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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: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by bandcher on Sat, 2005-03-26 - 00:56
Hello, how are doing?  I'm alright.  I read about your weight loss problem, and I really can't say that I have an answer for that.  I just started having seizures just 4 years ago when I was 19, and they still don't know what the problem is.  I have had the lobectomy (brain surgery)  and all other stuff, but still not much.  But, I have to ask a question about the Topomax.  You know, I feel like I have taken almost every med out there for seizures, but I still have not tried Topomax.  I too have complex partials, and I saw that it looks like the Top. may be helping you out.  That is fabulous.  I just want to know how it's going with the pill and if you yourself think it's the pill or, something else maybe.  I don't know.  Cause I am always willing to try something new if it would help with my seizures.  So, if you could just let me know a little about the pill, that would be great.  And, to add on, if it is still helping you, that is wonderful, I am happy for you.  Until then, take care and hopefully hear from you soon.  Take care,     Cheryl 

Re: RE: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by bschnelle on Mon, 2009-07-13 - 16:15

Hi Cheryl, I have been taking topomax for about 3 years and it takes a little getting used to but after that it's no big deal just part of your everyday. I started out on 25mg twice a day and now I'm at 400 twice a day but I usually take it right before bedtime just because. The side effects effect everyone in everyones own way it's all how you want to look at it, if your having a bad day and want to blame it on the medicine- and say it causes moodiness- then go ahead and blame the pills, or just say hey I had a bad day I'm in a mood. Some things I don't think you can get around are the tingling hands and feet but that usually goes away if you get up and do something. Hair loss but not a ton just like when you brush your hair when it's tangled. The loss for words can be a problem at first but after you get used to it no problem it's better than a loss for words because of your tongue being all chewed up. I just started having seizures about 6 years ago and have tried about every pill you can name, topomax is by far the best one yet I think. It's worth a try. the weight loss thing is not a problem you don't have much of an appatite but just as long as you eat at least one meal a day and drink something you'll be fine. like I said it's all how you look at it.

Bree 

Hi Cheryl, I have been taking topomax for about 3 years and it takes a little getting used to but after that it's no big deal just part of your everyday. I started out on 25mg twice a day and now I'm at 400 twice a day but I usually take it right before bedtime just because. The side effects effect everyone in everyones own way it's all how you want to look at it, if your having a bad day and want to blame it on the medicine- and say it causes moodiness- then go ahead and blame the pills, or just say hey I had a bad day I'm in a mood. Some things I don't think you can get around are the tingling hands and feet but that usually goes away if you get up and do something. Hair loss but not a ton just like when you brush your hair when it's tangled. The loss for words can be a problem at first but after you get used to it no problem it's better than a loss for words because of your tongue being all chewed up. I just started having seizures about 6 years ago and have tried about every pill you can name, topomax is by far the best one yet I think. It's worth a try. the weight loss thing is not a problem you don't have much of an appatite but just as long as you eat at least one meal a day and drink something you'll be fine. like I said it's all how you look at it.

Bree 

Re: RE: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by missjulianne on Sun, 2010-01-31 - 19:23
I eat whatever I want and my weight does not go above 125lbs, I have lost 10lbs on topiramate. Makes you wonder what its doing to your body if it causes you to, lose weight/not be able to gain weight, have really bad body odour, acne, eye problems(pallinopsia) your hands feet,  and face tingle, memory loss, concentration problems, speech problems, hair loss....ahem.

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