How Do I Lose Weight With Topamax?
-
General Information
-
Topamax, or the brand name Topiramate, is generally prescribed for epilepsy or migraine headaches. One of the listed side effects is weight loss due to loss of appetite. As with many prescriptions, Topamax can be given for off label uses. Doctors noticed that patients on Topamax began to lose weight, so they started prescribing Topamax for weight loss in patients without epilepsy or migraine headaches.
Recent Studies
-
Researchers began to do studies on overweight patients to see if Topamax did indeed help them to lose weight. Most of the patients in the study were
non-complicated overweight people, former migraine patients, those who had gained weight on antidepressants or those who were over weight due to binge eating. The researchers noticed that using Topamax for weight loss, was especially useful for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Patients in the study noticed many side effects, so the makers of Topamax, Ortho-McNeil, decided to halt further studies, but only on the regular dose. They are now researching new formulas, including a time release form of the medication. For now, the end result is that Ortho-McNeil will not list appetite suppression or weight control as an on label use for Topamax. -
How Topamax Helps with Weight Loss
-
While Topamax does not list weight loss as a reason to use it, some doctors still prescribe it for weight loss. Dosages can begin as low as 25 milligrams, but may be gradually raised till a sufficient dose is found. Some patients report that after a sufficient dose is found, the weight loss effect ceases. At that point, it is up to the doctor to decide if an increase in milligrams is called for. As of yet, researchers are not sure exactly why Topamax works for weight loss. Discuss using Topamax for weight loss with your doctor. Only your doctor can make an informed decision as to what treatment is best for weight loss.
-
