Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Topamax and Weight Loss
Fri, 04/01/2005 - 21:46I 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: Topamax and Weight Loss
Submitted by Greentwinkies on Wed, 2010-05-26 - 18:04
I have been prescribed Topamax for Depression/Bi Polar. I had been reading up on the side effects, and I found a comment somewhere on the internet that said taking a Folic acid suppliment, and also Vitamin C could help with some of the side effects. I hope it is okay to link from here (http://www.medications.com/effect/tag/tingling%20hands%20and%20feet) The comment made on June 19th is the one that refers to Vitamin C. I've already started drinking lots of OJ.
**edit: On further research I'm finding several different things that people are suggesting. Either way it looks like a suppliment for potasium and/or vitamin C, can help with some of the side effects.
I have been prescribed Topamax for Depression/Bi Polar. I had been reading up on the side effects, and I found a comment somewhere on the internet that said taking a Folic acid suppliment, and also Vitamin C could help with some of the side effects. I hope it is okay to link from here (http://www.medications.com/effect/tag/tingling%20hands%20and%20feet) The comment made on June 19th is the one that refers to Vitamin C. I've already started drinking lots of OJ.
**edit: On further research I'm finding several different things that people are suggesting. Either way it looks like a suppliment for potasium and/or vitamin C, can help with some of the side effects.
Re: Topamax and Weight Loss
Submitted by conniet on Tue, 2010-05-18 - 09:28
I was diagnosed with Complex Partial Seizure Disorder a little over 1 year ago. I was started on 50 mg Topamax twice a day. I was glad to start loosing weight since I have over 100 lbs to lose! The negative side was the numbness and tingling in my feet, the sense of going crazy and the word-finding difficulty. Probably the worst problem was the ringing in my ears. I had to retire from nursing on disability. After the second seizure my dose was increased to 100 mg. I was worried the ringing would get louder with the dose increase, but it didn't. I've not had a problem with hair loss. Even though I rarely feel hungry I still have to eat. I have fatigue problems already because of Myasthenia Gravis and Fibromyalgia. I thought all my hard work at dieting was finally paying off and was a little disappointed to find out it was the Topamax that was causing the weight loss. At your height, your weight is about right, but you wouldn't want to lose anymore. You can always drink your calories with juice or milkshakes if you don't feel like a full meal. I keep salads and sliced turkey handy. Breakfast is usually a glass of chocolate milk with my morning pills and vitamins; mid-morning is either yogurt or cereal; lunch is a sandwich or salad, maybe soup; supper is normally a full meal since I have to cook for my family. You may have to make yourself eat so you don't lose too much. Try to eat more calorie dense foods like milkshakes. Make your own eggnog. Talk to a nutritionist at your local hospital or look online. Don't go overboard or you'll look like me in six months! :) My weight loss has been slower. I've lost only 35 lbs and part of that was before starting the Topamax. I'm not very active which is another problem. Considering what I've read others have had to say about various seizure meds, I'll take the Topamax over the rest. It's taken a year, but I've finally adjusted - well, pretty much. Having epilepsy is not easy.