeared. Good luck.
I'm on 400mg. It took me getting on 200mg to get rid of the "pins and needles" feeling. That drove me crazy. Between November and now I've lost 55 lbs. My sister lost 40lbs on this medicine and her ex lost 60lbs. None of us changed our diets. Me personally I live on Mt. Dew. As far as kidney stones go I know they warn that they can be a side effect. I get them at least once a year no matter what and they always need surgery. I honestly wouldn't be able to say if this medicine has made them worse or not. I would definitely say with the higher doses most people lose weight but not all. I had a friend that gained weight while taking it. If anyone has any other questions feel free to ask.
How many mg of topamax do need to take to loose weight l take 50 mg of it now
I have been on Topamax since May of 2014. That combined with healthy eating, and exercise I have lost 45 pounds. In addition to the pounds I have lost many inches, gone down in clothes sizes etc. I feel great! It is worth it to stick with it :) I worked with a nutritionist to make lifestyle changes I could stick with vs drastic diets that I would quickly abandon. I use My Fitness Pal to monitor calories and nutrition. My major change was drinking water-lots of it. I walk every day for exercise, or do yoga or Zumba. Im not a gym person. I believe the Topamax has helped, but I think it is important for you to make changes as well
Thank you for your reply and congratulations on your amazing results. I have actually stopped using it as I gained an incredible amount of weight... Yep you heard right gained and on top of that I was sooooo irritable and moody it was crazy. I also use my fitness pal and I agree with you that helps a lot to as I don't like the gym either its a great way to count and log the other exercises you do.
Thanks very much for your input :)
I'm now on 100MG at night and 50MG in the morning. I did start to drink only water about 2 weeks ago. I haven't lost any weight, but I haven't gained any either. When the weather gets warmer I'll do some walking. I was really hoping the Topamax would help me lose weight. It hasn't suppressed my appetite at all. This is my 5th week taking it. So I believe I would of seen a change by now. At least I don't have any unbearable side effects to deal with.
Hi Donna I was in the same boat didn't supress my appetite either and no weight loss but I did gain... And as soon as I stopped it and got eating normally again my weight went back to normal and I stopped gaining. It's not a medication I will ever go on again.
i have been taking topamax for 10 years on and off for migraines and to help with weight loss..when i was 15 i was 155 and with a month without any change in diet or exercise i went down to 130 and stayed there.if i came off the drug i went up to about 140ish... it is one of the only drug i'll take that helps and doesn't make me gain weight..im now 25 and just started back on it again for extreme migraines and hoping to lose weight as well.i had baby15 month ago and im 156 and wanting to bac to 130 again..i did lose 70 pounds from eating healthy and im gonna continue it this time around hoping for faster weight loss..but 10 years i been taking it no problems with it all.i love it.
I also just started on topamax. I'm only on 25mg at night. I wanted to know also what is the key to your weight loss? Did you continue to eat the same and do all your regular day to day routines? Did you start exercising and eating healthy everyday? Also how long did it take to start losing weight after your 1st dose? I'm also aware of the side effects, but who don't want to lose some weight if possible while treating a medical condition?
Hi Donna I'm now on 200mg and I did change my eating habits to slightly healthier ones but I haven't lost any weight what so ever.. I also haven't gotten any other side effects either that others talk about such as the tiredness etc, the only side effect that I really got was the lack of sweating apart from that I haven't really noticed any changes other wise. I hope it helps you with what you need it for. :)
I lost 40 lbs in 5 months it took about 10 weeks to really kick in but when it did it was fast. I feel good on it for multiple reasons. Good Luck!
Hi I took topamax for quite awhile. For me it worked well. However I was getting kidney stones and they stopped it. For me I did lose some weight during that time. I don't have a great diet but I do try to eat right and go to the gym. Also I had some trouble with speech when they had me on higher doses. I hope this helps and good luck
Hi there thank you for the reply, I'm glad to hear it worked mostly well for you except for the kidney stones that must have been very painful. I have only been started on 50mg and have had my second dose and haven't had any side effects as of yet except for the lack of appitite. How long does it take for the side effects to kick in do you think if I was to get more I would be experiencing them by now? Thanks again for your help
Kidney stones are not fun. But I only had one. I have a family history of them. If you don't have that I wouldn't worry about them. As for the science around weight gain with meds I really dont know all about that. I just know I am on 2 "weight gainers" and my weight is stable. Others have made my blow up like A balloon. I am considering the gluton free diet. Whatever works I say.
I can't remember the side effects but I was on other meds at that time as well
I also have a history of kidney stones. I was on Topamax for several years and only had one stone. I took 300 mgs a day for migraines and lost over 100 lbs!
First, eating less can actually cause weight gain, or, stop weight loss as the human body machinery goes into starvation mode when not fed, thus slowing metabolism and burning less fat, no true for all, but for many.
Same goes for water, the less you drink, the more your body will retain, a huge issue for those trying to lose weight. Water is also essential for every cell in the body regardless of weight gain or loss.
As far as your diet, it's highly advised to consult at least once with a certified nutritionist, and/or do your own online research, but the one-on-one is the best source of information as to what, when and how you should eat. It makes a major difference in how you feel and how your body assimilates everything you put in it.
Normal diet? Worthy studies on Gluten, Sugar (in all its forms), artificial sweeteners, dairy, soy, etc., will open your eyes to many new facts about our bodies and how they react to these things.
Hi thank you for your reply yes I am aware that your body can go into starvation mode especially if eating less then 1200 calories for a woman I am always aware that if you do, do this than you are most likely going to put the weight straight back on once you start eating normally again. I guess what I am trying to understand is how does the medication make you lose weight? Are these people who are on it eating a normal healthy diet and due to the medication and the way it works they are still losing weight or are they simply losing weight because there appitite is less and they aren't eating there normal meals causing a substancal calorie deficit which results in weight loss? I hope that makes a little more sense.
Related topics
topamax, migraine, bipolar disorder, weight loss (obesity/overweight), topiramate
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