Topamax is the name for a generic drug called topiramate. It’s classified by the FDA as an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat epilepsy and other conditions but it’s also employed in the treatment of other ailments, like bipolar disorder and migraine.
Topamax is a great treatment for disorders like these, but most people who use it experience weight loss as a major consequence.
Let’s take an in-depth review of how safe and efficient Topamax is, and what it can do for weight loss.
Topamax Weight Loss
Topamax has been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat epilepsy and stop migraine However, the prescription drug is also well-known for its effects on weight loss.
Although weight loss could be an advantage of using Topamax however, the FDA hasn’t authorized the drug for weight loss on its own.
Topamax can cause weight loss since it reduces appetite. The people that take the drug and suffer from an appetite reduction may experience less hunger and consume less food due to this.
Research studies have proven that Topamax could increase metabolism, which means the body burns more calories quickly.
Clinical trials have proven that approximately 6-7% to 17 percentage of those who take Topamax are likely to experience weight loss.
Although some people see this as an additional benefit but losing weight too often isn’t always a good thing. The majority of people notice a slight loss of weight from Topamax. The rapid loss of weight could be harmful and it’s the time to consult a physician in the event that you are taking Topamax and it occurs to you.
A healthy weight is vital and the best method to determine what weight is the best for you is to consult your doctor.
If you are unable to reach your ideal body weight due to Topamax could be another indicator that it’s time to discuss with your physician.
Can You Safely Consume Topamax To Lose Weight?
Sometimes Topamax is prescribed off-label in order to help people shed weight. Off-label prescribing is when a doctor issues an order for a drug which is accepted from the FDA to treat a condition that is different from the condition their patient is suffering from.
It’s legal and occurs often in the medical profession and is estimated to be one-in-five prescriptions being off-label.
A doctor could decide to prescribe someone for Topamax to aid in the loss of weight or combat eating disorders like binge eating and purging that can lead to weight growth.
Someone must be a person with a body mass index (BMI) which is 30 or more to be given any weight loss drug such as Topamax.
Research has shown that those who use Topamax to lose weight will lose around eleven pounds when compared to groups who use the drug for at least 4 months.
The weight loss benefits of Topamax are enhanced with the duration of treatment and dose. Research has also demonstrated that treatment with topiramate can boost the probability of weight loss statistically significant up to six times.
Although Topamax can be extremely efficient in weight loss but it’s not safe for all. The following categories of people should consult with their doctor prior to taking Topamax as they could be at an increased risk of suffering serious adverse reactions when they are taking it:
- People suffering from kidney disease
- Patients suffering from lung disease or breathing issues
- People suffering from liver disease
- Eye problems can affect people with problems, like Glaucoma
- People who suffer from depression
- People who are suicidal or have suicidal ideas or behavior
- People who suffer from osteoporosis
- People suffering from metabolic ketoacidosis
It could be safe for women who are pregnant to take Topamax if advantages of the medication outweigh the risk. It’s not likely Topamax could or should be used during pregnancy to achieve the purpose of losing weight.
Topamax could cause harm to fetus as well as oral birth defect if used by women who are pregnant this is the reason it’s recommended with caution only when medically required.
It’s also excreted by human milk, however it’s unclear if it can negatively affect the infants who are breastfeeding.
Topamax could reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. efficient, which is why it’s crucial to speak with your doctor about alternatives to hormonal birth control in case you do not want to fall pregnant when taking Topamax.
If you’re not pregnant, and don’t suffer from any of the conditions listed above can comfortably take Topamax However, they could have some side effects taking it.
Here are a few of the most frequent side effects associated with Topamax, in addition to weight loss:
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Numbness
- Diarrhea
- Appetite loss
- Lack of coordination
- The sensation of paresthesia (burning sensations)
Although it’s uncommon, Topamax can cause more serious side effects that could require medical attention, such as memory problems, confusion as well as trouble concentrating and difficulties speaking.
There are also people who suffer from mental health-related side effects such as panic attacks, depression or mood swings, as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
If you experience one of the symptoms listed above,, you must seek medical attention whenever you can.
Another rare negative side result that is a result of Topamax is eye issues, which can cause vision changes and even blindness. This is why it’s important to contact your doctor if your vision changes. This list of adverse effects isn’t complete; if your desire is more comprehensive information on Topamax adverse effects, ask your physician or pharmacist for a drug guide.
If Topamax has been causing excessive negative side effects, remember that there are alternatives. The active ingredient of Topamax topiramate the principal component in weight-loss medicine Qsymia which is a combination of phentermine and topiramate.
As per Dr. Singh, Qsymia is one of the most effective treatments to take long-term when combined with lifestyle changes and diet for weight loss, specifically for overweight patients suffering from either class 1, or overweight.
If you’re unable to take Topamax due an unrelated health issue or because you’re suffering from excessive adverse effects You might want to talk to your physician regarding Qsymia or other methods to shed weight.
What Is The Best Way To Do You Topamax To Reduce Weight?
Topamax may be used to assist in weight loss and manage purging and binge eating However, it’s essential to be aware that it’s not an alternative to seeing an expert and developing an effective weight loss program that is well-rounded.
