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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

Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by Maelyn on Sat, 2007-11-17 - 13:59
I know what you mean Jeanmo! I too am taking Topamax. I am now on 300 mg 2 x a day. I struggle with finding the right words or even typing! Just spelling lately seems to be hard for me, b/c of the concentration issues while on Topamax. I have lost almost 30 lbs. as well. I am 5' 7" and now weigh 121. I used to be about 140-151. I have a 5 year old. It has been a bit strange for my friends and family to watch. They are critical and and think that I am some self-conscious person, starving myself!!! When I try to explain that it's the topamax taking my apatite away, that almost everything put in front of me makes me nauseated before I even touch it, they just say "yea sure." I hate that those who have never lived with seizers or had to take Topamax really don't understand. I would take back the 30+ pounds any day, any time! If it meant I could live seizer free!

Re: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by daffyduck on Thu, 2008-02-07 - 01:57

I loved Topamax because of the weight loss issues but aside from that let me tell you what I hate about it and how it has ruined my life :

  1. Memory loss to the point that I was fired because I forgot everyone's names and could not remember my managers name
  2. Total Brain Fog
  3. My Cognative Ability was zero - so ask me to add 2 and 2 together and get the correct answer was hit and miss
  4. My family hated me because of my mood swings
  5. I hated myself because of my mood swings and the depression to the extent that I was suicidal and was seriously considering suicide
  6. I have forgotten how to spell since taken this drug

I am now trying to come off it and go onto Keppra but I understand that coming off these medications is a slow process so right now I am on 3 drugs and have to remain on tompax for goodness knows how long.  I hate, hate this drug.  I should be banned.

I loved Topamax because of the weight loss issues but aside from that let me tell you what I hate about it and how it has ruined my life :

  1. Memory loss to the point that I was fired because I forgot everyone's names and could not remember my managers name
  2. Total Brain Fog
  3. My Cognative Ability was zero - so ask me to add 2 and 2 together and get the correct answer was hit and miss
  4. My family hated me because of my mood swings
  5. I hated myself because of my mood swings and the depression to the extent that I was suicidal and was seriously considering suicide
  6. I have forgotten how to spell since taken this drug

I am now trying to come off it and go onto Keppra but I understand that coming off these medications is a slow process so right now I am on 3 drugs and have to remain on tompax for goodness knows how long.  I hate, hate this drug.  I should be banned.

Re: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by kathyrn1 on Thu, 2008-09-25 - 15:53
I just started Topamax 25mgs every night. Iwas scared to start the med. What dosage do the side effects start? Might sound weird I have noticed  that carbonated beverages taste flat. I am a Rn who works 12 hr shifts. He wants me to increase to 50mgs in a few weeks. he does not want me to take it during the day. Is everyone taking this med at night. Pls any info will be helpful

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