Topiramate User Reviews & Ratings
Brand names: Topamax, Trokendi XR, Eprontia Qudexy XR
Topiramate has an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from a total of 1,289 reviews on Drugs.com. 51% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 28% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Topiramate
- Hap...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 24, 2013
Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Topamax for a little less than a month and already lost 16 pounds! My doctor gave it to me for the weight loss effects and I have had no adverse side effects that I know of so far. It rates a 10 in my book!"
- Mig...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 18, 2014
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Before Topamax, I used to suffer from chronic migraines. I mean 3-4 migraines a week. Been on Topamax for nearly 3 weeks, day one 25mg instant appetite suppressant loss. 18.7 lbs in 2 weeks! Inches everywhere, food tastes good, just eat very little of it. I'm never ever hungry, but I enjoy cooking! I have energy, not bogged down with lots of medicines anymore, and not one full migraine! I'm excited to lose weight, it's actually very easy to eat healthy. It's all you crave, and I was a sweet addict. No ugly side effects as described, not on this dosage. So, I hope this has helped someone."
Frequently asked questions
- Does topiramate cause weight loss?
- Does topiramate cause hair loss?
- How long do you stay on Topamax for migraines?
- How long does it take for Topamax to start working?
- Twi...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 8, 2020
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been prescribed Topamax 25 at bedtime due to overeating and sleepless nights associated with depression and medication weight gain. I have been on it for two days now, and the cravings are still strong as ever. How long does it usually take for it to kick in?"
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 29, 2020
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Topiramate is a miracle medication! A godsend for losing weight! I have only had to be on a dose of 25mg topiramate a day, and it has hugely reduced my appetite so that I've been eating very small portions, and only wanted to eat healthy food, and I haven't been thinking about food all the time like I used to. I used to binge eat three times a day, incredibly unhealthy and have unhealthy snacks like chocolate brownies, and spent around $90 a day on Ubereats. On topiramate, I'm rapidly losing weight. I was told by my psychiatrist that I'd start on 25mg, after one week move up to 50mg then after another week go up to 100mg, and she told me all about the side effects especially memory loss. I haven't had any side effects! Perhaps because I've only needed to be on 25mg! Plus, in Australia it's extremely inexpensive. This medication has been incredible and life-changing. I wish I'd found it years ago!"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Jo ...
- September 13, 2015
Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been overweight and suffer from depression for over 20 years. I admit food was my best friend! After a hysterectomy, the doctor put me on hormone replacement medicine. I was so hungry constantly. All I could think about was eating. Then my doctor put me on Topamax, and I LOVE IT! I went from 252 lbs to now 167 lbs, from size 22 to now size 10. I have to make myself eat, never hungry, and when I am eating, I just try to eat slowly. I do drink water now because even my favorite diet soda tastes terrible. I would tell everyone to try it!"
- Lov...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 27, 2014
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Topiramate 25mg for 1 week to be exact and have lost 8 lbs as of this morning. I feel this has been my savior. I have always been healthy (no high blood pressure, no diabetes, no high cholesterol) however, I've always been obese and worked towards trying to rid myself of the weight in efforts to prevent myself from getting those diseases in the future. This has given me the kick start I need. It reduced my cravings for sweets and carbs as well as suppressed my appetite. I do eat 3 meals a day (or at least I try to when I can remember) but for the most part, I have the same amount of energy. I sleep AMAZINGLY, and haven't had any major side effects as others have mentioned. All good here!"
More FAQ
- How long does Topamax stay in your system?
- How does Trokendi XR help with weight loss?
- Are Topamax and Trokendi XR the same thing?
- What is topiramate used to treat?
- She...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 24, 2019
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on topiramate (Topamax). I take 200mg 2x a day. The only side effects I get are tingling of the fingers, loss of appetite, and weight loss. I do not get headaches, which I love. My stress level stays down, and I sleep really well at night. My 14-year-old daughter loves it, she says, 'Mom, you're nicer,' and my 3-year-old son is much easier to cope with. From my personal experience, I would keep a scale close by because it can cause rapid weight loss, or it may not for everyone, everyone is different. It did for me, I went from 150 to 118 in 3 weeks on it. To all who are taking a high dosage like myself (400mg a day), be careful and keep a close eye on your weight. That high of a dose can also make you not want to eat for 2 or 3 days at a time. There are times my husband has to make me eat something because I am not hungry, I will just drink coffee, juice, and water, and that is it. So please, just be careful."
- Aca...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 4, 2019
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok, so I've been taking topiramate 100mg for almost a year now, and I have to say this drug has been a lifesaver! Less than five months on topiramate and I quit drinking, and I've been sober now for almost a year! My eating disorder and bipolar are under control, and I can honestly say I haven't been able to manage either one in my life before. Here's another awesome thing... I've lost over 50lbs! Bad things: numbness and tingling in hands and fingers, brain fog, carbonated drinks taste flat, and when I up the dose, my temper gets very short, but the temper part goes away in about 2 weeks. All in all, I never want to stop this medicine, it's saved my life and helped me better myself as a parent."
