{"id":605431464242,"title":"Topamax for Weight Loss: Is the Drug Dangerous?","created_at":"2023-05-20T23:38:11-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Topamax for Weight Loss: Is the Drug Dangerous?\",\n \"keywords\": \"topamax, topamax for weight loss, topamax side effects, topamax ruined my life, topamax weight loss, side effects of topamax, topamax dosage for weight loss, topamax and weight loss, side effects topamax, topamax generic, generic topamax\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes medical studies on the seizure drug Topamax and its effects on weight. We document side effects of the drug, explain the effective dosing range for weight loss and feature a segment from The Doctors show discussing this drug.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/topamax-for-weight-loss-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Auren Weinberg\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/auren-weinberg\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/aurenweinberg\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"Medical Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"pharmaceutical medication, medicine, OTC drugs, medical research, clinical trials, generic drugs, branded drugs, dietary supplements, chemistry, health, wellness, healthcare\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"Haverford College\",\n \"University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry\",\n \"Fox School of Business at Temple University\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Topamax_For_Weight_Loss_Thumbnail.png?v=1684640696\",\n\"width\": \"2565\",\n\"height\": \"2565\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21438989\/\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21684121\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5958908\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9264038\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9420653\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK554530\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/comments\/topiramate\/topamax.html\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6415809\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/topamax?label_override=topamax\u0026form=tablet\u0026dosage=25mg\u0026quantity=30\u0026slug=topamax\",\n\"https:\/\/costplusdrugs.com\/medications\/topiramate-25mg-tablet\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31174214\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25636220\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"seizure\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FDA\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"topiramate\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"Topamax ruined my life\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"StatPearls\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"The Doctors\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Drugs.com\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"GoodRx\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Cost Plus Drugs\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-05-20\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ], \n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Topamax_For_Weight_Loss_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1684640303\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDisclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to weight loss medication or supplementation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eT\u003c\/span\u003eopamax is a seizure medication that’s used off-label by some individuals for weight loss. While the drug is not FDA-approved for the treatment of obesity, users claim the drug can cause significant weight loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut is Topamax actually proven in research studies to cause weight loss? Does the drug have any dangerous side effects? How do real users rate and describe the effects of the drug for weight loss? And what do doctors think about using Topamax for weight loss?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we review medical studies on Topamax for weight loss to give our take on whether the drug is likely or not to be effective for this outcome.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll review side effects of the medication and feature real, unsponsored reviews from individuals using Topamax for weight loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs Topamax Proven to Cause Weight Loss?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTopamax is the brand-name version of a drug called topiramate. These terms refer to the same active drug ingredient and we’ll use them interchangeably throughout this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis medication has been studied for its effects on body weight changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21438989\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eObesity Reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal analyzed data from 10 clinical trials on Topamax that track body weight changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe researchers found that, on average, patients lost 11.77 pounds while taking Topamax\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e compared to taking placebo. The average trial length was between 16 weeks and 28 weeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAnother \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21684121\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e on the weight loss effects of Topamax concluded the following:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“[Topamax] is able to induce weight loss, especially in high baseline BMI patients.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe medical reviews above predominantly analyzed results from clinical trials on Topamax in adults. But the weight loss effects have also been shown in adolescents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2015 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5958908\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e examined the body weight changes from Topamax use along with lifestyle changes in severely obese adolescents. The average age of trial participants was slightly over 15 years old.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe average reduction in BMI after 6 months of Topamax treatment was 4.9%.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBased on the available research, we consider Topamax likely to be effective for weight loss in adults and adolescents. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, we want to be very clear that this drug is not FDA-approved as a weight loss drug, which means there may be risks involved in using it for that reason. We would strongly urge patients to speak with their doctor prior to taking this drug off-label for weight loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut does Topamax cause side effects? We’ll review in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs Topamax Dangerous?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTopamax does cause side effects in some patients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9264038\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e on the drug published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePharmacological Research\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003edescribed the most common side effects as dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbances, ataxia, mental slowing and impaired concentration.