By Topiramate was first used to treat seizures in 1997. Since then it has been approved for several different types of epilepsy. More than 20 different companies market it worldwide. Doctors use Topiramate to treat conditions like complex partial seizures, uncontrolled focal seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures. This drug is also used to treat migraines, prevent weight loss associated with the use of certain medications, and prevent alcohol withdrawal syndrome. A few studies show that Topiramate can help patients with obesity. When combined with diet or lifestyle changes, it can result in significant weight loss. However, more rigorous studies are needed before it can be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss use..
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Is Topiramate Used For Weight Loss? – Related Questions
How much weight can you lose with topiramate?
The American Diabetes Association recommends that patients get professional medical advice before using topiramate to lose weight. However, studies show that topiramate can result in significant weight loss in people with obesity..
Is topiramate an appetite suppressant?
Topiramate is used to control epileptic seizures in adults and children who are at least 1 year old. It is also used to treat migraine headaches in Adults. It may be used alone or with other anti-seizure medicines to treat muscle stiffness or spasms in adults with multiple sclerosis. It is also used in adults to control symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and to prevent migraine headaches from coming back. Topiramate is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants, which are used for epilepsy. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain..
Does Topamax burn fat?
There has been many different studies on the subject of Topamax and weight loss. The answer is not so simple, though. We could say that it does because Topamax works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is one of the brain’s chemicals that is responsible for the perception of hunger. The brain, in its wisdom, assumes that if your GABA levels are normal, you’re not hungry. The result is that persons taking Topamax are less hungry. Sounds like burning fat, right? But are the people who are taking Topamax are less hungry because they are taking Topamax? Or are they less hungry because they are taking Topamax AND they are actively trying to lose weight? Or are they less hungry because they are taking Topamax AND they are losing weight? The truth is that no one knows for sure..
What are the main side effects of topiramate?
Though topiramate is very safe, side effects are possible. The most common side effects are: Dizziness Headache Nausea Muscle aches Sleepiness or insomnia Diarrhea . However, they are mild and tend to disappear with continued use. The most serious side effects are the appearance of new neurological symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, problems with speech, eyesight, etc. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately discuss them with your healthcare provider..
Is topiramate the same as Topamax?
Topiramate is the common generic name of the drug Topamax. It was first developed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. They then continued further trials on the drug until it was launched. The drug however is manufactured by JHP Pharmaceuticals Ltd. under the brand name Topiramate. However, since the drug is generic it is available in both the brand name as well as the generic. Both have the same mechanism of action, are equally effective and are safe to use. The only difference between the two is the price. The brand name is slightly more expensive than the generic, but if you feel more comfortable with the brand name, then it is worth the extra money..
Can you drink coffee while taking topiramate?
You should consult a doctor before taking coffee with Topiramate. It is a drug which is used to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. It may be difficult to say whether or not coffee can affect the drug or not without a proper examination. However if the doctor allows you to drink coffee, then 200ml a day is considered to be a safe amount..
Do doctors prescribe Topamax for weight loss?
Topamax is a prescription medicine prescribed in patients with seizures and migraine headaches. Though it is not approved by FDA for weight loss, it is used by some doctors for reducing caloric intake. It is an anti-convulsant that works in the body by interacting with neurotransmitters that affect appetite..
Does topiramate help with anxiety?
Topamax, the generic form of Topiramate, is used to treat seizures in patients. It has also been used in the treatment of migraines, bipolar disorder, and abnormal neural activity. Many patients have reported that Topamax has helped with anxiety disorders. Although the clinical studies on the effectiveness of Topiramate for treating anxiety are limited, most people who have used Topiramate for anxiety say that it gets rid of most of their anxiety..
What can you not take with topiramate?
*Always consult your physician or health care provider before taking or discontinuing any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment for any medical condition*** Topiramate is a prescription drug that is used for treating certain seizure disorders and migraine headaches. It is also used to treat episodes of alcohol abuse. Since topiramate is a prescription drug, it is not advised to self-medicate or to substitute it for other medications. Consult your physician if you are suffering from an alcohol problem and if you want to take topiramate to treat it. It is very important to ensure that you keep a record of your health and meds. This way, you can show your physician and pharmacist if needed. It is also important to read and follow all the instructions given to you..
What does topiramate do to your metabolism?
Topiramate is a prescription anticonvulsant drug used to treat epilepsy and other conditions. In other words , topiramate is a medicine that is administered to patients suffering from convulsions or seizures. Although this drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat seizures , it should be noted that the long term effects of the drug have yet to be found out..
Why is low carb bad while taking Topamax?
Low carb diets consisting of Atkins or Atkins-like plans, are not compatible with Topamax drug. The main reason for this is because Topamax inhibits the excretion of creatinine, which is a normal occurrence in the body. Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, therefore it is usually the result of protein metabolism. If you are on low carb diet that consist of no proteins, Topamax drug will not pass your kidney because there is no creatinine for it to be excreted with/ However, the Topamax drug will accumulate in your body, leading to Topamax side effects, which may be serious..
Can you drink alcohol on Topamax?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Topamax. There is no medical prohibition for drinking alcohol while on Topamax. However, you should still think twice before drinking heavily while on Topamax. Doing so might lead to Topamax intoxication, which is characterized by drowsiness, hangover, dry mouth, tingling, headache, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, and loss of balance. If you do drink alcohol while on Topamax, then you should drink moderately and should avoid taking the drug the next day..
Is Topamax a narcotic?
Topamax is a prescription drug, so it is a narcotic. The definition of a narcotic is a medication that relieves pain but induces sleep, stupefies, or deadens the senses or feelings. Topamax is a drug used to treat epilepsy and migraine headaches. Some of the common side effects of Topamax include drowsiness, lack of coordination, memory loss, and feeling tired..
Does topiramate help you sleep?
Topiramate can be effective in helping some people get to sleep. It is the only medication that the FDA has approved for this indication, but there are other medications that can be used off-label for insomnia. Topiramate works by decreasing the amount of time it takes to get to sleep by decreasing the amount of time it takes to get in the REM stage of sleep. People on topiramate can expect to get to sleep in 20 minutes or less. Approximately 30-40% of people taking topiramate will be less restless or agitated when they wake in the middle of the night..
How long does it take for topiramate to work?
Topiramate is a medication used to treat seizures and prevent migraines. You can take it with or without food or meals, as well as on an empty stomach. This medication usually begins to work within 4 weeks of start taking it. It can take up to 12 weeks for your body to adjust to the medication. Do not stop taking the medication if you do not feel the difference right away. Stay on topiramate for at least 12 weeks to achieve maximum benefits..