- Mir...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 18, 2017
Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I weighed 230 pounds and felt like a cow. I started off on 25 mg 1x a day and noticed no change. So I asked doc to change me to 100 mg twice a day. I just take the 200mg at once. That's when I finally noticed a change. I've lost 45 pounds in 6 months! I'm continuing to lose and my goal weight is 160 since I'm tall so only 25 more pounds to go. I noticed at first pop tasted different but now it tastes fine. I used to love beer but now I don't want it, which is fine since it's so fattening lol. I only eat once or twice a day and the carb cravings are gone. I don't exercise much at all. I have no side effects at all. I'm so glad I found this medication, it really has been a miracle. :)"
- Hol...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- October 22, 2016
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Topamax many years ago before they even offered a generic version and before they could legally prescribe it for obesity! So, my doctor prescribed it to me for migraines because I had a slight history of migraines but she said it would cause weight loss. Oh boy, did it! I was over 200 lbs and in a size 18 pants, within 6 months I was in a size 8 pants! By the time a year rolled around, I was 103 lbs and in a 00!!! No exercise! This is a wonder drug. I felt great! I had quit smoking, cut out all sugars and red meat, minimal alcohol. This medicine affects the addiction part of the brain as well as other areas. It's just amazing! I did warn my friends that I would forget sentences halfway through; in 4 weeks no side effects."
- Eli...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 3, 2021
Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Topamax for a month today. I couldn't lose weight for anything. I was originally prescribed it for headaches, working great for the headache as well! I went back to my prescriber today, I've lost 8 pounds in a month on such a low dose, so it works, and it is absolutely awesome!"
- Par...
- January 16, 2020
Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "On Topamax, and 6 years ago I had what I thought was a seizure and spots in my right eye. The spots NEVER went away. Other symptoms of this horrible drug - ITCHING, SEIZURES, HAIR LOSS, EXTREME HOT FLASHES, EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS. My doctor never, ever cared about any of it. I quit this awful drug in October 2016. Had a minor stroke shortly after. Do not take this drug if you want to stay healthy and keep your eyesight. I filed a complaint with the FDA, and of course, they didn’t care either. This drug is a result of greedy drug companies and the FDA being lobbied to allow such a destructive drug. Doctors don’t care either. They all just keep making their money while patients end up with permanent damage that CANNOT be fixed."
- Anonymous
- February 24, 2012
Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Topamax is amazing. I originally took it 6 years ago to prevent migraines and lost 80 lbs as a bonus. At that time, my doctor and I speculated that it would someday be approved for weight loss because I was not his only patient to report changes in the taste of carbonated beverages and chocolate while taking the medication. I also noticed that I did not dream about food while taking the medication, but within 3 months of changing medications, food re-entered my dream content. I am now back on the medication to address chronic pain issues and have already found the same results in weight loss, taste changes, and dream content."
- mom...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 21, 2015
Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have struggled for years with what I thought was just a problem with controlling my hunger. I would never eat around anyone, and then once everyone was asleep, I was starved. I finally saw a psychiatrist for my ADD symptoms, and while he was modifying my medication, he diagnosed me with binge eating disorder. To my surprise, he was right. I had no control. I had always bounced on diets. He started me on Topamax 25mg, and I knew instantly it will work. It has a calming effect. I feel so full, and I am going to bed without eating for the first time in years. I am very thankful. Not every medication is for everyone. I am pleased with this one so far."
- jac...
- March 19, 2015
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am an African American woman with my natural hair. I have not experienced any hair loss. I have been on topiramate for 10 days. I am taking 50 mg, 1 pill only at night, and I have lost 8 pounds so far. My doctor recommended I take 1 pill for 2 weeks before moving to 2 pills a day. I will probably stick with the one pill because I am losing weight. I do exercise 5 days a week also, so this helps. This pill alone is not going to work, you need to get moving just a little. Treadmill 20 minutes is all I do. You can do it!!!! Good luck..."
- Far...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 3, 2013
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Topamax for around two months. I decided to go on them because I weighed around 105 kgs, I was feeling depressed and I couldn't stop binge eating. Through Topamax, I have lost 10 kgs in one month (that would be around 22 pounds). I feel so much better. My urge to binge eat is gone. I feel human again. I don't feel any side effects. I sleep better than before, I drink more water than before (as much as I should drink, before I didn't drink at all and had problems with my kidneys). When I first started topiramate, I got double vision. I read that this was a common side effect and saw my eye doctor about it. She said that it was because my vision improved a great deal. So, thank you Topamax, My health greatly improved."
