Drug Background
Topamax, or topiramate, is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, and became available worldwide in 1995. This medication was originally intended for epilepsy treatment, but it also became approved as a migraine treatment in 2004. Topamax works by slowing down electrical signals sent to the brain; abnormal or hyperactive signals are what lead to seizures and migraines. Epilepsy patients experience more time between seizures, fewer seizures and may become free of seizures after one year of treatment. Migraine patients experience fewer migraines over time, with noticeable results within one to three months.
Weight Loss and Other Side Effects
Any prescription medication that produces side effects should be discussed with a medical professional prior to use so the patient understands what to expect. Topamax side effects are generally not severe enough to cause patients to abort treatment, and side effects are most pronounced during the early stages of treatment. The most common side effects include numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, fatigue, changes in the perception of tastes, difficulty with memory/attention/concentration and weight loss. Weight loss may be attributable to loss of appetite: eMedTV.com reports that approximately 16 percent of users report weight loss, while 15 percent of users report loss of appetite. The total amount of weight loss increases with higher dosages and longer duration of treatment.
Use as a Weight Loss Aid
Topamax is FDA-approved for epilepsy treatment and migraine prevention, but the FDA does not endorse its use for weight loss or allow it to be advertised as a weight loss aid. The FDA does not, however, regulate doctors' prescriptions of Topamax for weight loss on a case-by-case basis. This practice is considered an "off-label" use of the drug because it is being used to treat a different condition than for what it is intended. Topomax may not be the most appropriate choice for weight loss when compared to other available medications due to the range of side effects. Although Topomax may be effective in treating obesity, especially obesity associated with type 2 diabetes, the side effects experienced during its use may make treatment more uncomfortable than beneficial.
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