Topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) User Reviews (Page 2)
Brand names: Topamax, Trokendi XR, Eprontia, Qudexy XR
Topiramate has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 204 reviews for the off-label treatment of Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight). 63% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 17% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Topiramate
- jenna
- October 18, 2016
Topamax (topiramate) "This is an early review as I just started it on 10/16/16, but the food cravings are gone. It takes less food to satisfy me, soda tastes terrible, cigarettes taste different and bad (which is a surprisingly good side effect!), and I just feel better with less food in me. I have tried phentermine with no luck and usually had good success with natural weight loss until being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and needing a knee replacement, which keeps me from working out too much. So far, I am impressed. I'll be back in a few weeks for a weigh-in review. No side effects like others have had with mental fogginess or tingling. 25mg 2x a day. Here's hoping my 235 can become 155 again!"
- Elle
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 18, 2018
Topamax (topiramate) "3 months ago I was 259 lbs, and now I am 219 lbs. I take Topamax daily, and Phentermine 1-2 days a week sometimes, and it’s helped not only my mood but my obsessive thoughts about eating and food. I don’t sit and think about it all day long. I also had an energy drink addiction and broke it because all carbonated drinks taste flat! All soda tastes awful!! I do get bad headaches if I miss a dose. Don’t miss your pills. I used to get bad headaches weekly but not since taking this medication - they don’t come around anymore. I’m topped off at 50/twice a day, but I’d happily take 100/twice a day. I do get brain farts, but after 3 months it’s not as bad."
Frequently asked questions
- Does topiramate cause weight loss?
- Does topiramate cause hair loss?
- How long do you stay on Topamax for migraines?
- How long does it take for Topamax to start working?
- Losin...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 25, 2017
Topamax (topiramate) "I'm definitely losing weight extremely fast with this medication. I took 25 mg at night the first 30 days and I'm now on the start of the third month at 50 mg at night. Also, 37.5 mg Adipex every morning. With Topamax, I CANNOT eat. Everything I eat makes me sick. It definitely changes your sense of taste and smell, which has pretty much stopped my smoking. So, there are huge benefits, just the side effects can be a little unbearable at times. I've lost 28.7 pounds in 2 months."
- Steph
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 19, 2015
Topamax (topiramate) "I am extremely obese. My starting weight when I started taking Topamax was 289.0 lbs. I weighed myself every few days. I started for one week taking 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg in the evening. Now I take 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the evening. I'm also eating right - veggies, fruits, and snacks. This medication is making me lose at least 13 lbs since Jan. 5, 2015, and today I'm 276.0 lbs and it's Jan. 19, 2015. In that short amount of time, that's a good amount of weight to drop. So thank you, Topamax!"
Are you taking this medicine?
- Reene...
- May 16, 2016
Topamax (topiramate) "First started Topamax in 2013, lost 30 lbs on 75mg in 3 months. Topamax 25 mg 3 times a day with 30 mg Prozac once a day. Weight went from 278 to 248. I am a 65-year-old female, obese all my life. Had experimental Lap-Band surgery in 1979, gained all weight back. Tried everything and gained back all weight every time. Can't take diet pills as they make me too jittery. After three years, stopped Topamax due to minor memory loss, which I thought was embarrassing. Stayed on Prozac 30 mg and gained all weight back and more, up to 291. Now I am really depressed. Came off Prozac and am back on Topamax 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg at night only. Have lost 3 lbs in one week. So happy. Would rather walk and feel better physically than remember someone's name."
- Jojo
- December 31, 2019
"I started topiramate for headaches due to head injuries. I was also overweight, at 290lbs. My neurologist started me on 50mg of topiramate and I lost 40 lbs. Awesome for weight loss, but the headaches are still there so I got upped to 100mg. Then I lost another 50lbs, I was so happy. But my headaches were not leaving me alone. So I got upped to 200mg and that's when everything stopped. It was done, and I have gained back the some of the weight that I had lost. Still on the 200mg but I'm not losing any weight."
More FAQ
- How long does Topamax stay in your system?
- How does Trokendi XR help with weight loss?
- Are Topamax and Trokendi XR the same thing?
- What is topiramate used to treat?
- FINALLY...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 1, 2022
Topamax (topiramate) "I used food to fix everything in my life, my entire adult life. Have lived in a fat suit my entire adult life. 2-18-2022 (270lbs) I was given Topiramate to try for weight loss because I was tired of trying stimulants that caused high blood pressure which I only needed to take yet another pill for. grrrrr. It has now been 11 days. I went to the same Dr. office, but to see the PT this time. Snuck over to the scale...(260lbs!) 10 LBS in 11 DAYS!! WOW! I FEEL FREE OF THE SHACKLES OF FOOD! THANK YOU TOPIRAMATE"
- Anonymous
- November 5, 2019
"I’m just starting topamax for weight loss after a 60-pound weight gain from abilify! My current dose is 25 mg in the am and 25 mg in the pm. So far, so good! No serious side effects! I already feel my appetite starting to decrease. I have yet to weigh myself, but I think I feel a bit of a difference. I’ll post an update later."
