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Topamax and Weight Loss

Fri, 04/01/2005 - 21:46

I began taking Topamax for partial seizures in January, 2005. I have since lost 25 pounds (I am 5' 2" and am down to 102 lbs.). I just really have no appetite most of the time. I am wondering if others have lost weight like this on Topamax and if so, has the weight stayed off, or did you gain it back? I am 42 years old and was diagnosed with TLE in March of 2004. I took Keppra for awhile, but had breakthrough seizures and when my dosage was increased, my hair started falling out. So my neurologist switched me to Trileptal. I had terrible headaches on this med, so started the Topamax this past January. It seems to be working, though I'm a little concerned about the weight loss.

Comments

Re: RE: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by Cmc1982 on Sun, 2010-07-25 - 15:41
Hi! I just wanted to comment on Topomax and it's side effects. I was on Topomax 400mg a day for 8 years. I took it for non-epileptic seizures. I was at a healthy weight on it with a good diet and exercise regime. I experienced the usual side effects of trouble putting things together in my head, tingling, loss of appetite and some hair loss. I went of Topomax in November of 09 and within about 4 months I gained 30lbs. I was even training with a personal trainer three times a week! I just couldn't slow down the gain. I am now seeing an internist for some other medical problems and he has said that there is rebound gain. If I had been aware of this I may have switched meds awhile back. I am really disappointed that it isn't talked about more in regards to ghe excessive weight gain. My advice - if you are planning to go off- follow a nutrtion plan set out by a nutrisionist to avoid excessive gain :) for those of you who have lost a lot - u will rarely continue to lose instead you will plateau and stay at a weight. Boost helps for people who struggle with eating! Cheers!

Re: RE: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by lms17 on Sun, 2010-02-14 - 16:33
Topamax was a blessing for my severe migraines.  I did experience loss of concentration and the tingling.  I recently went off the meds due to change in insurance but the migraines have become severe again.  I was reading all the negative things people were saying and trying to decide whether or not to go back on this med.  It was nice to hear something positive, because my thought at this point is ~ foggy concentration I can possibly still work with on my new job but a debilating migraine makes me unable to function.  Thanks for the positive attitude.

RE: RE: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by jeanmolson on Mon, 2005-03-28 - 21:42
Hi Cheryl,I did have a couple of break through seizures (simple partials) with the Topamax while I was working up to my current dosage, but now things are going well (except for the weight loss, which I guess isn't all that bad : -)I did have other side effects, like tingling in my hands and feet, and sometimes in my lips - how weird is that! (which I wrote about in another post). It was the worst for the first couple of months I was on the Topamax, and each time I would increase the dosage.This med also has some cognitive effects. I sometimes can't find the right word to say, I have trouble multi-tasking, and I my memory isn't so good. Hope this info helps.

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