Some doctors prescribe the anti-seizure drug topiramate, marketed under the brand name Topamax, to help patients lose weight faster, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. But because of its high potential for unpleasant side effects, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved Topamax as a diet drug. If you are pregnant, nursing or plan to become pregnant, you should not take Topamax for any reason.
Weight Loss Potential
Topamax drug studies show that about 75 percent of people taking the medication for any reason usually lose about 5 to 17 percent of their initial body weight, according to the American Diabetes Association. This concept applies whether or not the patient initially intended to lose weight. Too much weight loss, distorted taste of food and anorexic symptoms can all adversely impact a patient's health after taking topiramate.
Diet Considerations
If you take Topamax for any reason, you are at a heightened risk of developing kidney stones, warns PubMed Health. You can combat this risk by drinking at least six to eight glasses of water every day even if you are not dieting. Also, you cannot safely eat low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets while taking Topamax. This rule applies whether you need a ketogenic diet to control your epileptic seizures or would like to lose weight quickly with a plan such as Atkins or the Zone.
Additional Considerations
If you engage in a lot of exercise such as aerobics classes, you probably should not take Topamax. The drug affects your body's cooling functions and often prevents sweating, according to PubMed Health. Thus, when you take topiramate, you should not drink alcohol, avoid exposure to excessive heat and engage in only light exercise. You also may not be able to drive safely while taking Topamax. If your doctor gives you topiramate capsules, you can open them and sprinkle them into food such as applesauce. But do not split, crush or chew Topamax tablets.
Potential Side Effects
After taking Topamax for any reason, you may suffer from a number of side effects, warns PubMed Health. Many side effects such as back, muscle and bone pain; missed menstrual periods; nosebleeds; teary eyes; and dry eyes do not require medical help unless the symptoms are severe or do not go away. But if you experience side effects such as a slowed heartbeat, double vision, chest pain, trouble breathing or a constant need to urinate, you need emergency medical attention.
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