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topamax and weight loss

Fri, 09/15/2006 - 21:59
Has anyone or have someone that experienced that Topamax side effects include weight loss. If so, is there anything being done to gain weight. My Alexia, 16 is underweight and is being teased at school. She weighs 93 pounds (called aneorxia) and I am reassuring her that she is just fine and it is one of the side effects. karen

Comments

Re: topamax and weight loss

Submitted by GodivaGirl on Thu, 2006-09-21 - 20:07
Hi There: I am 32, but went on Topomax at age 27. Now, I've added in Keppra (hoping to go off Topomax in the new year) Weight loss is WAY more common than weight gain with Topomax. At my age/height/weight I was glad to loose a bit, but it got frustrating feeling sick all the time. Here's what I did. I drank a TONN (and I mean LOTS..) of Gatorade. It gave me energy, and it put some elecrolytes back in my system. Avoided dehydration as well. Gradually, I worked up from Gatorade to Gatorade+Campbell's chunky soups. Those were okay, and still not too much. Then meals were the gatorade, soup, crackers & a muffin. It takes time, but after a good 6-8 months I adjusted. Are you from Ontario at all? Dunno how popular this place is, but I'd also suggest stopping by Booster Juice - expensive but their energy boost drinks, some of the cookies and power bars might be good. I actually still get a lot of stuff from Booster Juice after I hit the gym to loose weight I'm putting on being on Keppra. Also, pick up a blender (if ya don't have one) and a book on smoothies and fruit juices - you can make some great all natural juices that won't make your daughter feel sick & she'll get some calories out of those. I did that during the summer while on Topomax the 1st year. Dunno where you're from, but it's getting a little cold for that in Ontario. Hope this helps. Erin

Re: topamax and weight loss

Submitted by Stephanie007 on Thu, 2006-12-21 - 03:28
My 6 yo daughter has been on Topamax since October and weight loss has been a huge problem for her. She was thin to begin with - 40 pounds - but dropped to 34 pounds. Her appetite is just non-existant. You know a kid's not hungry when she doesn't want ice cream! We have been using Pediasure and Instant Breakfast to supplement her meals - I give her 8 oz at breakfast and dinner and she's gained a couple of pounds back, but we really have to force her to eat at times.

Re: Re: topamax and weight loss

Submitted by alexia mom on Mon, 2007-01-01 - 21:46
Dear Stephanie: Thanks for the reply regarding your six y.o. situation with Topamax. My new mother-in-law (former CNA) suggested that I put Alexia on multi-vitamins to increase her appetite. I am not real big on vitamins, but I tried it. Bought generic brand and she eats like a pig now but hasn't gained any. May be trying your daugther on a chewable vitamin my help her. It wouldn't hurt to try. Alexia did do the instant drinks for a while then got tired of them. I completely understand her situation. However, we do have quacks for doctors that seems to think her underweight may be "depression." I wish you luck.... keep me posted. karen (alexia mom)

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