- npa
- February 7, 2016
"I AM BACK......6 months gone! I'm at 162 pounds and I just started taking 200 mg, still no side effects my migraines are gone...am happy!!!....Good luck to all of you.>>>>"I started this medication August 1st at that time I weighed 208 pounds today is the August 17 and I weigh 200 pnds and I'm only taking 50 mg I am supposed to go up to a 100 mg...I would say it's working for me, no side effect yet!...I will keep you informed!!! Thank you."
- Anonymous
- July 8, 2010
Topamax (topiramate) "I was on Topamax for almost 3 years, was prescribed it for severe migraines. The weight loss was a side effect, a nice one though! I didn't need to lose much to begin with, maybe 20 lbs or so, and I started to notice that I went from the 140s to the 120s. I am now off this medicine as I have been migraine-free for almost two years and the only bad thing I can say is that the weight comes right back on if you're not watching very carefully. Also, HUGE side effect was the medicine caused my body to not sweat, which caused severe overheating. It's a less common side effect, but a very super important one to be aware of."
- Liz
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 2, 2019
Topamax (topiramate) "Two weeks ago my Dr. Prescribed topamax to help aid my weight loss and help me reach my goals. All was well until last Friday every food and drink except for water and Gatorade made me nauseous and sometimes vomit. Constant constipation or raging diarrhea. None of the foods or drinks had much taste. No appetite but growling stomach . My feet were constantly tingling. I started getting dizzy and blacking out. Horrible breast pain and just felt horrible. It was the lowest dose prescribed so I stopped it last night and have an appointment tomorrow morning. The more I researched the drug it's horrible for your body eyes, digestive system, urinary system and reproductive system to name a few. Just not worth it!"
- Shelly
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 31, 2018
"I have been on Topiramate for 9 months and have lost 50 pounds. I have been fortunate to have very little side effects. I take 25mg 2x a day but we are considering an increase. I also took phentermine for several months and then I switched to Vyvanse. I have had BED and food addiction my entire life and I am almost 48 years old. I do Weight Watchers and I walk on a treadmill 5-6 hours a week. For the first time in my life, I don't think about food constantly and I can identify when I am full; it is such a strange feeling. I have always known there was something wrong in my head that kept me from losing and keeping weight off, and I am glad I found a doctor that listened to me and knew how to help me. I will probably be on these medications for the rest of my life but I am okay with that, at least I feel that way right now."
- AVano
- July 18, 2018
"I started taking 25 mg of topiramate 2x a day for migraines 4 months ago. My doctor told me it could also help me lose weight, which would be an added benefit because I was about 50 lbs overweight at the time. I should also add that right now I’m on 50 mg 2x per day, and that’s the dosage that is helping me with weight loss. I wasn’t losing weight on 25 mg. I have to say that when you first start taking this, there are some weird side effects (the tingling hands and feet were the worst for me) but they do go away with time. I did get a little bit of the brain fog that people talk about, but it really wasn’t too bad, but I wasn’t on a very high dosage. I can imagine it could be bad on a higher dosage. Anyway, since I’ve started taking this, I haven’t had one migraine, whereas I was averaging 6 per month before. And as for the weight loss, I have lost 20 pounds without even trying. When I eat, I get full much quicker than I did before. I am averaging weight loss of 1.5-2lbs per week now."
- connieg
- October 22, 2014
"I have ADD, and with that, I have no self-control over food; I've battled weight my entire adult life. My psychiatrist prescribed me topiramate. It's been 5 days today, and I'm down 8.5 pounds. Side effects are I feel pretty weak doing everything, fatigue; I've been getting hot a lot, and I work outside. I just hope and pray these issues go away because the topiramate really works great controlling the cravings. I'm never hungry; I love it."
- Smart...
- July 20, 2009
Topamax (topiramate) "I've been on Topamax since March 2009. I've lost 75 of the 110 pounds I need to lose. The side effects are annoying, and in the beginning, I really wanted to quit the medication. But as I've lost the weight, I've actually been able to decrease the dosage so a lot of the side effects have decreased as well. Some of them are easier to live with than others. The paresthesia has mostly subsided, but I do still struggle with memory lapses. I quit drinking all carbonated beverages because I do not like the way they taste. That has probably helped with the weight loss anyway. Overall, I am quite pleased. I am also pleased to read that others have been able to maintain their weight on this drug."
- Anonymous
- June 12, 2019
"My experience with topiramate is that I am between those people with no side effects. It is so cool I had to remember to eat ,or rather to get nutritions because I have no cravings at all for anything. This month with no trying I lost 10 pounds, and because of my depression meds I previously kept gaining and it started scaring me crazy."
- Feel...
