Headache Medication & Weight Loss

Medications are commonly used for purposes other than what they were originally approved for. A seizure medication called topiramate, also Topamax, has a secondary use as a migraine treatment for adults. One of its most prominent side effects is weight loss, but this medication is not something you should take solely to burn fat.

Migraines

Migraines are severe, chronic headaches with an unknown cause. The University of Maryland Medical Center says it's possible that blood flow changes play a role. Migraines can have triggers, such as certain foods, smells or actions that set off painful episodes. Migraines can be so painful that a sufferer has to avoid light, sound, odors or other stimuli, and the pain can last up to three days.

Purposes

Topiramate was originally an anti-epileptic drug that has become known for its success in preventing migraines. While it is not 100-percent effective, research has found it can reduce the number of headaches sufferers get. One such study from 2010 and published in the journal "Cephalalgia" found a significant reduction in the number of days that subjects had migraines, though the medication didn't prevent migraines overall. Another study, published in the journal "Headache" in 2009, found significant quality-of-life improvement, including reduced severity and reduced vomiting.

Effect on Weight

Weight loss is only one side effect of many for topiramate. Estimates of how much weight is lost range from less than 4 percent of starting weight to as much as 20 percent, but not everyone loses weight while taking this medication. The weight loss is not considered a serious side effect, although if you begin to lose weight in a way or at a rate that concerns you, notify your doctor immediately.

Other Side Effects

Topiramate has several possible side effects that are severe. Drugs.com warns that these include confusion, suicidal thoughts, vision loss or eye pain, vomiting and severe back pain. Using topiramate for migraines may preclude you from using other weight loss medications. Topiramate is meant for major issues like seizures and migraines, and it is not meant to be used as a weight loss method.

Interactions

Further preventing its use for weight loss are interactions with diet and exercise. Drugs.com advises not becoming overheated or eating a high-protein/low-carb diet while on the medication. Topiramate adversely affects how much you sweat, increasing the risk of heat stroke. Drugs.com also advises avoiding alcohol and not driving if you've taken the medication.