Would you take a appetite supressant from doc?

mytime6630 · May 2014

Yesterday I had my annual physical. While I am about 40 lbs overweight, I am not in the "obese" category - just overweight, with a BMI of about 29. I expressed to my doctor that I have been struggling with losing weight - I am 63 yrs old, and I lose weight very slowly, and tend to get discouraged. I exercise a lot, but I also know that part of this is because I do have days where I do eat too much. I try to write everything down, but somedays I don't, And, on those days, I do not measure of weigh my food. So I know, deep down, the fault is probably my own!!

But - he wrote me a prescript, told me the pills do not cost that much, and unlike "diet" pills, they will not raise my blood pressure, or have the bad effects that "Diet" pills do. So -- I picked up the pills, thinking, gee, why not! ( The doctor told me I would have those 40 lbs off in no time - the pills would make me just not hungry). So I'm thinking, this is a no-brainer. Why not get the extra help, get those lbs off, and then work hard to keep them off.

Well, I picked up the pills, and saw that they are actually pills to give someone to prevent them from having seizures! One of the side effects, is loss of appetite. The pills did only cost me $11.00, but now, I do not want to take them. I am scared of taking anything like this, much less for something it is not really intended for

I am a person that takes NO medications at all, and scared to take something where its intended use is to prevent seizures. He did tell me I might feel "spaced out" until I get used to them, but after a week I would be fine.

Am I being over cautious, especially since the doctor told me to take them.? I know I could get the weight off faster, but is this what I want or should do?

So today, the pills are unopened. I measured everything, stayed within my calories, and feel good. I drank a lot of water. Yes, I am very hungry, but won't I get used to being hungry, and eventually, the hunger, or what I think is hunger, will go away?

Any words of encouragement, and suggestions? I know so many of you have been so successful. I have a very hard time eating something considered "good", and not feeling like I am off my diet. I know I need to work on this as well.

Oh - the pills are "Topiramate - 25 mg". A very low dose, according to my doc. I trust my doct, been going to him for over 20 yrs, but just scared to take them.

KatyRu · May 2014

May I ask what the name of the pills is? I once lost 45 pounds in around 3 months without really trying on pills I was taking for migraines (that were also used to treat seizures). If they're the same pills, I wouldn't recommend them solely for weight loss. They made me grumpy and, if you like soda at all, you won't after you've started them. They make anything carbonated taste like what I'd imagine moldy cheese tastes like.

rosebette · May 2014

This happened to me a few years ago with one of the doctors in the practice I used to go to. I weighed around 140 at the time, and I'm around 5'2". I complained about being unable to lose weight, and the doctor offered me diet pills, but I said no thanks. Another doctor in the practice was trying to get me to take HRT when I didn't want to because it would "protect" me from getting Alzheimer's (I was 40) and a statin when my cholesterol was 199. I ended up changing practices. Don't take the pills, just pay more attention to diet and exercise.

wheird · May 2014

Would I? No. Unless I had a damn good reason for it.

AtticWindow · May 2014

Lots of drugs have anti-convulsant properties, even Benadryl. I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you want crazy, doctor-sanctioned methods, try injecting yourself with Exenatide, made from synthesized Gila monster saliva. My mom (an ER doc) used that and lost ten pounds.

FatFreeFrolicking · May 2014

I wouldn't recommend it.

I've been taking Topamax (Topiramate) for a while for migraines. Yes, it makes you have no appetite. It also makes you chronically nauseous and have a feeling of disgust toward food. My diet consists of plain chicken, brown rice, mashed potatoes, crackers, bananas, and oatmeal. I can't tolerate anything else because of the nausea caused by the medication.

Topamax has a lot of cognitive side effects… memory loss, impairment of depth perception (I would see stop signs way before the stop sign was actually in front of me), trouble forming sentences, etc.

It's not worth the side effects if you are only taking it for weight loss.

healthygreek · May 2014

No! Do not take the pills!
I am 60 and I lost just by a calorie deficit and exercise. I've lost a lot more than the 5 pounds my ticker displays.
You can do it. Just be consistent with your logging.
I just had a check-up and I'm 125 at 5'2". I'd like to lose a couple more but my doc says I'm fine the way I am.
I wasn't hungry at all. I ate back 1/2 to all of my exercise calories depending on my hunger level.
I work out 6 days a week and walk on the 7th.
If you take the pill, eventually you'll have to stop taking it. You will probably gain a lot of it back.
Just eat at a reasonable deficit-mostly healthy fats, proteins, fruits and veggies, ect. and you will lose it all!
I also eat chocolate and other treats but keep it within the calorie goal.
I even eat out 1-2 times a week and drink some wine. I don't feel at all deprived.
You can do it without pills. I'm like you in the respect that the less medication-the better.

