Taking topamax to lose weight. WHY would you want to when you have NO medical condition to take it?

I just had to vent on this issue after seeing so many videos on here saying to take topamax to lose weight. I just do not understand why anyone would want to put themselves through these side effects, and possible kidney damage when they do not have to. I am on this medication for 2 medical reasons. I have chronic migraines, and neuropathy. I do not like taking it, due to the side effects but if it helps me then it's one of those things in life that I must do. I have to weigh the pros and cons, but to med when you have no medical reason as listed.............WHY?

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• topamax
• to
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• weight
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[pris72]

I wouldn't either. I like you take it for a medical reasons, but there was even a report on good morning America about people who will take topamax just to lose weight. Dr's will prescribe it to them along with an anti depressant for weight loss, and not the medical reasons for which this med is to be used for such as seizures or migraines. I wouldn't want to put up with the side effects of this med if I didn't have a legit medical reason to take it.

[pris72]

I have been getting so confused. My husband gets mad at me. I do not do it on purpose. If this is what I have to look forward to, this is not something I want to be on for a long period of time. What other options are there out there? Migraine meds have not helped me at all. Meds like imitrex, maxalt along those lines. With me having neuropathy, my Neuro is trying to I guess kill 2 birds with one stone by giving me the one pill vs several different pills.

[pris72]

My hair is already coming out.I believe that I may have lupus as well. I am going to make an appt. to see a Rheumy after Memorial day. I have a PPO, and since my Neuro hasn't mentioned that blood test I might as well make an appt. myself to see another specialist. I have lost 5 lbs already without any exercise. I have changed my diet some. I can't drink soda anymore. YUCK! I would not want to take this pill on purpose at all. Like I said on here. I just do not get it.

[URAMoronlol]

If you are obese and biploar it is great lol. You are wrong, doctors don't prescribe it as a weight loss drug. It is off-label prescribed. You also don't go cold turkey off of most meds. Other than that..I don't really care what other people do.

[SuperCrazylady21]

OMG!!! first two weeks, 13 pounds?! Damn, girl, you have some determination! I can't believe you used to wear a size 18!

and yeah, I just started topamax, and its making me feel a little nervous and feel numbness in my fingertips :/

Peace & Love

[stjimmyisalie]

@stjimmyisalie for migraines (at least the ones they proposed to me, because mine aren't exactly migraines, they are chronic residual spinal meningitis headaches) make you GAIN weight, and NO ONE wants that!

(sorry I ran out of space)

[stjimmyisalie]

Hey! I just wanted to tell you that I actually think Diet Coke tastes better after being on topamax! I may just be weird...haha, but I just wanted to tell you, because I know how ridiculous this drug is!

It's really irritating because you can't live without it, so it's like you have to choose between being in pain all the time or being bald, blind, appetiteless, nauseous, and tingly all over! And all the other pills that are

[secretsecaret]

I take Topamax for neuropathy. Say what you will about obesity, but the only reason you should be on it is if you have a condition it's indicated for. The side effects just aren't worth it. I'm a 20 year old girl and I've lost 75% of my hair; I'm almost bald. I also can't drink, so I can't party at college like my friends. I've lost a part of my life that I wish I had. My kidneys and liver don't work well. I understand wanting to lose weight, but putting your health at risk to do it? Bad choice.

[shanapattinson]

being severely obese IS a medical reason that can't always be treated by the standard diet and exercise. who are you to judge that your health problems are worse than someone else's ?

[SarahBabe11]

I took this for almost a year from chronic migraines and stopped because I didn't like the side effects, but I recently got my headaches back again and now I'm trying it again. Despite the side effects, id rather live my life than have migraines everyday

[tracyblogger]

Thank you for this video. Today, a nurse practicioner prescribed this stuff to me for insomnia and said it would help me lose weight . WHAAAAAAAAAAT. I think I'll pass.

[jenburns111]

(cont from previous post) SO, to sum it up: It is ridiculous to take Topamax as a weight loss drug! It is dumb on the part of the patient, but it is criminal on the part of the prescribing doctor. IF they do release it as a weightloss drug, they are setting themselves up for one hell of a class action lawsuit! Sorry, I guess I had to vent too! :) Now, please excuse me while I go sit on my couch and stare blankly while my nose tingles.

[jenburns111]

(cont. from previous post) how to spell. Thank God for spell check. Misc. SIde Effects. Slurred Speech. Poor Coordination. Soda tastes like sh#t. Sleepiness - but I can't seem to sleep a lot. Numb nose. Tingling feet. PLUS the risk of kidney stones andkidney failure. SURE I've lost weight - and I'm glad because I'm fat :) That's the only good side effect! But I can't exercise because I'm too weak. I'm lucky if I can manage to eat 300 calories in a day by force feeding myself. (cont.)