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAt the time of publishing this article, there is no FDA black box warning for Topamax, which is required by the regulatory organization when a drug may have life-threatening side effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2022 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9420653\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e reported that Topamax can also have eye-related side effects, some of which are severe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAccording to the above-linked review, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ethe medication can cause choroidal effusion syndrome, angle-closure glaucoma, myopic shift, retinal problems, uveitis, visual field defects, myokymia, and neuro-ophthalmology complications.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis suggests that patients with existing eye-related issues should discuss their pre-existing eye conditions with their doctor prior to using Topamax.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGiven the lack of a black box warning, Topamax seems to be somewhat less risky than some prescription medications we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health, but it can still cause serious side effects. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNearly 10,000 people per month search “Topamax ruined my life” in Google at the time of publishing this article, according to SEMRush data.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut how do real users rate and describe their experience taking the drug? We’ll feature some unsponsored reviews in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal, Unsponsored Topamax User Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA TikTok creator named Melissa Jones explains why she stopped taking Topamax even after losing 100 pounds:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@melissakjones\/video\/7223058943445323054\" data-video-id=\"7223058943445323054\" style=\"max-width: 325px; min-width: 325px;\"\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" title=\"@melissakjones\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@melissakjones?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e@melissakjones\u003c\/a\u003e Replying to @tired_ewok \u003ca title=\"fyp\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/fyp?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#fyp\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"topamax\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/topamax?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#topamax\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"memoryloss\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/memoryloss?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#memoryloss\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"majorweightloss\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/majorweightloss?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#majorweightloss\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca target=\"_blank\" title=\"♬ original sound - Melissa Jones\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7223058940987296555?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e♬ original sound - Melissa Jones\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cscript async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA TikTok creator named Kendall Lauren shares some of the side effects she experienced from Topamax:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@kendall.lajewski\/video\/7213072872045038890\" data-video-id=\"7213072872045038890\" style=\"max-width: 325px; min-width: 325px;\"\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" title=\"@kendall.lajewski\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@kendall.lajewski?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e@kendall.lajewski\u003c\/a\u003e Replying to @frogjorts 🥹🥹🥹 \u003ca title=\"foryoupage\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/foryoupage?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#foryoupage\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"fyp\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/fyp?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#fyp\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"chronicheadaches\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/chronicheadaches?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#chronicheadaches\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"migraines\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/migraines?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#migraines\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"topirimate\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/topirimate?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#topirimate\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"topomaxsideeffects\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/topomaxsideeffects?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#topomaxsideeffects\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca target=\"_blank\" title=\"♬ original sound - Kendall Lauren\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7213072935215532842?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e♬ original sound - Kendall Lauren\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cscript async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat Dosage of Topamax is Used for Weight Loss?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe daily dosing range described in the first medical review on Topamax that we cited was \u003cstrong\u003e96 milligrams (mg) to 200 mg.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe dose used in the adolescent trial was 75 mg per day. Typically adolescents take lower doses of prescription medication than adults.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThese doses are actually lower than the standard Topamax dose for seizure patients, according to a StatPearls \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK554530\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ereview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e that describes the dosing range as 200 mg to 400 mg daily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Doctors Show Discusses Topamax for Weight Loss\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA segment on the popular “The Doctors” show discusses the rise of off-label Topamax for weight loss use, as well as the risk, and is only 5 minutes long:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Z7F5aaYK-bE\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal Patients Review Topamax\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDrugs.com is a resource that allows users to rate and describe the effects of prescription drugs they’re taking. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe average review of Topamax for weight loss \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/comments\/topiramate\/topamax.html\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eon the site\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is 6.6 out of 10, which interestingly is higher than the average review of the drug for seizures (5.8\/10).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top positive review comes from a user named “Sunny” who claims the weight loss was a favorable side effect after taking the drug to prevent migraines:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“After two days of Topamax, my appetite decreased noticeably. After a week, I had lost 7 pounds.\u003c\/strong\u003e By the time I had been on it for a month, I was down to 125 and still not hungry. Eating became something I thought I should do instead of something I HAD to do.