SapiensPisces · May 2014

I would not for the simple reason that eating too little can cause unnecessary muscle loss, and being an older woman, getting that muscle back will be very difficult for you. Take your time. Lose slowly and add some resistance training if you haven't already to preserve as much muscle as you can along the way. Work on controlling your appetite and figuring out why you're overeating in the first place. Treat that, and you'll do great.

psych101 · May 2014

To answer your question...nope

saheliene · May 2014

I use Topiramate/Topamax for my migraines as a prophylactic treatment. They do have an initial appetite suppressant effect but it won't last. What will last is the side effects that affects your short term memory. My doc calls it Dopamax bc it does make you dumb as in you want to say something and it is at the tip of your tongue and won't just come out, you won't remember. It works wonders for my migraines so I have been on it for years. Still 40 pounds overweight though despite jogging and healthy eating. I just like carbs a bit too much.

snazzyjazzy21 · May 2014

Don't worry, my doctor once gave me anti-psychosis medication for my insomnia, after a while you get used to drugs having multiple uses. Personally, I'm happy taking prescribed drugs as long as the side effects aren't bad, but it's all about what you feel comfortable doing.

airangel59 · May 2014

If you are leary...try just stringing a few days/weeks of good eating (weighing/measuring/logging your food). Since you already have them, if you decide doing it the MFP way isn't for you, you can always try them I suppose (I prefer avoid medication at all costs if I can find an alternative way to lose)

There are no magic potion pills, and yes the hunger does go away (are you sure it's hunger?? I ate cuz I was bored or thought I was hungry). If you are hungry go walking, work out, exercise, get your mind off food and get out of the house.

Good luck whichever way you choose.

Edited to add that I work from home too & have the same challenges

psmd · May 2014

He gave you topiramate. Personally my opinion is that it's a bad idea to use a medication for its side effects. Also studies show that people lose an average of about 5 pounds on this medication. Is that worth it for the increased risk of slowing down your thinking and kidney stones? (those are the other side effects, and yes you are correct this medication is used for treatment of seizures though sometimes is also prescribed for migraines, pain, alcohol dependence, and bipolar disorder).

CA_Underdog · May 2014

I wouldn't take the pills. I already know a reliable way to lose weight and get in better shape, and unless the drug has long-term studies demonstrating its safety, I wouldn't count on it for maintenance. Of course, if your weight's a problem and you can't find any other way to take it off, it might be worth consideration.

callmestephanie · May 2014

May I ask what the name of the pills is? I once lost 45 pounds in around 3 months without really trying on pills I was taking for migraines (that were also used to treat seizures). If they're the same pills, I wouldn't recommend them solely for weight loss. They made me grumpy and, if you like soda at all, you won't after you've started them. They make anything carbonated taste like what I'd imagine moldy cheese tastes like.

I couldn't see how that would be a problem lol

But... no. I'm like you and avoid "unneeded" pills when possible.

SLLRunner · May 2014

First off, you don't need any "help" such as pills to lose weight. You said it yourself- the fault is on you (no offense intended) for not accurately logging, sporadic weighing of food, and eating a surplus of calories.

The solution is to start logging accurately, weighing all your solid foods and measuring liquids, eat within a calorie goal that includes a deficit.

You want that 40 pounds to come off slowly. It took me about a year to lose 42 pounds, and I'm glad I did it that way.

Also, throw away the pills and get a new doctor. I question any doctor who does not tell you exactly what medication is for before prescribing it, as well as prescribing a seizure medicine for a person who does not have seizures.

FatFreeFrolicking · May 2014

First off, you don't need any "help" such as pills to lose weight. You said it yourself- the fault is on you (no offense intended) for not accurately logging, sporadic weighing of food, and eating a surplus of calories.

The solution is to start logging accurately, weighing all your solid foods and measuring liquids, eat within a calorie goal that includes a deficit.

