What is Answerbag?

Ask questions and share your knowledge with the world here on Answerbag. Get the best answers where there are no duplicate questions and questions are always open - our community of over 1,144,000 will find your answer!

Join For Free!
 

Topamax Weight Loss Side Effects

Friday, October 16, 2009
Related Tags: topamax | weight | loss | patients | drug
 

Instructions

Significance

  • Step 1:
    According to clinical studies published by the FDA, Topamax causes weight loss in at least 6 percent of patients who take the drug.

Features

  • Step 1:
    In addition to weight loss caused by the drug itself, Topamax also frequently results in loss of appetite or anorexia, increasing the likelihood that patients will lose weight.

Dosage

  • Step 1:
    Generally, patients taking higher dosages of Topamax are at an increased risk for weight loss side effects from the drug. In fact, one FDA study revealed that while only 6 percent of patients experienced weight loss from a 50mg daily dose of Topamax, 16 percent reported weight loss at 400mg per day.

Effects

  • Step 1:
    For the 67 percent of Americans who are overweight, according to the CDC, weight loss from Topamax poses little concern; however, for those at a healthy weight or slightly under, weight loss has the potential to cause problems. Patients who are underweight due to Topamax-related weight loss may experience fatigue, trouble concentrating and irritability.

Considerations

  • Step 1:
    Because of Topamax's weight loss effects, some doctors have begun prescribing the drug for the sole purpose of weight loss. The American Diabetes Association cautions that Topamax causes a number of other possible side effects and does not recommend the use of the drug in people who do not have epilepsy. Additionally, the FDA has not approved Topamax for this use.

Resources


Topamax Weight Loss Side Effects Provided by eHow.com
Related Content
Side Effects of Topamax Medication
Topamax is the brand name for topiramate, an anti-seizure medication commonly used to treat migraines. According to New York University's Langone Medical Center, most patients who take Topamax...
How Do I Lose Weight With Topamax?
Topamax, or the brand name Topiramate, is generally prescribed for epilepsy or migraine headaches. One of the listed side effects is weight loss due to loss of appetite. As with many prescriptions,...
About Topamax
Topamax is the brand name for topiramate medication. It is only available through a prescription written by a doctor. Most doctors prescribe Topamax to treat neurological conditions. It has been...
Relationship Between Kidney Stones & Migraines
According to Dion Graybeal, MD, assistant professor of neurology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. A drug used in the...
Weight Loss on Topamax
Topamax is a prescription medication that is most commonly prescribed to patients with epilepsy. One of the most common side effects of Topamax is significant weight loss. According to...