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top negative review is written by a user named “Kate” who gives Topamax a 1-star rating and claims to have experienced side effects:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“This time I had side effects I was losing feeling in my hands and feet. My face would go numb…And it started to impact my memory. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eI almost immediately went off of it. And I’m still experiencing memory issues. I’ll be talking and can’t remember words in the middle of a sentence. Or I’ll tell someone something and then a couple of minutes repeat it because I forgot if I said it or not. Keep in mind I’m 21”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs the Generic Version of Topamax Better?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe generic version of Topamax is called topiramate, as we discussed in the first section of this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGeneric drugs are as effective and as safe as brand-name drugs on average, according to an extensive 2019 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6415809\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e that analyzed data from over 2 million patients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis makes sense, given that both generic and branded drugs contain the same active drug ingredient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFor patients considering Topamax, we would recommend speaking with your doctor about generic topiramate instead, because it should be equally effective and may be significantly cheaper (especially for those without health insurance).\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGoodRx \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/topamax?label_override=topamax\u0026amp;form=tablet\u0026amp;dosage=25mg\u0026amp;quantity=30\u0026amp;slug=topamax\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ereports\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e the current retail price of Topamax (25 mg) to be over $200 at the time of publishing this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCost Plus Drugs sells generic topiramate (25 mg) for $3.90 (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/costplusdrugs.com\/medications\/topiramate-25mg-tablet\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThat’s a potential cost savings of 98%\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e from using the generic version of the drug.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCan Food Supplements Cause Weight Loss?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Fiber_Powder_Image_Optimized_c891713a-daf9-41c1-b6b7-0085eebd2ef2.png?v=1664683615\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are several food-based weight loss supplements with significant research backing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003eietary fiber\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is associated with weight loss in clinical trials, especially when combined with caloric restriction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31174214\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003elandmark medical study\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e found that moderate caloric restriction (750 calories per day below baseline) combined with dietary fiber intake (a minimum of 20 grams per day) caused an average weight loss of 16.03 pounds over 6 months. That’s a pace of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e32 pounds per year\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of weight loss in overweight individuals simply by adding fiber to a moderately-restricted-calorie diet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fiber supplement we recommend is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=2011129\u0026amp;u=3153363\u0026amp;m=124607\u0026amp;urllink=www%2Esupergut%2Ecom%2Fresistant%2Dstarch%2Dfiber%2Dmix%2F%3Fsku%3D300101%2D1\u0026amp;afftrack=\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuperGut Fiber Mix\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, which costs $59. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt contains a clean and effective formulation: a blend of three different types of unflavored dietary fiber and zero additive ingredients. It can be mixed into liquids or foods. Interested consumers can check out SuperGut fiber \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=2011129\u0026amp;u=3153363\u0026amp;m=124607\u0026amp;urllink=www%2Esupergut%2Ecom%2Fresistant%2Dstarch%2Dfiber%2Dmix%2F%3Fsku%3D300101%2D1\u0026amp;afftrack=\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat this link\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the brand's official website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eMCT oil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is derived from coconuts, quickly absorbed by the body and increases metabolic rate, which causes fat loss. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25636220\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emeta-study\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e on MCT oil documented weight loss of 1.12 pounds over 10 weeks. \u003cstrong\u003eThis equates to a potential annualized weight loss of 5.84 pounds with MCT oil supplementation.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe recommend \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/4eNQ4M\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBulletproof MCT Oil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as our top MCT oil product, because it has a clean and effective formulation. The only ingredient is MCT oil derived from coconuts, and the product has no questionable additives. Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof MCT Oil \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/4eNQ4M\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat this link\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis supplement only costs $15.50 for over a month's worth of product.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTopamax is a seizure medication that’s not approved by the FDA for weight loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe drug has been shown in some clinical trials to cause weight loss, but using a medication off-label may increase patient risk, and taking Topamax for weight loss seems illogical given that there are FDA-approved weight loss drugs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTopamax can cause mild side effects like dizziness and fatigue, and more severe side effects like memory impairments and eye disorders.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMany of the online patient reviews we came across while researching this article mentioned personal experiences of side effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile the daily dosing range of Topamax for seizures tends to be over 200 mg, the daily dosing range for weight loss in the clinical trials we cited in this article was under 200 mg.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor patients considering Topamax, we would recommend speaking with your doctor about the generic topiramate instead, because it should be equally effective and may be significantly cheaper.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-05-20T23:49:38-04:00","updated_at":"2023-05-22T11:47:28-04:00","summary_html":"We analyze medical studies on the seizure drug Topamax and its effects on weight. We document side effects of the drug, explain the effective dosing range for weight loss and feature a segment from The Doctors show discussing this drug.","template_suffix":"","handle":"topamax-for-weight-loss-review","tags":"_related:weight-loss"}