- Rob...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 27, 2018
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on 50 mg twice daily. I started at 177 lb, and it had been 2 months and 2 weeks today. Today, I weigh 151 pounds and have gone from a size 11/12 to a size 7/8. While I went on this to treat migraines, the weight loss has been a great side effect and was effortless. It did change some of my favorite food tastes, and most carbonated drinks taste 100% flat. BUT I DON'T CARE."
- Ste...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 19, 2020
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was given this for sleep. I had not even heard of the weight loss aspect of this drug. Tonight I was looking at my pills to plan my vacation. The name didn't look familiar to me so I looked it up. One of the side effects was weight loss. The funny thing is tonight some family members I had not seen for about 4 weeks came by and they both asked me how much I had lost. I had just put on a shirt that didn't fit me at all 1 month ago and it was baggy. I was really surprised it fit. So I thought I must have dropped weight. Tonight I got on the scale and I was down to 295 from 313 just 4 weeks ago. I had no idea why until I looked up this drug and then it made sense. I'm only on 25 mg tablets 1 per night. Now I'm looking forward to trying on all my old clothes tomorrow."
- Miz...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 8, 2014
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking 25mg daily for the past 5 days and already lost 3.8kg or 8.3lbs. It's also been acting as a great mood stabilizer which is awesome because I have bipolar and Seroquel alone wasn't doing enough. Very happy with Topamax so far."
- BRM...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- March 8, 2020
Topamax (topiramate) for Migraine Prevention "On Topamax for 15 years for migraine prevention. Has changed my life. After trying so many things for years and having the quality of my life being severely impacted by migraines, this wonder drug has lessened the pain and nausea from a 9 to a 1."
- Kat...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 15, 2019
Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve taken this medicine, Topamax, two separate times. The first time it helped me lose weight and I didn’t have many side effects, but went off of it once I got in a serious relationship and heard it can make birth control less effective. However, two years after I got off of it, I went back on it because of my binge eating disorder and it was horrible. This time, I had side effects, I was losing feeling in my hands and feet. My face would go numb. It didn’t really help with appetite, and it started to impact my memory. I almost immediately went off of it, and I’m still experiencing memory issues. I’ll be talking and can’t remember words in the middle of a sentence. Or I’ll tell someone something and then a couple of minutes repeat it because I forgot if I said it or not. Keep in mind I’m 21 and shouldn’t be having memory issues like this. I don’t recommend it..."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 8, 2014
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on topiramate for about 10 months now and have lost almost 60 lbs. I have had no real side effects except a very dry mouth if I don't drink enough during the day while I am at work. My family doctor has been monitoring my weight loss since day one. I also changed my cooking and eating habits and stopped drinking soft drinks and no longer crave sweets unless it is that time of the month. I have been overweight most of my life and I have tried for years to lose the weight by exercising and Weight Watchers but it wouldn't come off and stay off, and now it is!"
- MsW...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 12, 2019
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After 10 days of taking this medication, I have lost 18 pounds. I take this for headaches as well. The side effects are dry mouth and confusion. I sure hope they go away, but I will deal with them. I enjoy the relief from my headaches and the weight loss. I have 60 pounds to go."
- Chl...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 10, 2020
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I can't seem to remember anything while taking this pill. I take 100 mg twice a day. Yes, it is amazing losing 2 pounds a day, but it is creepy not being able to have my memory and losing my mind, not remembering things."
More about topiramate
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- Drug class: carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsants
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Patient resources
- Topiramate drug information
- Topiramate Extended-Release Capsules
- Topiramate Extended-Release Sprinkle Capsules
- Topiramate Sprinkle Capsules
Other brands
Topamax, Trokendi XR, Eprontia, Topiragen, Qudexy XR
Professional resources
- Topiramate monograph
- Topiramate (FDA)
- Topiramate Capsules (FDA)
- Topiramate ER Capsules (FDA)
- Topiramate Tablets (FDA)
Other brands
Topamax, Trokendi XR, Eprontia, Qudexy XR
Topamax (topiramate) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Topamax for migraine headaches and weight loss. Being on Depakote, my weight had shot up 25 pounds with no end in sight. I was even craving sweets, which I had never done. After two days of Topamax, my appetite decreased noticeably. After a week, I had lost 7 pounds. By the time I had been on it for a month, I was down to 125 and still not hungry. Eating became something I thought I should do instead of something I HAD to do. When my weight dropped to 118, I stopped the Topamax, thinking, if I start to gain weight I’ll take it again. It’s been six years since I’ve taken Topamax and I weigh 130; 20.4 BMI. The results seem to last. I’m not sure it worked for my migraines, but it’s awesome for weight loss!"