Anyone else using Adipex and Topamax?

24

Replies

  • Heather_Rider
    Heather_Rider Posts: 1,159 Member
    I took Topamax for migraines a few years back. I had terrible side affects, I'd rather have the migraines.

    This was exactly me. Been probably 10 or more years.. i was skinny back then, and lost so much weight the doctor put me on a medication to increase my appetite. The side effects were AWFUL and I had severe withdrawls when coming off of it. I was on it for over a year. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE medication.
  • breasonable
    breasonable Posts: 115 Member
    25 lbs lost in 1 month?!?! Holy Cow! Did you eat?
    Yes to funny! I eat and the wonderful thing is I am not hungry or obsessing about food or what I can have next!!! Like on every other Diet I have been on.. May not be for some people but for me I have never had something work so well and keep my mind off obsessing...
  • StephanieKidd83
    StephanieKidd83 Posts: 41 Member
    I did pretty good on the Adipex when I started taking it. I didnt like the side affects though so I stopped. Im a moody person as it is, and the adipex had my moods pretty extreme. I almost want to be violent sometimes. The smallest things either had me crying, or really pissed off. Id go from one extreme to the next. Its out of my system now and Im back to my normal moodyness lol I learned quickly that it isnt for me.Its not for everyone I guess. Good luck!!
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    Be wary of doctors who write off label prescriptions...

    The drug has only been demonstrated safe and effective for controlling seizures. The thing to keep in mind is that the FDA looks at benefits vs. risks when approving pharmaceuticals. So, the relative risk of a drug with serious side effects may be low if it is going to prevent a serious, acute medical problem (like stroke, heart attack, seizure, etc). The same side effects could have much higher relative risk if the drug is treating a less severe problem (acne, rash, etc).
  • Topamax makes you lose weight YES. Down size of it, as soon you stop taking the weight you lose on the RX can be out back right back, So be careful with this RX.
    Do more "morning cardio" instead is my tip !!!
  • Each dose is different for everyone... if the dose is too high for someone... Topamax becomes "Dopamax." Forget words, things you were doing... main uses are for seizures and migraines... started out as a mood stabilizer... they noticed psych patients were
    losing weight on it.

    I am on it now for migraines, works great... but we had to decrease the doses... I couldn't complete a sentence because I lost word recollection..
  • Heather_Rider
    Heather_Rider Posts: 1,159 Member
    I think you should only take medications for what they are actually prescribed for. Topamax is a seizure/severe headache medication. If you want to lose weight, you won't find it in a pill - and even if you do, the risks are highly likely to outweigh the benefits. Give it some serious thought. Best of luck to you.

    If a doctor prescribes a medication for condition X then that is what the medication is "actually prescribed for." Off-label use is quite common, and I know that I have benefited from it at times. If the OP's doctor believes that the potential benefits of this medication outweigh the risks, then no one here is in a position to say otherwise because we do not know the OP's medical history, situation, etc.. If the OP has questions about the risks and benefits of a particular medication, and how they apply to her situation, she should talk to her doctor.

    I agree with this. I have COPD and the doctor prescribes me low dose pain medication, because it stops cough. and trust me, the medication i am on isnt something they normally give for cough. and it works. If it was prescribed to the OP for weight loss, than that IS the reason it was actually prescribed for THEM.
  • I have been prescribed Topamax for Migraines. It has cut them to me having them only twice a week now.
  • I have friends on Adipex and they shed weight and gain it back in a hurry plus more so now they are addicted to it.

    Bascially it's a few molecules away from being cocaine. You will be very thirsty, feel like crap in the morning until you take another pill, and talk a millions miles a minute from the jitters in the beginning. I'm not here to harp on anyone I just thought I would say that you can loose weight and be successful but a pill will hinder you in the long run. I used to live in florida and the clinics selling adipex were shutting down bc of people have heart issues. On my own discretion I tried it over a year ago for a week and I felt like I was a form of speed. So I know exactly what it does.. your not hungry. Doctors want the recognition for helping you when they are only setting you up for failure. Remember they are in the business to make money... that's why they sell B12 shots along with it because they know your calorie intake is usually below 900.

    I'm here to help if you want an answer that involves commitment, nutrition and working out. I'm a hard coach and I'm here to tell you what to do , how to do it and when. I hope you are careful with these pills and I would suggest you wing yourself off for a week until you can completely get off of it. I'm not a doctor but again, I have too many friends who have tried this and had to stop because of health issues and/or they just felt "cracked" out. I hated the feeling all around. Best of luck.
  • Heather_Rider
    Heather_Rider Posts: 1,159 Member
    Be wary of doctors who write off label prescriptions...

    The drug has only been demonstrated safe and effective for controlling seizures. The thing to keep in mind is that the FDA looks at benefits vs. risks when approving pharmaceuticals. So, the relative risk of a drug with serious side effects may be low if it is going to prevent a serious, acute medical problem (like stroke, heart attack, seizure, etc). The same side effects could have much higher relative risk if the drug is treating a less severe problem (acne, rash, etc).

    a side effect is a side effect. It wont be any more or less unless the dosage is higher or lower. This statement is absurd.
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    I would get a second opinion so fast, the doctor wouldn't have had time to write out the prescription.

