Topamax and weight loss

[bobbiek]

I have digenerative disc disease and my neirologist just prescribed topamax,
he said it would help with the pain and tingling but could result in weight loss.
  I am wondering if prescribing topamax for ddd is common among neurologists? I can't seem to find any other information related to topamax as a pain med, only information I have is that it's a powerful drug with lots of side effects, most not so good.
The weight loss aspect is the only plus...also could this drug alter my brain function since I know it is used for bi-polar and seizure disorder... I'd like to know more about this med both from a neurologists view and from a weight loss specialists view. before I make a decision to take this medication
Thanks in advance for any/all responses

[asenyth]

I was first prescribed Topamax several weeks ago, but I've never been prescribed to a daily medication so I was scared and didn't start it until a week ago! I get 1-2 migraines per week most likely due to my scoliosis/spinal fusion and Imitrex just wasn't working anymore after 4 years of being on it. I'm also about 25 lbs. overweight so I was pretty excited to hear about the weight loss side effect! I'm doing 50mg/day for 2 weeks, then going up to 100mg/day. The first 6 days I didn't notice a difference except the pins and needles in my legs and feet, but I thought that was from my back, then I was like duh dummy, check the side effects!! So yeah, hopefully that will go away soon. And over the past two days my appetite has dropped. Other than that, I've felt kind of a positive mood too, not something natural. Maybe you guys know what I mean? It's nice at least! Here's hoping to stop having migraines and lose 20 lb. doing it!

[scubaesp]

My doc put me on Topiramate 50mg once daily.  He did not specify morning or night.  He prescribed it because I was having severe headaches & he thought the side effect of losing weight was good for me because I do need to lose a bit.  No other comments from him - not even if I should take in AM or PM.  So, I took before bed & laid awake all night paranoid.  I stayed on it for 2 weeks continuing to have headaches.  Lost no weight, just sleep. He put me on Lyrica with the same results. This "professional" diagnosed me with Fiibromyalgia, epilepsy & anxiety so he could use the proper code for the insurance company to justify the drug.  I waited 2 years for a job with the TSA and when finally called I was rejected because of this inaccurate diagnosis.  

Since then I have changed docs & it seems my headaches are from a nerve issue in my neck from a previous injury. Fiorinal has worked OK but my doc doesn't want me on these pain meds forever.  So, he is recommending Topiramate.  This time I smartened up and came online to get info - that's how I found your board.  This time I am starting 25mg 2x day & crossing my fingers.

[irishlassieinpain27]

hi ive been on topamx now for nearly 6 weeks only been on 100mg for 6 days i was wondering if the adjatation got any better for you its driving me crazy along with the other side effects

[irishlassieinpain27]

hi was just wondering what you ment by "trails" are you still on topamax how are you gettin on with it? ive been on it not for nearly 7 weeks on week 2 of 100mg worried about some of the side effects.... thanks

[Topaz112955]

I'm on topamax 25 2 daily and for the first time my blood work came back with a 7.7 gyco   Dr. says I'm a diabetic. Possibility from topamax? thank you

[meg1212]

yes major hair loss on 50 mg twice a day lost 30 lbs and tingling and some loss of sensation in my fingers