Topamax Weight Loss Side Effects

Topamax is a prescription medication used to prevent seizures in patients who have epilepsy. Despite its effectiveness, Topamax poses a risk for side effects, including weight loss.

Significance

• According to clinical studies published by the FDA, Topamax causes weight loss in at least 6 percent of patients who take the drug.

Features

• In addition to weight loss caused by the drug itself, Topamax also frequently results in loss of appetite or anorexia, increasing the likelihood that patients will lose weight.

Dosage

• Generally, patients taking higher dosages of Topamax are at an increased risk for weight loss side effects from the drug. In fact, one FDA study revealed that while only 6 percent of patients experienced weight loss from a 50mg daily dose of Topamax, 16 percent reported weight loss at 400mg per day.

Effects

• For the 67 percent of Americans who are overweight, according to the CDC, weight loss from Topamax poses little concern; however, for those at a healthy weight or slightly under, weight loss has the potential to cause problems. Patients who are underweight due to Topamax-related weight loss may experience fatigue, trouble concentrating and irritability.

Considerations

• Because of Topamax's weight loss effects, some doctors have begun prescribing the drug for the sole purpose of weight loss. The American Diabetes Association cautions that Topamax causes a number of other possible side effects and does not recommend the use of the drug in people who do not have epilepsy. Additionally, the FDA has not approved Topamax for this use.