    There are far too many weight loss tools in the world to make me overlook that list of nasty side effects.
  • skinnygurl02
    skinnygurl02 Posts: 176 Member
    I took topamax for a while as a appetite suppressant to counteract another drug that gave me a crazy appetite...I started losing alot of hair. The pharmacist told me it was the topamax so I quit it. It was a powerful suppressant though...
  • bpwparents
    bpwparents Posts: 359 Member
    I was prescribed Topomax for migraines and I would never touch it again. I had severe pins & needles feeling all over. I felt lightheaded. I chose to have migraines instead of continuing the Topomax. That's saying a lot!!
  • emih29
    emih29 Posts: 21 Member
    I have been prescribed Topamax for Migraines. It has cut them to me having them only twice a week now.

    Me too. Im on 200mg

    I usually laugh at people when they say ohh topomax helps you loose weight. For some people yes, but for me it didn't but thats not why I take it. I gained 15 lbs while on it. I lost it thankfully but I have gained and lost while on the drug.
  • I hear alot about the side effects of the topramax by itself, but I wonder if when combined with adipex that the side effects arent as common. Sometimes when drugs are combined they counter each others side effects. Something to investigate. Always perk up when I hear of something to help aid weight loss because I always struggle on my own.Fresh from coming off the insane 500 calorie HCG diet. Lost 25 lbs but I just cant take it anymore. Back to the oldfashioned way of cal counting here instead. Much happier : ) If this drug is generally safe I may try it. Having high blood pressure, risking diabetes, heart disease etc. is far worse than a few possible side effects. Its definately a personal choice. Just have to weigh the benefits vs risks.
  • auroranflash
    auroranflash Posts: 3,569 Member
    Whoa... loss of motor control, loss of memory, unable to speak properly?

    This sounds like some seriously scary stuff.
  • MyaPapaya75
    MyaPapaya75 Posts: 3,143 Member
    Topiramate here ...generic..yep one side effect can be weigh loss it is an anti seizure / anti migraine med...it has many other side effects that can happen just like MANY other meds....I take it daily...and have weight loss one of the reasons I am on it IS for the side effect ..long story not going to post here but if anyone is interested feel free to inbox me....it works for me....I think for everyone you would have to take the indiviual and know what was their issue prior to taking it and what is happening now while on it...for me it is a lifesaver.
  • yo_andi
    yo_andi Posts: 2,178 Member
    I chose migraines over Topamax because I felt that awful on it.
  • breasonable
    breasonable Posts: 115 Member
    I hear alot about the side effects of the topramax by itself, but I wonder if when combined with adipex that the side effects arent as common. Sometimes when drugs are combined they counter each others side effects. Something to investigate. Always perk up when I hear of something to help aid weight loss because I always struggle on my own.Fresh from coming off the insane 500 calorie HCG diet. Lost 25 lbs but I just cant take it anymore. Back to the oldfashioned way of cal counting here instead. Much happier : ) If this drug is generally safe I may try it. Having high blood pressure, risking diabetes, heart disease etc. is far worse than a few possible side effects. Its definately a personal choice. Just have to weigh the benefits vs risks.
  • breasonable
    breasonable Posts: 115 Member
    My Dr says that Adipex and Topamax are what the new diet drug that just came out is. Qysymia. But it is not available all over yet. I think it's funny on here how you ask I simple question if anyone else is taking stuff and people come out of the woodwork claiming to know more then my Doctor. Then I have people inboxing me stating they are on the drugs but would never post it on here because of being attack by all of you.. How sad that all of you sit there and judge people on your high horses. I did ask for your advise I asked if anyone else was in my boat!
  • I take topamax for neuropathy of my feet and legs and have not had any side effects that anyone has mentioned here, not even weight loss. It has made my legs and feet feel 100% better though!
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    My Dr says that Adipex and Topamax are what the new diet drug that just came out is. Qysymia. But it is not available all over yet. I think it's funny on here how you ask I simple question if anyone else is taking stuff and people come out of the woodwork claiming to know more then my Doctor. Then I have people inboxing me stating they are on the drugs but would never post it on here because of being attack by all of you.. How sad that all of you sit there and judge people on your high horses. I did ask for your advise I asked if anyone else was in my boat!

    Talking about their concern for the side effects is not the same as "claiming to know more than your doctor" or "judging" you.
  • Bentley2718
    Bentley2718 Posts: 1,689 Member
    Be wary of doctors who write off label prescriptions...

    The drug has only been demonstrated safe and effective for controlling seizures. The thing to keep in mind is that the FDA looks at benefits vs. risks when approving pharmaceuticals. So, the relative risk of a drug with serious side effects may be low if it is going to prevent a serious, acute medical problem (like stroke, heart attack, seizure, etc). The same side effects could have much higher relative risk if the drug is treating a less severe problem (acne, rash, etc).

    a side effect is a side effect. It wont be any more or less unless the dosage is higher or lower. This statement is absurd.

