Is It Safe to Use Topamax (Topiramate) for Weight Loss

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Lily L. Pyle

Is it safe to use Topamax (Topiramate) for Weight Loss? Well, Topamax is mainly an anticonvulsant medication. It is used to treat :

  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Epilepsy and Seizures
  • Nerve Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Migraine
  • Headache 
  • Borderline Personality disorder

Although Topamax is not FDA-approved for weight loss doctors prescribe it for those who want to lose weight. It can promote weight loss along with a healthy diet and take side effects into consideration. It is not primarily used as medicine for weight loss but it helps in many ways which indirectly results in weight loss. We will see those ways in the below article so stay on the page.

How Topamax (Topiramate) Helps in Weight Loss

Topamax (Topiramate) is not FDA approved drug for weight loss but many doctors prescribe it off-label to help patients with obesity. This drug helps in many ways to lose weight which we are going to see below: 

  • Boost metabolism

Topamax (Topiramate) boosts the process of metabolism which helps in weight loss. 

  • Ketosis

Topamax causes irregular shifts in insulin levels that cause ketosis. In Ketosis body uses fat as a fuel which helps in weight loss.

  • Reduces the Production of Saliva 

Consumption of Topamax reduces the production of saliva which alters the taste. Loss of taste in turn reduces the appetite which makes you eat less. And if you eat less, you are less likely to gain weight. 

  • Loss of Appetite

Topamax suppresses the appetite, which helps in weight loss. 

  • Disorientation

Disorientation is the probable cause of Topamax which makes you forget to take your meal thus helping in weight loss. 

  • Alters Hormone Levels

Consumption of Topamax (Topiramate) reduces the stress hormone Cortisol Leptin which regulates the appetite, a decrease in Leptin makes you feel less hungry.

What are the Side Effects of Topamax (Topiramate)

Topamax has mild to severe side effects. Here is the list of side effects that should be taken care of :

Mild Side Effects 

  • Common cold
  • Numbness
  • Tingling in arms and legs
  • Fatigue 
  • Dizziness
  • Stomach problems
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight Loss
  • Fever
  • Impaired taste
  • Speech problems
  • Slow mental and physical activity
  • Nausea
  • Sleepiness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Insomnia

Severe Side Effects

  • Allergic reactions
  • Hair loss
  • Mood changes
  • Decreased sweating
  • Kidney stones
  • High level of acid in the blood
  • Brain swelling
  • Eye side effects
  • Depression and Suicidal thoughts

Side Effects in Children

  • Respiratory infections
  • Ear infection
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Decreased sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite

Is Topamax (Topiramate) Safe for Weight Loss

According to the above discussion Topamax (Topiramate) is not a medicine for weight loss but it has good results for reducing weight. If you can tolerate the side effects of this medicine it can be of great help for losing weight but remember the side effects both mild and severe to keep a close look on your health. Research suggests that by taking Topamax you can lose around 11 pounds in 4 months. You should be well aware of the side effects and take proper consultation from the doctor before starting it. 

Even if the medicine is great for weight loss but this medicine is not a lifelong substitute for achieving weight loss. Instead adopt healthy eating habits, lifestyle modifications, exercise, and workout plans which will not only help in reducing weight but also keep you healthy, fit and energetic without any side effects. Moreover, this habit of healthy eating and lifestyle change will help you to sustain a healthy weight and change your perspective towards life even in difficult circumstances which will help you to deal with the problems at ease. 

Topamax (Topiramate) Weight Loss Timeline

According to studies you can see the visible changes in 4 months. Though some get results after a month so it depends on person to person. You can shed around 11-12 pounds in 4 months if you are taking it. If you want to lose weight then take a doctor’s appointment and consult about the Topamax medicine. The doctor will initially prescribe 25mg per day and later he may increase or decrease as per the patient’s medical history and weight loss target. 

Note: You may gain weight after stopping Topamax, so it is always advisable to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to sustain a healthy weight otherwise you will surely return to your baseline weight.

Who Should Strictly Avoid Topamax (Topiramate)?

 If you belong to any of the groups please avoid taking Topamax or do consult your doctor if you want to start with it :

  • People suffering from osteoporosis
  • People suffering from Kidney disease
  • People suffering from suicidal thoughts
  • People suffering from depression
  • People suffering from liver disease
  • People suffering from lung disease
  • People suffering from metabolic ketoacidosis
  • People suffering from eye diseases like glaucoma 

Conclusion for Topamax (Topiramate) for Weight Loss 

As per the above article, it is clear that you can lose weight with Topamax but it has side effects too. Make sure you do follow the following things along with the medication to promote weight loss and maintain a healthy weight a balanced diet, adequate sleep, staying stress-free, exercising regularly, avoiding unhealthy foods, drink plenty of water. As you are likely to gain weight after stopping the medication so I would suggest you follow these tips to get the best results. Hope this article was helpful, thanks for giving your precious time. Stay tuned for many more articles. Please like, share, and follow us. Till then bye! Stay healthy and fit!

 

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