Topamax (Topiramate) usage, dosage, and side effects for weight loss
Topamax is a type of medication used to treat epilepsy. It has FDA approval for the treatment of migraine prevention and seizure disorders. But weight loss is a typical side effect of this medicine. Topamax has been examined for its possible efficacy and safety for weight loss in numerous trials due to this side effect.
- Topamax is only FDA-approved for use as a weight-loss drug in combination with the drug phentermine. The Qsymia brand is the name given to this combo. Although using Topamax alone to lose weight is possible, this is regarded as an off-label use.
- Topamax is frequently used for weight loss even though it is off-label. 63% of medical professionals who answered a poll from 2012 said they recommend Topamax for weight loss.
When someone has obesity, Topamax (topiramate) may be used off-label to aid in weight loss. Additionally, it is a component of the FDA-approved weight-loss drug Qsymia, which also contains phentermine.
- According to studies, persons taking Topamax typically lose about 11 pounds. Generally speaking, more weight loss occurs with higher doses and longer usage periods.
- Topamax for weight loss most frequently causes unusual skin sensations (such as burning, tingling, or numbness), changed taste perception, and slower thinking and movement.
The following conditions can be treated with topiramate, a prescription anticonvulsant drug also marketed under the trade name Topamax.
- Partial-onset epilepsy
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures that first appear (grand mal)
- Alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder
- Prevention of migraines
- Weight control
In order to treat seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, topiramate may also be taken in combination with other medications.
 |
| Topamax (Topiramate) for weight loss |
What dangers come with using Topamax to lose weight?
Although Topamax has been used to manage weight loss in some people with binge eating disorder (BED), it does not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In fact, those who take it run the risk of developing disordered eating habits.
Topamax risks for rapid weight loss
- Mineral and vitamin deficits
- Muscle wasting
- Malnourishment
- Slower metabolism
It may sound unusual, but one of the medications that is frequently prescribed for weight loss is not FDA-approved for that use. opamax (topiramate), a seizure drug, also has a beneficial side effect that many patients appreciate: weight loss. Topamax is frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss since studies have shown that it can help you lose weight by lowering your appetite. However, it's not a miracle cure. There may be a number of negative side effects from this medication, some of which may be severe. Continue reading to learn more.
Does Topamax help people lose weight?
According to studies, between 6 to 17 percent of persons who take Topamax experience weight loss (National Library, 2021). According to a review of research, obese patients who took Topamax for at least four months shed an additional 12 pounds on average than the placebo group (Kramer, 2011).
How exactly Topamax helps people lose weight is unknown. However, it's believed that it might reduce your appetite, making you eat less food. You might feel fuller more quickly as a result. According to studies, those who take Topamax lose an average of just over 11 lbs (or around 5 kg) less than those who take a placebo ("sugar pill").
Additionally, Topamax has been demonstrated to increase insulin sensitivity in patients taking antipsychotic drugs like olanzapine (Zyprexa), an antipsychotic. Topamax aids in preventing or reducing weight gain, which is frequently observed with this family of drugs.
What does Topamax do?
The FDA has given Topamax (topiramate) approval to treat migraines as well as seizure disorders (such as epilepsy). Some doctors prescribe Topamax off-label as a weight loss drug because one of the negative effects is a reduction in appetite. Qudexy XR, Topiragen, and Trokendi XR are some other popular brand names for this medication.
What Topamax dosage is ideal for weight loss?
Topamax does not have a recommended dosage for weight loss. According to studies, the recommended daily doses of Topamax when taken alone range from 64 mg to 400 mg. Although doses at the higher end of this range are more likely to cause negative effects, they may also cause more weight reduction.
The beginning dose for Qsymia is 3.75 mg/23 mg (phentermine/topiramate) by mouth once a day for 14 days. Once a day, it is increased to 7.5 mg/46 mg (phentermine/topiramate) by mouth. Your healthcare practitioner may adjust your dose based on how you're reacting to the drug after 12 weeks (3 months).
Each person will require a different dosage of Topamax in order to lose weight. Finding a dose that is both safe and effective for you might be done in collaboration with your healthcare practitioner.
How long before Topamax starts to work?
Weight loss was shown in studies as early as one month (4 weeks) after taking Topamax. According to studies, the more weight you lose the longer you take it. Additionally, larger doses appear to cause greater weight loss.
After around six months, other weight-loss drugs can also lose their effectiveness. With Topamax, however, it doesn't seem that this is the case. Even 24 weeks (about six months) into the therapy program, weight loss seems to be continuing.
What time of day is ideal for Topamax use?
Should I be concerned about Topamax's adverse effects?
- Issues with focus and memory
- Being uneasy
- Mood swings
- Mouth arid
- Vision changes
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Topamax shouldn't be used by anyone.
- Suicidal ideas or actions
- (Weak or brittle bones) Osteoporosis
- Renal or liver issues
- Metabolic acidosis (excess acid in the blood) in the past
- Glaucoma
- Topamax could harm a fetus as well. If you're expecting a child, you should discuss the pros and cons of taking Topamax with your doctor to see if it's right for you.
Topomax use for weight loss may be harmful to your health.
According to research, using Topamax poses a health risk, particularly for people who have a history of eating disorders or are predisposed to disordered eating. Seven teenagers who started having eating disorders after using topiramate were evaluated in one case study. Three of the subjects experienced eating disorders during the commencement of their Topamax treatment, three already had eating disorders, and one was in eating disorder recovery. While a few of the teenagers also engaged in purging and bingeing, all of them showed the same core symptom of dietary restriction.
- The FDA has given Topamax approval to treat the following conditions (National Library, 2021; FDA, 2012):
- Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which aberrant brain activity results in seizures or other strange behaviors.
- Migraine headaches, which frequently occur as throbbing migraines on one side of the head,
Topamax can also be used "off-label" to treat other ailments, which means the FDA hasn't given it the go-ahead for those applications. If a medical professional determines that a drug is the best course of therapy for their patient, they may prescribe it for an unapproved application.
Symptoms of Topamax
Topamax frequently causes the following negative effects (Fariba, 2021; National Library, 2021):
Paresthesia, sometimes known as tingling or prickling,
- Modification of flavor
- Topamax's negative effects can be severe:
- glaucoma with myopia (nearsightedness)
- vision issues
- Acidosis metabolism
- high amounts of blood ammonia
- difficulty focusing or thinking
- Nausea
- Confusion
- memory issues
- difficulty speaking
- Depression or emotional issues
- Suicidal thoughts
- drowsiness or exhaustion
- skin reactions that are severe, such as a rash or blisters
- renal stones
- decreased body temperature
- hair fall
Topamax dose
The following Topamax dosages are available (National Library, 2021; Medline Plus, 2021):
- 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets
- 15 mg and 25 mg capsules for sprinkling
No particular dosage is advised for using Topamax for weight loss as it has not received FDA approval for that purpose. Based on your medical history, current physical state, and other variables, your healthcare practitioner will suggest a dose for you.
Cautions for Topamax
Topamax shouldn't be used by expectant mothers because it raises the baby's risk of congenital abnormalities, particularly cleft lip and cleft palate.
- Permanent vision loss may result from the uncommon but possible Topamax side effects of acute myopia and glaucoma.
- When metabolic acidosis, which occurs when the body produces too much acid, is severe, it can cause shock or even death.
- Topamax is one antiepileptic medication that can worsen suicidal ideas or actions.
Effects of Topamax
- Antiepileptic medications can lower the blood levels of Topamax when used with phenytoin and carbamazepine. Valproic acid combined with Topamax may result in decreased body temperature and elevated ammonia levels.
- Inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase: Topamax is one of these. It can raise the risk of metabolic acidosis and kidney stones when combined with other similar drugs (such as zonisamide and acetazolamide).
- Alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants should not be used with Topamax since they both have the potential to cause CNS depression.
- Combination oral contraceptives (birth control pills): Topamax may reduce the effectiveness of combination oral contraceptives.
- HCTZ, also known as "water pills," is a diuretic. Combining it with Topamax may result in dangerously elevated Topamax concentrations.
- Lithium—Lithium is used to treat mental diseases like bipolar disorder. It can enhance the blood levels and effects of lithium when taken with Topamax.
Amitriptyline: This medication is used to treat depression. It can significantly raise amitriptyline concentration when used with Topamax.
When should you discuss Topamax with your healthcare provider?
Talk to your healthcare practitioner about your options if you're considering using medication to help you manage your weight. They can assist in figuring out whether Topamax is an appropriate choice for you.
Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are taking Topamax and experience any side effects that are interfering with your regular activities. They might need to modify your care.
It's crucial to remember that sudden weight changes over a short period of time can also be a sign of illness. Inform your healthcare professional right away if you experience sudden, severe weight changes.