Topamax for Weight Loss: Is the Drug Dangerous?

Topamax for Weight Loss: Is the Drug Dangerous?


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Read our Editorial Guidelines to learn more about what makes our site the premier resource for online health information.

Disclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to weight loss medication or supplementation.

Topamax is a seizure medication that’s used off-label by some individuals for weight loss. While the drug is not FDA-approved for the treatment of obesity, users claim the drug can cause significant weight loss.

But is Topamax actually proven in research studies to cause weight loss? Does the drug have any dangerous side effects? How do real users rate and describe the effects of the drug for weight loss? And what do doctors think about using Topamax for weight loss?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we review medical studies on Topamax for weight loss to give our take on whether the drug is likely or not to be effective for this outcome.

We’ll review side effects of the medication and feature real, unsponsored reviews from individuals using Topamax for weight loss.

Is Topamax Proven to Cause Weight Loss?

Topamax is the brand-name version of a drug called topiramate. These terms refer to the same active drug ingredient and we’ll use them interchangeably throughout this article.

This medication has been studied for its effects on body weight changes.

A medical review published in the Obesity Reviews journal analyzed data from 10 clinical trials on Topamax that track body weight changes.

The researchers found that, on average, patients lost 11.77 pounds while taking Topamax compared to taking placebo. The average trial length was between 16 weeks and 28 weeks.

Another medical review on the weight loss effects of Topamax concluded the following:

“[Topamax] is able to induce weight loss, especially in high baseline BMI patients.”

The medical reviews above predominantly analyzed results from clinical trials on Topamax in adults. But the weight loss effects have also been shown in adolescents.

A 2015 clinical trial examined the body weight changes from Topamax use along with lifestyle changes in severely obese adolescents. The average age of trial participants was slightly over 15 years old.

The average reduction in BMI after 6 months of Topamax treatment was 4.9%.

Based on the available research, we consider Topamax likely to be effective for weight loss in adults and adolescents. 

However, we want to be very clear that this drug is not FDA-approved as a weight loss drug, which means there may be risks involved in using it for that reason. We would strongly urge patients to speak with their doctor prior to taking this drug off-label for weight loss.

But does Topamax cause side effects? We’ll review in the next section.

Is Topamax Dangerous?

Topamax does cause side effects in some patients.

A medical review on the drug published in the Pharmacological Research journal described the most common side effects as dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbances, ataxia, mental slowing and impaired concentration.

At the time of publishing this article, there is no FDA black box warning for Topamax, which is required by the regulatory organization when a drug may have life-threatening side effects.

A 2022 medical review reported that Topamax can also have eye-related side effects, some of which are severe. 

According to the above-linked review, the medication can cause choroidal effusion syndrome, angle-closure glaucoma, myopic shift, retinal problems, uveitis, visual field defects, myokymia, and neuro-ophthalmology complications.

This suggests that patients with existing eye-related issues should discuss their pre-existing eye conditions with their doctor prior to using Topamax.

Given the lack of a black box warning, Topamax seems to be somewhat less risky than some prescription medications we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health, but it can still cause serious side effects. 

Nearly 10,000 people per month search “Topamax ruined my life” in Google at the time of publishing this article, according to SEMRush data.

But how do real users rate and describe their experience taking the drug? We’ll feature some unsponsored reviews in the next section.

Real, Unsponsored Topamax User Reviews

A TikTok creator named Melissa Jones explains why she stopped taking Topamax even after losing 100 pounds:

@melissakjones Replying to @tired_ewok #fyp #topamax #memoryloss #majorweightloss ♬ original sound - Melissa Jones

A TikTok creator named Kendall Lauren shares some of the side effects she experienced from Topamax:

@kendall.lajewski Replying to @frogjorts 🥹🥹🥹 #foryoupage #fyp #chronicheadaches #migraines #topirimate #topomaxsideeffects ♬ original sound - Kendall Lauren

What Dosage of Topamax is Used for Weight Loss?

The daily dosing range described in the first medical review on Topamax that we cited was 96 milligrams (mg) to 200 mg.

The dose used in the adolescent trial was 75 mg per day. Typically adolescents take lower doses of prescription medication than adults.

