Everyone loves to stay fit and fine, but weight gain is a common problem every person struggles with. WHO has stated that more than 1.9 billion adults 18 years and older are overweight. Moreover, 650 million are obese.
Being overweight can create many health problems. Fortunately, the proper lifestyle and medications can help you address obesity. It is always more beneficial to work hard physically and lose weight naturally.
Medication cannot always be beneficial to us. Topamax is one such weight loss medicine. If you have tried all possible options and are still struggling to lose weight, then Topamax can lend a helping hand to you. Let us find out how beneficial Topamax is in weight loss. Read on to know if Topamax will give you satisfactory results.
What Is Topamax?
Topamax is the brand name of a generic “Topiramate.” It belongs to the drug class “anticonvulsant.” Topamax is used to prevent migraine headaches and epilepsy (seizures). It is also used with other medications to treat seizures, like Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), partial-onset seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures. Topamax treats nerve pain, bipolar disorder, etc. too.
How Is Topamax Associated With Weight?
Topamax is not a prescription drug for weight loss. Let us find out how Topamax and weight are interconnected.
- Studies show that you will experience appetite loss or hunger suppression by taking Topamax.
- Topamax reduces the amount of a hormone called Leptin in our body. Leptin regulates appetite. When it is low, it can cause you to feel less hungry.
- Topamax induces Ketosis. Ketosis will bring down your appetite.
- Topamax may cause dizziness and disorientation, leading you to skip meals.
- Topamax may boost your body’s metabolism. Topamax burns calories more quickly, which leads to weight loss.
- Topamax may affect your taste by reducing saliva production. Loss of taste may result in poor eating.
Once you lose your appetite and eat less, weight loss is very likely.
Does Topamax Cause Weight Loss?
Yes, Topamax causes weight loss. About 6% to 17% of people consumed Topamax for an extended period, leading to significant weight loss. Children and adults both lost weight. Weight loss occurred over three to six months of treatment.
Topamax causes weight loss, but the period within which weight loss takes place varies from person to person. For some, weight loss may occur within a month, whereas it can take up to four months for others. If you experience weight loss quickly, you must consult your healthcare provider to assess the benefits versus risks.
First Study
As per Ehealthme, accidental weight loss was found among women aged 50-59 years who consumed Topamax for 1 to 6 months. 4.14% of women lost weight accidentally.
Second Study
As per a second study by Ehealthme, intentional weight loss was seen in women aged 40-49 who have been consuming Topamax for more than ten years. Only 0.6% of women have lost weight intentionally.
Is It Good To Take Topamax For Weight Loss?
Who does not want a healthy body with suitable height and weight? A deviation from this can worry you, especially if you are gaining weight. Weight, once acquired, does not go down quickly despite following the best health practices.
In such situations, medications like Topamax can be beneficial if you want to lose weight. Weight-loss pills are like double-edged swords. It would help if you were careful when you consume them.
But it can also cause serious side effects. So, be careful while consuming any medication for weight loss. Weight loss medication is never a good substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
If your BMI (Body Mass Index) exceeds 30, you are overweight or obese. You can consider medication to lose weight.
Topamax can help you lose around 11 pounds, which is 5 kg. The effectiveness of Topamax depends upon the length of treatment and dosage.
Who Cannot Take Topamax For Weight Loss?
Topamax is helpful for weight loss, but it is not safe for everyone. Few people should avoid using Topamax because there is a risk of adverse effects. If you have any of the following conditions, avoid Topamax:
- Kidney and liver disease
- Lung disease or breathing problems
- Heart disorders
- Eye problems
- Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Osteoporosis (porous bone or disease that weakens bone)
- Metabolic ketoacidosis (occurs in diabetic patients)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding infants
- Children below 18 years of age
Side Effects Of Topamax
| Common side effects | Serious side effects |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | confusion |
| Weakness | memory problems |
| Fatigue | trouble speaking |
| Diarrhea | depression |
| Lack of concentration | panic attacks |
| Burning sensation | mood changes |
| Lack of energy | suicidal thoughts |
Rare side effects of Topamax may cause eye problems, which lead to vision changes or blindness.
How To Take Topamax To Lose Weight?
Topamax comes in two forms: tablets and sprinkles capsules. You can take one dose of the Topamax tablet daily in the morning with or without food. It would help if you took Topamax at the same time every day for the best results.
Do not chew or crush the tablet. Swallow it as a whole. Drink plenty of water daily while taking Topamax to avoid dehydration and kidney problems.
Your doctor will suggest you follow a diet plan and regular exercise while consuming Topamax for weight loss. If you do not notice weight loss within 12 weeks of treatment, your doctor might switch you to a better alternative. Limit the usage of Topamax as it is habit-forming.
How Much Is Topamax Required For Weight Loss?
Topamax dosage varies from person to person. Depending on age, weight, medical condition, length, and response to treatment.
The initial dose of Topamax for weight loss is 25mg per day. Dosage should be increased gradually by observing your response to treatment.
Topamax Weight Loss Study Based On Various Conditions
- Type2 Diabetes
Obesity is a common problem in many countries. In the USA, it is estimated that 22.5% of adults under 20 years old suffer from obesity.
The study was conducted on 69 patients aged 18-75, 21 males and 48 females under observation. They made two groups of people: 39 patients consumed Topamax, and 30 took another drug.
People with Type 2 diabetes have noticed 5% weight loss by taking Topamax 150 mg daily. Thus, Topamax was more effective than other drugs for weight loss.
- Migraines
In another study conducted on 175 migraine patients around 41 years old, they consumed Topamax for headache migraine for around three months and noticed weight loss.
- Epilepsy
A study was conducted on 49 adults consuming Topamax for around one year to treat epilepsy and noticed a decline in their body mass. The patients saw weight loss within three months.
Final Words From AzDrug
Topamax is a prescribed medication used to treat migraines and various seizures. As Topamax causes weight loss, it is prescribed off-label for weight loss. Do not consume Topamax on your own. Excessive weight loss on Topamax can lead to health complications. Overall, Topamax works for weight loss. You need to monitor your weight and severe side effects, if any, closely. It is essential to supplement Topamax with a healthy lifestyle and diet plan. Topamax is not a shortcut to weight loss.
Also Read: