How Effective Is Topiramate For Weight Loss?

Obesity is one of the most common body issues that have resulted from poor eating habits and lifestyles. Various health conditions also lead to excess weight and body fat. But in recent decades, physical fitness has become a significant trend, and people want to get back into shape. To achieve their set body goals, they opt for fitness studios, diet management, and even take medical help to reduce unwanted pounds.

Topiramate for weight loss is a drug that can aid in weight loss and help individuals reduce the extra fat that compromises the quality of life. Although this medicine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is among the most commonly prescribed drugs for weight loss.

Topiramate is widely sold under the brand name “Topamax,” a seizure and migraine drug with additional weight loss benefits. This medicine is given to people who struggle with excess weight, depression, and seizures.

What is Topiramate, and How Does it Help in Weight Management?

Topiramate is an anticonvulsant that treats epilepsy, migraine, and alcohol addiction with additional appetite-suppressing effects. Although weight reduction is the side effect that tags along with its usage, it still is a commonly used drug for obesity.

According to some studies, this drug suppresses an individual’s appetite, but many healthcare professionals prescribe it off-label. The side effects can be severe; continue reading to find out:

Both adolescents and adults have shown 6-17 percent of recorded weight loss with regular use of topiramate. With 50mg daily, 6% of body fat reduction was possible. The more dose, the more weight reduction. Patients who get topiramate as an additional medication reduce more weight than those who receive other drugs.

Side effects to topiramate include reduced hunger and loss of appetite, which causes a person to eat less in a day. It induces a feeling of fullness that helps keep mindless munching in check and leads to positive weight loss results.

Who is a Suitable Patient for Topiramate?

Every drug holds some side effects that people can experience with its regular use. Some medicines offer such side effects that are helpful for patients. Similar is the case with topiramate, and weight reduction is nothing less than a struggle for obese individuals. They must regularly exercise, control their diet, follow a strict calorie portion, and even make lifestyle changes to lose those extra pounds.

Topiramate helps individuals who have to bear painful migraines and epilepsy; this medicine is a versatile solution if they are overweight. However, it is not a drug that is suitable for all and has some restrictions. Aside from weight loss, some severe side effects include glaucoma, osteoporosis, metabolic ketoacidosis, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and many adverse behavioral changes. This is one of the reasons why a topiramate dose for weight loss should always be taken after consulting a licensed specialist and discussing your health history with them.

Some health conditions your doctor needs to know about beforehand include autoimmune diseases, mental disorders, and diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc. Hypertension and diabetes are also red flags for this medication. Pregnant and lactating women are not ideal patients for this drug as it can cause fatal damage to the child and causes hormonal complications.

What Are the Common Side Effects of Topiramate?

Topiramate may work as a life-changing drug for many, but at the same time, it is not ideal for others. People 16 and older who were actively using 400mg daily reported the following health issues::

• Memory Issues
• Weariness
• Weakness
• Sleeplessness or hypersomnia
• Tingling in feet and hands, etc.

Other long-term problems this drug led to include fever, hot flashes, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, diarrhea, and constipation.

Still, topiramate has helped multiple individuals get back in shape, reduce excess body fat, and deal with migraines and epilepsy. The medicine has improved their lifestyle and managed their depression additionally.

How to Take Topiramate for Weight Reduction?

Weight gain is connected to many other health problems. But excessive eating is not the only reason for excess body fat. Topiramate or commonly known as Topamax promotes weight loss by suppressing binge eating and hunger pangs. As effective as topiramate interactions may be, it still is only given on a doctor’s prescription to patients. Talking to a medical professional helps with the proper diagnosis.

People who are chronically depressed or suffer any eating disorders and illnesses are more sensitive to food and take comfort in it. Eventually, this leads to weight gain, which further causes various health risks, such as heart problems. Therefore, getting the right diagnosis prevents a patient from getting in trouble since this medicine is not suitable for all.

If you and your medical professional decide that Topamax can help you lose weight safely, you may receive a prescription for it. Your doctor will do a complete physical exam and ask about your medical history and any addiction. This is important to highlight before starting any medication that can have long-term potential addiction problems.

Usually, the starting dose of Topamax for weight loss is a low dose of 25 mg per day.  But this dosage strength can be increased case-by-case based on each individual’s medical history and how much weight they have to lose. However, if a healthcare professional does not find this drug suitable for you, he may not prescribe it.

How Soon Can You Achieve Desirable Results with Topiramate?

Some people start losing weight as soon as they start medicine intake, but others notice gradual results. The results depend on every individual, their current body weight, and the desired weight reduction they want. It also greatly varies as per the patient’s additional effort. For instance, regular physical activity and healthy habit-building promote change. The changes start slow but steady increase as the treatment plan continues.

Topiramate for Weight Loss can easily be taken with or without food simultaneously every day. The drug is suitable for individuals who exceed their healthier BMI range but want to return to it. However, please do not take it with any other medication you are already using. Discuss your active treatment and medicines to understand your current situation better.