You want that 40 pounds to come off slowly. It took me about a year to lose 42 pounds, and I'm glad I did it that way.

Also, throw away the pills and get a new doctor. I question any doctor who does not tell you exactly what medication is for before prescribing it, as well as prescribing a seizure medicine for a person who does not have seizures.

Topamax's primary use is to treat seizure disorders. It's off label uses are migraines, mood stabilizer, and an appetite suppressant in overweight/obese patients.

Plenty of medications are used for a variety of purposes. I take Topamax and I don't have seizures. I take it for migraines because it's a miracle drug for them. She doesn't need to find a new doctor just because he gave her a drug that is used to treat multiple conditions. That's silly.

bajoyba · May 2014

Personally, I wouldn't take the pills.

If I were you, I'd make a sincere effort to do it the good old-fashioned way for a month or two and see how you do.

If you're truly hungry, try adding more low-calorie, high volume foods to your day. I'm someone who likes to eat a lot of food, so I bump up a lot of my meals with fresh vegetables (for instance, lots of lettuce and bell peppers in my tacos, or a single serving of spaghetti with a protein and sauteed squash and zucchini). If you're a boredom eater or like to snack throughout the day, have lots of low-calorie alternatives available to munch on (I like apples, cheese sticks, fresh veggies, pretzels, popcorn, etc).

AtticWindow · May 2014

First off, you don't need any "help" such as pills to lose weight. You said it yourself- the fault is on you (no offense intended) for not accurately logging, sporadic weighing of food, and eating a surplus of calories.

The solution is to start logging accurately, weighing all your solid foods and measuring liquids, eat within a calorie goal that includes a deficit.

You want that 40 pounds to come off slowly. It took me about a year to lose 42 pounds, and I'm glad I did it that way.

Also, throw away the pills and get a new doctor. I question any doctor who does not tell you exactly what medication is for before prescribing it, as well as prescribing a seizure medicine for a person who does not have seizures.

Topamax's primary use is to treat seizure disorders. It's off label uses are migraines, mood stabilizer, and an appetite suppressant in overweight/obese patients.

Plenty of medications are used for a variety of purposes. I take Topamax and I don't have seizures. I take it for migraines because it's a miracle drug for them. She doesn't need to find a new doctor just because he gave her a drug that is used to treat multiple conditions. That's silly.

Exactly. I have Ativan (lorazepam) for my anxiety attacks, and my partner and I like the fact that it can also be used as an anti-convulsant because he DOES have seizures, and in an emergency (read: seizure), I can tuck an Ativan in his cheek and let it dissolve. Lots of drugs have different uses - and another factor is the size of the dosage in relation to its purpose. OP said she'd been given a low dose. It's absolutely ridiculous to recommend finding a new doctor just because of a single drug recommendation/Rx.

spk2me · May 2014

My soon to be ex went to a medical weight loss center. he needed to lose 80- 100lbs. They pumped him full of vitamin B injections and appetite suppressant pills. They also put him on a strict very low carb high protein diet and exercise program. He lost 80 lbs in 4 months. Way too much too quick. As soon as he stopped the diet program he put all the weight right back on. The key is watch what you eat. Load up on fruits and veggies. They are nutrient dense and low calories...and of course exercise. Calories in/calories out. So my answer is a definite NO! Don't waste your money and potentially jeopardize your health taking meds. you never know what damage they may cause to another system down the road. Do it the old fashioned way. And the moment you go off them you may fall into the same pattern of overeating and gain it right back.

SLLRunner · May 2014

First off, you don't need any "help" such as pills to lose weight. You said it yourself- the fault is on you (no offense intended) for not accurately logging, sporadic weighing of food, and eating a surplus of calories.

The solution is to start logging accurately, weighing all your solid foods and measuring liquids, eat within a calorie goal that includes a deficit.

You want that 40 pounds to come off slowly. It took me about a year to lose 42 pounds, and I'm glad I did it that way.

Also, throw away the pills and get a new doctor. I question any doctor who does not tell you exactly what medication is for before prescribing it, as well as prescribing a seizure medicine for a person who does not have seizures.

Topamax's primary use is to treat seizure disorders. It's off label uses are migraines, mood stabilizer, and an appetite suppressant in overweight/obese patients.

