Topamax Review
 General Information about Topamax: Topamax (Topomax, topiramate) is NOT approved by the FDA for weight loss. Topamax is a prescription drug that is usually prescribed for epilepsy or migraine head aches. It seems to be quite effective for some users and virtually useless for others. Topamax has been noticed to reduce appetite and thus cause weight loss. Some patients on Topamax lose weight as a side effect, so some Doctors have prescribed Topamax as an "off label" weight loss alternative. An "off label" use is one that is not what the prescription is intended to treat and a use that is therefore not approved by the FDA. Some patients will lose weight with Topamax and some will not.  Side Effects of Topamax: If you and your Doctor are considering Topamax as a weight loss alternative, please read! Weight loss is a side effect of about 16% of Topamax patients, thus about 84% DID NOT lose weight on Topamax. Some of the side effects that you may experience with Topamax are: Dizziness Drowsiness Fatigue Sensations such as tingling or burning Nervousness Slowing of mental faculties Loss of coordination Confusion Change in taste Nausea Loss of concentration Respiratory infection Weight loss Loss of appetite Loss of Memory Diarrhea Anxiousness Insomnia Change in walking (change in gait) Sinus Infection Speech problems Reduced sense of touch Sore throat Viral infection Mood problems Sexual side effect (erectile dysfunction) Back pain Stomach pain Weakness Dry Mouth Hemorrhoids Acne Premature ejaculation Sun sensitivity Blurred vision Ear infection Gastro-intestinal reflux disease Bladder infection Hot flashes Bladder infection Lower sex drive Advertisement: Even more serious side effects are: Kidney stones Low blood pressure High blood pressure Chest pain Depression Difficulty with breathing Hallucinations Paranoia Blood clots Fainting Vision problems and/or eye pain Rapid breathing Suicidal thoughts Hypoglycemia or diabetes Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, wheezing or breathing or swallowing problems.  Before taking Topamax: To be sure that it is safe for you to take Topamax, tell your doctor if you have:
Avoid Topamax while pregnant: Taking Topamax during pregnancy may increase the risk of cleft lip and/or cleft palate in your newborn. Note: If you experience any side effects, be sure to inform your health care provider...if you experience any of the more serious side effects, notify your health care provider immediately!  In conclusion: The reasons why Topamax reduces appetite and promotes weight loss in some people is not known. The side effects are numerous and some are serious. You and your health care provider should have good reasons for considering Topamax for weight loss. Based on the potential side effects and the fact that only one in six realize any weight loss benefit, I give Topamax two thumbs down. FYI: More food for thought: it is not known why, but some Topamax patients have few or no side effects, while some Topamax patients, unfortunately, have serious side effects. Topamax can make birth control pills less effective. Although there seems to be no way to determine what, if any, side effects that you may experience, be careful and aware and communicative (with your health care provider) regarding any side effects. Do not forget that one of the side effects, which is weight loss, is only experienced in about 16% of Topamax users. Avoiding Topamax for weight loss may be your best advice. Thank you for reading, my friends, I wish you success on your weight loss journey. Kindest regards, George Pierce Founder Win At Losing Weight  Advertisement: |