    I think what this person was trying to say is that the particular risks of a drug are weighed against the condition it treats. For example, some cancer treatments cause horrific side effects, and can even kill people, but if they are used to treat a condition that is likely to kill the patient anyway (e.g. an aggressive form of cancer) then the side effects and other risks may be considered worth it. On the other hand, if a drug to treat common cold symptoms had the same side effects, it wouldn't be approved or used, because the risks would outweigh the benefits.

    All of that said, I think that the OP's physician (or a physician who has examined the OP to give a second opinion) is in a far better position to discuss with her the risks and benefits of this medication.
  • breasonable
    breasonable Posts: 115 Member
    My Dr says that Adipex and Topamax are what the new diet drug that just came out is. Qysymia. But it is not available all over yet. I think it's funny on here how you ask I simple question if anyone else is taking stuff and people come out of the woodwork claiming to know more then my Doctor. Then I have people inboxing me stating they are on the drugs but would never post it on here because of being attack by all of you.. How sad that all of you sit there and judge people on your high horses. I did ask for your advise I asked if anyone else was in my boat!

    Talking about their concern for the side effects is not the same as "claiming to know more than your doctor" or "judging" you.

    I think you need to go back and read some of the statements then....
  • jess7386
    jess7386 Posts: 477 Member
    I think it's funny on here how you ask I simple question if anyone else is taking stuff and people come out of the woodwork claiming to know more then my Doctor.

    Funny that I haven't seen a single post claiming that anyone knows more than your doctor.
    How sad that all of you sit there and judge people on your high horses.

    I shared my experience because of things that I was NOT told by my doctor, who prescribed me Topamax. I submit to you that others likely did the same. Maybe you're the judgmental one, thinking we are on our "high horses" when a lot of people gave advice out of concern for you.

    No one ever said you had to follow the advice stated on this forum - people were simply sharing their experiences & opinions - the point of a public forum. Take it as what it is - food for thought.
  • breasonable
    breasonable Posts: 115 Member
    Be wary of doctors who write off label prescriptions...

    The drug has only been demonstrated safe and effective for controlling seizures. The thing to keep in mind is that the FDA looks at benefits vs. risks when approving pharmaceuticals. So, the relative risk of a drug with serious side effects may be low if it is going to prevent a serious, acute medical problem (like stroke, heart attack, seizure, etc). The same side effects could have much higher relative risk if the drug is treating a less severe problem (acne, rash, etc).

    a side effect is a side effect. It wont be any more or less unless the dosage is higher or lower. This statement is absurd.

    I think what this person was trying to say is that the particular risks of a drug are weighed against the condition it treats. For example, some cancer treatments cause horrific side effects, and can even kill people, but if they are used to treat a condition that is likely to kill the patient anyway (e.g. an aggressive form of cancer) then the side effects and other risks may be considered worth it. On the other hand, if a drug to treat common cold symptoms had the same side effects, it wouldn't be approved or used, because the risks would outweigh the benefits.

    All of that said, I think that the OP's physician (or a physician who has examined the OP to give a second opinion) is in a far better position to discuss with her the risks and benefits of this medication.
    [/quote

    I understand what you are saying but she is saying is that I went to some quack that writes off label drugs and not my regular Dr that I have seen for 20 years and thats has dealt with all my medical conditions.
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    I was on Topamax for migriainnes- the numb face'hands and messed up vision (and NO Migraine reief) was too much for me and I stopped after a week.....
    The messed up vision scared me as 'gluacoma' is a side effect.
  • CariBgood
    CariBgood Posts: 88 Member
    Honestly by your picture I am not quite sure why you need medication for your weight loss. I have had several doctors insist that I change my eating habits and lifestyle. Not one of them has offered any type of medication and I have well over a 100lbs to lose. I hope that whatever issues that you are having that require you to go the medication route are better soon. It sounds like there are several serious side effects from this medication. Good Luck
  • breasonable
    breasonable Posts: 115 Member
    I think it's funny on here how you ask I simple question if anyone else is taking stuff and people come out of the woodwork claiming to know more then my Doctor.

    Funny that I haven't seen a single post claiming that anyone knows more than your doctor.
    How sad that all of you sit there and judge people on your high horses.

    I shared my experience because of things that I was NOT told by my doctor, who prescribed me Topamax. I submit to you that others likely did the same. Maybe you're the judgmental one, thinking we are on our "high horses" when a lot of people gave advice out of concern for you.

    No one ever said you had to follow the advice stated on this forum - people were simply sharing their experiences & opinions - the point of a public forum. Take it as what it is - food for thought.

    Thank you very much for your feedback. I wasn't trying to be snappy... I guess the lady quoting the listing for the drug usages and dosage irritated me .. I was just looking for other people traveling down the same road as me!!!
  • I took topamax a few years ago after a head injury which resulted in seizures. I ended up losing about 50 lb in 6 months. Losing the weight was great, however I constantly felt lethargic, I was sleeping up to 18 hours a day, and i had tingling in my face and hands. The side effects of topamax were INTENSE. I hope you don't end up experiencing these same symptoms.