If you’re considering using Topamax you should make the appointment of your physician to determine if it’s a good fit for you.
Your doctor will conduct an extensive physical examination and will ask about your medical background. Should you and your physician determine that Topamax is safe to aid in losing weight, you could be given an order for it. If you’ve received an order from your physician it is important to understand the best way to take Topamax for the most effective outcomes.
The recommended dose for Topamax to lose weight is a modest dosage that is 25 milligrams per day.
However, the strength of this dosage may be increased in a case-by basis, based on the individual’s medical history as well as the amount of weight they want to shed.
In a study published through researchers from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry and Psychiatry, bipolar and schizophrenia patients who received an average dosage of 195 mg topiramate daily lost around 22 pounds over the course of.
This indicates that the dosages of Topamax can range from low to high and that doctors can alter or reduce how much Topamax that a person is taking based on their personal outcomes in the course of.
It could take a few months to observe weight loss effects due to using Topamax. Certain people might not notice the difference until they’ve used the medication for at most 4 months and others might begin to see weight loss within the first few months of using it. The effects of topiramate on weight loss have been confirmed to increase with time.
Topamax is a medication that can be used either with or without food, and is usually taken in the same dose every day. It should not be taken in conjunction with other medications due to the risk of drug interactions. Here’s a list of drugs that Topamax shouldn’t be used along with:
- Antiepileptic medications
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
- CNS depressants
- Oral contraceptives
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
- Pioglitazone
- Lithium
- Amitriptyline
Alongside these drugs, Topamax shouldn’t be taken in conjunction with alcohol as it can create insomnia, increase the chance of kidney stones and can trigger metabolic acidosis. Acidosis is in which excessive acid builds within body fluids and can be life-threatening when left untreated.
If you notice fast breathing, confusion severe fatigue, and an increase in heart rate when taking Topamax, it is important to consult a doctor as quickly as you can, since these are indications that you could be suffering from metabolic acidosis.
Weight Gain After Topamax
If someone ceases taking Topamax, it’s likely that they’ll notice weight gain over the course of time, particularly when they’ve not been combining Topamax and healthy lifestyle adjustments.
A study that was conducted in collaboration with the National Library of Medicine discontinuation of Topamax during at minimum six weeks showed an increasing tendency to return to a previous weight.
Therefore, people are more likely to be able to return to the weight they weighed prior to taking Topamax however, this could take a while. The return to a normal weight can occur because the body isn’t feeling a decrease in appetite or more rapid metabolism.
The best method to be sure you’re capable of keeping the your weight off once you’ve stopped taking Topamax is to make healthy lifestyle changes that help you along losing weight.
5 Ways To Lose Weight That Are Safe And Effective
Topamax could be beneficial on the journey to lose weight, if your doctor is in agreement however it’s by no means the only method to shed weight. Lifestyle adjustments can help you lose weight and maintain it so you can reap the benefits of weight loss even without taking Topamax during the time you take it, or even after having taken it after taking it. Here are a few methods that are safe to shed weight.
Enhance Your Eating Habits
A healthy diet is one of the most reliable and safe methods to shed weight. Be aware of what you eat and how much food you’re eating will help you shed pounds when you follow the right guidelines.
For the most effective guidance on the foods you should consume to lose weight, you must consult your physician, but making small changes such as eating more vegetables and fruits is a good way to begin.
Processed food, refined carbohydrates alcohol, sugar, and processed foods are just a few examples of food items which can result in weight growth.
Fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, as well as high-quality proteins such as beans, salmon and eggs are fantastic examples of foods your body is able to easily process and absorb essential nutrients from.
Exercise Regularly
Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) exercising is not just a way to manage weight, but also lowers blood pressure, lowers the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes, and may even help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
There are a variety of people who can vary the amount of physical activity they require to lose weight. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult your physician regarding how often you need to exercise.
The best exercises for losing weight include biking, walking and swimming. You can also do exercises for weight loss.
Reduce Stress
Stress can be linked to a variety of illnesses, including depression and anxiety. Stress can trigger emotional eating, which could cause weight increase in the course of time.
The ability to manage stress can help you shed weight. Try meditating yoga, doing yoga, taking walks or making calls to a family member.
You could also consult your doctor or counselor for ways to lower stress levels that work with your daily routine.
Make Sure You Get Enough Rest
Based on the Sleep Foundation, the lack of sleep can boost appetite levels and result in metabolic issues. Sleeping enough can allow your body to perform at its best and provide you with more energy to complete tasks such as exercise, which will aid in losing weight. Sleeping enough can reduce anxiety levels and aid in reducing any cravings to eat too much.
Trying Safe Diet Pills & Supplements
There are many diet pills and supplements available on shelves that advertise to trigger weight loss, including Hydroxy cut and glucomannan. However, they shouldn’t be used as a substitute to make healthy lifestyle adjustments.
“When people go for weight loss medications, most of them do it because it’s easy to do,” Dr. Singh says. “If someone is able to make a significant change in their eating habits and lifestyle first, they’ll experience a noticeable improvement after taking Topamax as well as other pills.
The attitude is the most important factor. Medicines are not an alternative to eating and fitness habits.”