The anticonvulsant medicine topiramate (or Topamax) is used to treat epileptic seizures, migraine headaches, anxiety, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder, and nerve pain. Seizure patients are primarily treated with it. In the U.S., topiramate is available under the brand names Topamax, Trokendi XR, and Topamax Sprinkle (discontinued).
Our main concern is about, topiramate weight loss?
Yes, topiramate can cause weight loss in its users. Topiramate has not been endorsed by the FDA for weight loss, but it may be prescribed if you suffer from migraines or seizures and want to lose weight. Topiramate is not effective in losing weight for all consumers. Many other factors influence weight loss in patients besides topiramate dosage.
Read on to learn more.
Leptin is a hormone responsible for generating hunger pang in humans. Topiramate reduces the amount of this hormone in the body. By reducing leptin, a person feels less hungry and consumes less food.
Table of Content
Can Topiramate Cause Weight Loss?
Topiramate can cause weight loss in some people, but not all. Known for its weight-loss properties, it is an off-label medication. Topiramate drug has been shown to significantly reduce weight loss in most people prescribed it.
There are many other factors that affect the ratio of weight loss in topiramate users, including diet, physical activity, genetics, daily routine, physiological conditions, and intake of other drugs.
Even though topiramate is effective at reducing weight in patients, it is not approved as a stand-alone weight loss drug. Nevertheless, it is included in a weight loss medicine approved by the FDA called Qsymia.
How Does Topiramate Cause Weight Loss?
Topiramate cannot cause weight loss in all patients and is rarely studied in clinical trials because of its adverse side effects, so there is confusion about topiramate’s mechanism of action. However, this medicine is superior to placebo in terms of weight loss.
Here are some of the factors responsible for topiramate weight loss:
Loss of Appetite
Patients using topiramate have experienced a reduction in their appetite, one of the main side effects of topiramate. There is no strong evidence supporting the mechanism for loss of appetite by topiramate but according to some studies, this medicine affects the reward centre of the brain ( neural structures in the brain stimulated by rewarding experiences such as eating, sex, or using a drug). The action of topiramate alters the stimulation of the reward centre, resulting in a suppression of appetite.
Reduces Addictive Habits
By affecting the reward centre of the brain, topiramate alters neural pathways and reduces overexcited nerves here. By doing so, the desire to consume any kind of item is mitigated, including some favourite foods and drugs.
As a result of topiramate, overeating and taking unneeded drugs are prevented, inhibiting weight gain and keeping the body healthy.
Hormonal Changes
Leptin is a hormone responsible for generating hunger pang in humans. Topiramate reduces the amount of this hormone in the body. By reducing leptin, a person feels less hungry and consumes less food. Another hormone that is reduced by topiramate is cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that increases the body’s need for food during stressful conditions. Topiramate reduces this hormone, preventing the body from gaining weight by taking in extra food.
Sense of Disorientation
Topiramate causes dizziness as a side effect due to its powerful effects on memory. In this way, people may feel disoriented and not eat food as a result of this treatment.
Ketosis
It is possible for people taking topiramate to lose glucose and insulin levels in their blood. In order to compensate for the energy need, the body starts metabolizing its own fat, thus burning stored energy. The result is ketosis, which leads to weight loss. Induced ketosis can be gained through the use of topiramate, which then facilitates weight loss.
Enhances Metabolism
A faster metabolism can be attributed to people who maintain the same diet and physical activity while losing weight without any noticeable changes.
Reduced Salivation
The ability of topiramate to reduce saliva production results in bad taste perception. People who suffer from decreased saliva will definitely lose their normal appetite, as it makes them feel full for longer periods of time, which causes excess weight to be lost.
Loss of Taste
It is common for people to notice that they have lost their taste buds and food may no longer taste good or enjoyable. Therefore, people tend to consume less food and lose weight.
Topiramate Dosage For Weight Loss
Starting doses of topiramate are minimally 25 mg. With time, the dose will be increased accordingly. Depending on how much weight you have lost, your doctor may increase your topiramate dosage. There will be a maximum dosage of 800 mg that can be taken in two doses.
