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

[darkangel813]

I'm 46 and I have migraines I have been prescribed propranolol they upped me to 80 mg twice a day been on this for about four years due to a herniated disc in my neck and a was given a bottle of Topamax 50 mg didn't know if that was safe to take I've been wanting to try it and also for weight loss but I still get recurrent migraines that put me down for about 5 to 6 days so I would really like to try this but not sure if it's worth the risk or if I can take it with Proponalol and estradiol which is hormone replacement

[sandra0917]

I was on tomax before and back on it again and i was down to 119 when i was on the medicine before i have been off the medicine since oct 11 and back up to 137 but i am not on it for the weight loss i am on it fo the pevention of migirianes which have been debelatating. and i have only been back on it for a day and already got the tingling in my hands and feet and didnt want to getup this morning cause so tired tired..

[cel456]

I just started Topamax yesterday. I am doing the 25mg x7d then 50mg x7d etc til I'm at 100mg. I'm on it for migraine prevention. I am on a high dose of Wellbutrin and I also have fibromyalgia so I get severe headaches/migraines at least 3-4 days a week. It just has become so hard to deal with at this point. So I was put on the Topamax with Relpax as a PRN. Took a Relpax yesterday when I started the Topamax and headache was gone within half an hour. I was on Imitrex but it stopped working. And I needed more than a PRN. I can't be on anything with caffeine (ie Fioricet) because that makes the headaches worse.

Also, in case any ladies didn't know, if you are on Topamax and birth control USE A BACK UP. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist should have brought this to your attention but in case they didn't I am now.

I am worried about the hair loss because I already have a problem with hair loss but we will see. Also, I've noticed I have severe diarrhea already. My appetite hasn't decreased but since my first dose anything I eat goes right through me. Which could be a problem because I have been warned if I lose much more weight while trying out the Topamax I will immediately be switched to a different medication to try.
Has anyone had such an instant side effect with their digestive system?

[cel456]

Sorry didn't see this reply. As I just posted. The generic is the same thing. No worries.

[cel456]

Yes. I work as a CPhT and I can tell you that these are the same thing. No worries. You and your insurance company are just saving money on the drug.

[isu1988]

Did you ever get an answer to your post about the generic? I am just getting started on it tonight. How did you do? I am thinking of adding Biotin tomorrow for the hair loss comments, just in case. Kind of a scary drug to get started on!