These doses are actually lower than the standard Topamax dose for seizure patients, according to a StatPearls review that describes the dosing range as 200 mg to 400 mg daily.

The Doctors Show Discusses Topamax for Weight Loss

A segment on the popular “The Doctors” show discusses the rise of off-label Topamax for weight loss use, as well as the risk, and is only 5 minutes long:

Real Patients Review Topamax

Drugs.com is a resource that allows users to rate and describe the effects of prescription drugs they’re taking. 

The average review of Topamax for weight loss on the site is 6.6 out of 10, which interestingly is higher than the average review of the drug for seizures (5.8/10).

The top positive review comes from a user named “Sunny” who claims the weight loss was a favorable side effect after taking the drug to prevent migraines:

“After two days of Topamax, my appetite decreased noticeably. After a week, I had lost 7 pounds. By the time I had been on it for a month, I was down to 125 and still not hungry. Eating became something I thought I should do instead of something I HAD to do.”

The top negative review is written by a user named “Kate” who gives Topamax a 1-star rating and claims to have experienced side effects:

“This time I had side effects I was losing feeling in my hands and feet. My face would go numb…And it started to impact my memory. I almost immediately went off of it. And I’m still experiencing memory issues. I’ll be talking and can’t remember words in the middle of a sentence. Or I’ll tell someone something and then a couple of minutes repeat it because I forgot if I said it or not. Keep in mind I’m 21”

Is the Generic Version of Topamax Better?

The generic version of Topamax is called topiramate, as we discussed in the first section of this article.

Generic drugs are as effective and as safe as brand-name drugs on average, according to an extensive 2019 medical review that analyzed data from over 2 million patients.

This makes sense, given that both generic and branded drugs contain the same active drug ingredient.

For patients considering Topamax, we would recommend speaking with your doctor about generic topiramate instead, because it should be equally effective and may be significantly cheaper (especially for those without health insurance).

GoodRx reports the current retail price of Topamax (25 mg) to be over $200 at the time of publishing this article.

Cost Plus Drugs sells generic topiramate (25 mg) for $3.90 (link).

That’s a potential cost savings of 98% from using the generic version of the drug.

Can Food Supplements Cause Weight Loss?

There are several food-based weight loss supplements with significant research backing.

Dietary fiber is associated with weight loss in clinical trials, especially when combined with caloric restriction.

landmark medical study found that moderate caloric restriction (750 calories per day below baseline) combined with dietary fiber intake (a minimum of 20 grams per day) caused an average weight loss of 16.03 pounds over 6 months. That’s a pace of 32 pounds per year of weight loss in overweight individuals simply by adding fiber to a moderately-restricted-calorie diet.

The fiber supplement we recommend is SuperGut Fiber Mix, which costs $59. 

It contains a clean and effective formulation: a blend of three different types of unflavored dietary fiber and zero additive ingredients. It can be mixed into liquids or foods. Interested consumers can check out SuperGut fiber at this link to the product page on the brand's official website.

MCT oil is derived from coconuts, quickly absorbed by the body and increases metabolic rate, which causes fat loss. A meta-study on MCT oil documented weight loss of 1.12 pounds over 10 weeks. This equates to a potential annualized weight loss of 5.84 pounds with MCT oil supplementation.

We recommend Bulletproof MCT Oil as our top MCT oil product, because it has a clean and effective formulation. The only ingredient is MCT oil derived from coconuts, and the product has no questionable additives. Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof MCT Oil at this link to the product page on the official brand's website. This supplement only costs $15.50 for over a month's worth of product.

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Conclusion

Topamax is a seizure medication that’s not approved by the FDA for weight loss.

The drug has been shown in some clinical trials to cause weight loss, but using a medication off-label may increase patient risk, and taking Topamax for weight loss seems illogical given that there are FDA-approved weight loss drugs.

Topamax can cause mild side effects like dizziness and fatigue, and more severe side effects like memory impairments and eye disorders.

Many of the online patient reviews we came across while researching this article mentioned personal experiences of side effects.

While the daily dosing range of Topamax for seizures tends to be over 200 mg, the daily dosing range for weight loss in the clinical trials we cited in this article was under 200 mg.

For patients considering Topamax, we would recommend speaking with your doctor about the generic topiramate instead, because it should be equally effective and may be significantly cheaper.




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