Topamax, the brand name of the medication topiramate, is not intended for weight loss. This medication is only FDA-approved to prevent migraine headaches and to treat certain seizure disorders. However, weight loss is a common side effect of Topamax. In fact, approximately 16 percent of adults experienced weight loss while taking Topamax in clinical trials, according to the eMed TV website. Because of this, some doctors prescribe Topamax as a weight loss aid in a practice known as off-label prescribing.
Dosage
The specific dosage of Topamax you should take depends on a variety of factors, and only your doctor can determine the appropriate amount for your situation. Your doctor may not prescribe you a dose of 200 mg a day right off the bat. Generally speaking, doctors start with a dosage of 50 mg of adult patients and wait see which side effects result with this dosage. If no adverse side effects occur, a doctor may gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is obtained. While it's true that a dosage of 200 mg is more likely to result in weight loss than a dosage of 50 mg, keep in mind that the risk of experiencing other side effects also increases proportionally to the dosage.
Misconceptions
Some people mistakenly believe they can predict which side effects will occur with a specific dosage. This is not true. Although it is true that the side effects generally increase as the dosage of Topamax increases, it is impossible to predict if a dosage of 200 mg of Topamax a day will affect you. You may not experience any side effects at all at this dosage, or you may experience several. Biological factors, other medications, gender, weight, age and lifestyle can all play a role in the way your body reacts to the medication.
Considerations
Although weight loss may occur, you should always research other potential risks of taking 200 mg of Topamax a day. Keep in mind that although many people experience weight loss as a side effect of Topamax, the majority of people do not. Since many of the side effects of Topamax may be quite serious, you may conclude that the risk of the other side effects does not outweigh the benefit of potential weight loss. This is a personal decision that you and your doctor should make together. Ask your doctor if another weight loss strategy would be more appropriate for your situation.
Side Effects
Besides weight loss, several other side effects may occur while taking 200 mg of Topamax a day, and some of them can be quite serious. In clinical studies, common side effects of Topamax included fatigue, numbness or tingling of the skin, loss of appetite, drowsiness, psychomotor slowing, nervousness, difficulty with memory, trouble concentrating or paying attention, confusion, and taste perversion. Other side effects include trouble urinating, insomnia, weakness, swelling, hair loss, hair growth in unusual places, skin problems, back pain, muscle pain, bone pain, changes to menstruation, dry or teary eyes, difficulty swallowing, nosebleeds, extreme thirst, dandruff, excessive movement, shaking, uncontrollable eye movements, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, gas, overgrowth of the gums, swelling of the tongue, increased saliva, headaches, aggressive behavior, irritability, depression, and mood swings. Call your doctor if any of these side effects seem particularly troublesome or persistent.
Serious side effects, although less likely, also may occur. These include eye pain, changes in vision, trouble breathing, chest pain, inability to respond, vomiting, stomach pain, irregular or pounding heartbeat, fast or shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, excessive tiredness, fever, constant need to urinate, intense back or side pain, chills, and bloody or foul-smelling urine. Call a doctor or seek medical attention immediately if you experience any serious side effects.
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