- February 8, 2017
"I had blown up from taking Lyrica. 600mg daily for well over 2 years. Weight went from 260 to 327. I had a spinal injury. I told the doctor I am tired of this weight, mostly all around my midsection and upper chest. He put me on topamax 25mg at bedtime for one week then up to 50mg at bedtime. OMG, I lost so far 30 pounds in less than 3 months. I went from a 52 waist to 44 and still dropping fat like crazy. I just don't have the desire to eat. All that food I was pigging out on, I totally stopped drinking pop; it tastes like metal. I am going to start walking around the block soon and exercise to really get back to my ideal weight of 235. Wish me luck. I see folks complain of tingling in fingers. I had that, but I took a BC powder with Gatorade; it worked."
- Hello
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 17, 2019
"One year ago I weighed 265lbs. I started Vyvance for binge eating disorder. I lost 60 lbs. 3 months ago the Vyvance began not working as well as it had been so by doctor started me on topiramate. Brain fog was really bad and when it wore off in the afternoon the exhaustion was overwhelming. However, I did really help with the constant thoughts of food and binging. I just left my doctor and I was switched to Qudexy XR (extended release form of topiramate) to get rid of the afternoon crash. Weighed in today at 199lb. I also suffer from Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and with that depression and recently, anxiety, along with PTSD from childhood abuse and my job (Medic). Overall, I'm kind of a hot mess, but I've finally been able to loose weight which I've struggled with for a very long time. So I'll take it!"
- J Riley
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 10, 2017
"Started weight 287 lb and in three months dropped down to 227 with normal life activities. Never thought I would see that again. I tried the gym but never could get there with my knees and the weight I had gained."
- Tasch...
- February 3, 2016
"I was prescribed Topamax for migraines, but I have had weight loss being on it. I take 50mg twice a day. I had the same problem with the pop; it tasted flat (still have). I had (have) the tingling in certain body parts and the tired feeling at first. I started taking them July 2015, and by January 2016, I have lost 40 lbs. I was 190, and am now 147 and going down every day! The only thing that I have changed is I drink water. I eat whatever I want; some days I eat more, some days less. I used to go through a 12-pack of Mt. Dew a day. It was hard at first, but I honestly don't mind now. Because when I look in that mirror every morning, it's worth drinking that bottle of water."
- sfears
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- November 28, 2015
Topamax (topiramate) "When I first started taking Topamax, it was prescribed to me for the prevention of migraine headaches. A couple of years later, I now take 200mg in the morning and 200mg at bedtime, and since February I have lost 51 lbs... 282 down to 232 and still losing more!"
- Amand...
- January 14, 2016
Topamax (topiramate) "I have been obese my whole life. I have struggled with diets and exercise and eating and starving. I have gone as far as having weight loss surgery. EVERYTHING has only been temporary. My new doctor has recommended Topamax. I currently weigh 282.6. I have started out on 25 in the morning and 25 at night. In 1 month I will go in for my follow-up. Has anyone else tried everything else and completely failed? My doctor says it could be my genetic makeup. But anyway, I plan on keeping a record on here of my journey for myself and others to follow. Thank you for your support."
- mommy...
- September 15, 2011
Topamax (topiramate) "I have been battling my weight since I was pregnant with my first son, who just turned 2. I was 165 when I got pregnant with him, and on the day I went in to have my second son (who is 5 months old today) I weighed 270. I just took my first 25 mg dose of Topamax last night. I am addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper and can't even stand the taste. Not hungry either, so I'm hopeful that this medicine will work. I also take Celexa and Tenuate. I don't know if it's the combination, or just the Topamax, but I am feeling kind of 'floaty' today, in a sense. Maybe this will improve with time."
- misin...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 29, 2018
Topamax (topiramate) "My Dr. has just prescribed me Topamax for weight loss. I'm the biggest I've ever been at 223lb. I have always had the tendency to be heavy as I have fought my weight my entire life but now it's becoming threatening to my health. My doctor said the "foggy" head side effects and kidney stones etc are so rare that it's worth trying. He said that the tingling of hands and feet are the most common side effect and they tend to subside. Is this true? Reading some of these reviews has me scared now but my dr seems like it should be fine. I'm confused. HELP"
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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Topamax (topiramate) "I have never had the feeling of being full and have fought obesity since childhood. I had a successful gastric bypass in 1980 (but with serious lifelong medical complications) and lost 170 lbs after the operation. Over the years, I've gained and lost up to 70 lbs but never held a steady weight. I saw a psychiatrist 6 years ago (for other reasons) and shared this with him. He told me about Topamax and explained that it did not work in everyone, but had with some of his patients with true food disorders. He started me at 5mg/day and increased the dosage by 5mg/week. When I reached 150mg/day, I noticed that I consistently pushed my plate away or stopped eating when I was full. It has been a miracle, and my weight hasn't varied more than 5 lbs in 7 years."