The dosage of topiramate varies from person to person depending on his physiological condition and other medications he is taking. On one side of the circular package is imprinted OMN, and on the other side is the size (mg). A cream colour topiramate is available in 25 mg, beige in 50 mg, yellow in 100 mg, and pink in 200 mg.
In addition to dosage, there are several other factors that influence weight loss more deeply. A person’s daily routine, diet, exercise, genetics, medication intake and sleep habits have a greater impact on weight loss.
Topiramate 25 mg for Weight Loss
Topiramate 25 mg can be taken once in the morning and once at night. Take this 25 mg for as long as your doctor prescribes. Never stop taking this drug without the prescription of your doctor as it can lead to adverse side effects. Keep this tablet at room temperature below 25 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place.
Topiramate 50 mg for Weight Loss
Take this dosage the same way you would take 25 mg of topiramate. It is never a good idea to take two tablets at the same time in order to make up for the missed dose.
How to Use Topiramate for Weight Loss?
In order to lose weight, this topiramate should be taken either as sprinkle capsules, which can be sprinkled on food or as tablets, which can be taken with or without food. You can take this drug twice a day.
However, you should follow the instructions on the label or seek medical advice from your pharmacist or doctor.
If you want to lose your weight efficiently through the use of topiramate capsules, follow the below-mentioned procedures:
- Take one teaspoon of any soft food like yoghurt, oatmeal, ice cream, pudding or custard.
- Take off the capsule and mix it with the food you are using.
- Stir the food properly.
- Swallow this food without chewing.
- Drink water just after swallowing.
- Repeat this process daily, until you lose weight properly.
Side Effects of Topiramate for Weight Loss
- It can result in adverse side effects like vomiting, nausea, and anxiety.
- It can cause sleep disturbance, memory loss, dizziness, and loss of taste.
- It can lead to peptic disturbance, menstrual disturbance and a burning sensation around the mouth.
- It can make food less appealing by causing a loss of taste buds.
- Your kidneys are more likely to develop stones if you take this medication.
- It can cause serious visual complications.
Precaution for Using Topiramate for Weight Loss
- Must consult if you are experiencing more weight loss than expected.
- To get better results with fewer side effects, take this drug with a healthy diet.
- Take proper exercise for better results.
- Consult your doctor if you are experiencing any kind of side effects.
- Never take broken tablets, there are chances of loss of effectiveness.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating on time, going to bed and sleeping well, and relaxing your body and mind.
FAQs
Question: How much weight can you lose with topiramate?
Answer: There is no exact figure for how much weight you will lose with topiramate. Although topiramate works for some people, it does not work for everyone. Weight loss is more influenced by your daily routine, sleep, diet, exercise, and genetics than by the dose of topiramate you take.
Question: Can you lose weight on Topamax 25mg?
Answer: Yes, Topamax (topiramate) 25mg can help you in weight loss. This is the lowest possible dose of Topamax which is gradually increased over time. The recommended dose of Topamax 25 mg is two tablets daily, one in the morning and once at night.
Question: Why do you lose weight with topiramate?
Answer: Topiramate results in loss of appetite and increased metabolism in the body, which in turn results in loss of weight loss. In the body, leptin and cortisol are the two hormones that increase hunger, but both are suppressed by this medication. Thus by reducing hunger, there is less intake of food.
Question: What is the best time of day to take Topamax for weight loss?
Answer: Topamax should be taken once in the morning and once before bedtime. It is best to take this drug with some soft food after mixing it with it. Afterwards, swallow the mixed drug and drink water.
Conclusion
Does topiramate cause weight loss? Yes, topiramate can cause weight loss in its users. It is mainly because of a reduction in appetite and increased metabolism caused by topiramate. This drug does not cause weight loss in all of its users. Doctors typically start patients on 25mg of topiramate and gradually increase the dosage. When mixed with soft food, this drug should be taken twice a day. It is also possible to experience adverse side effects from this medicine.