Plenty of medications are used for a variety of purposes. I take Topamax and I don't have seizures. I take it for migraines because it's a miracle drug for them. She doesn't need to find a new doctor just because he gave her a drug that is used to treat multiple conditions. That's silly.

With all due respect, it's not silly..

You are taking Topamax for your migraines, and other people take it for seizures, which are the uses for the drug. However, isn't appetite suppression just one of the side effects? Therefore she was given a drug she does not need for the advantage of the side effect.

How does that make sense?

AtticWindow · May 2014

First off, you don't need any "help" such as pills to lose weight. You said it yourself- the fault is on you (no offense intended) for not accurately logging, sporadic weighing of food, and eating a surplus of calories.

The solution is to start logging accurately, weighing all your solid foods and measuring liquids, eat within a calorie goal that includes a deficit.

You want that 40 pounds to come off slowly. It took me about a year to lose 42 pounds, and I'm glad I did it that way.

Also, throw away the pills and get a new doctor. I question any doctor who does not tell you exactly what medication is for before prescribing it, as well as prescribing a seizure medicine for a person who does not have seizures.

Topamax's primary use is to treat seizure disorders. It's off label uses are migraines, mood stabilizer, and an appetite suppressant in overweight/obese patients.

Plenty of medications are used for a variety of purposes. I take Topamax and I don't have seizures. I take it for migraines because it's a miracle drug for them. She doesn't need to find a new doctor just because he gave her a drug that is used to treat multiple conditions. That's silly.

With all due respect, it's not silly..

You are taking Topamax for your migraines, and other people take it for seizures, which are the uses for the drug. However, isn't appetite suppression just one of the side effects? Therefore she was given a drug she does not need for the advantage of the side effect.

How does that make sense?

There's a chance that could have been an unwise decision on the part of her doctor, definitely, but I would assume (and, true, just assuming here) that since they know more about OP's medical history than we do, they would prescribe what they thought worked best for her health, body chemistry, etc. Maybe the OP also suffers from headaches. Maybe she's on another drug that's causing weight gain (though doubtful, since she doesn't like taking meds). Maybe she also has some kind of mood disorder. Topiramate is a pretty new drug, so it's reasonable to expect it to be used for a variety of symptoms, and just because weight loss isn't a primary aspect of its use now doesn't mean that it won't be a component for a weight loss drug/regimen in the future.

But this is all pharmacology, not answering the OP! OP, if you don't want to take the drug, then don't. If you have more questions, ask your doctor. Get a second opinion, too, if it will make you feel better

svandever101585 · May 2014

I took an appetite suppressant before my wedding 6 years ago. I took a pill that was actually used to quit smoking but they gave it to me for this. (I do not smoke.) It did work and in the first month I lost 12 lbs but then after the first month they were less effective. It was suppressing my appetite too much and I was not eating enough. I ended up coming off of them because these were far more costly and the last month I took them I only lost 4 lbs. I didnt think that was worth the cost of the script. Once I came off I felt like I could not stop eating. If it was insite I was shoving it in my mouth.

Loralrose · May 2014

Would I take them? No. Because I wouldn't take any pill for weight loss, I can lose weight on my own. For me it is not necessary.

However that doesn't mean you shouldn't take them. Sounds like you were fine with it until you found out it was an anti-seizure drug. But many (most?) medications have multiple applications. Often they have very different effects in people with different medical conditions. For example the pills I take for my ADHD have a side effect of helping me sleep. Ironically that drug is also prescribed to people with narcolepsy so they can stay awake.

If you're concerned but still considering it, why not talk to your pharmacist? They can tell you more than the doctor can about potential side effects of a medication.

Therealobi1 · May 2014

Hiyah
i wouldnt take them esp if it has side effects. gosh its hard enough at my doctors to get antibiotics i couldnt imagine mine giving me a pill for weight loss.

You said you lose weight slow and thats ok, just take your time. You already exercise so all you need to do is start logging your food.

If it doesnt feel right dont do it, you can do it without. good luck

GreatDepression · May 2014

Topaxax... if only the appetite suppressing lasts. It actually worked for me for a couple months but then I think my body built up a tolerance and my usual appetite returned. I wouldn't recommend this if want long term weight loss and maintenance.

FirecrackerJess · May 2014

My soon to be ex went to a medical weight loss center. he needed to lose 80- 100lbs. They pumped him full of vitamin B injections and appetite suppressant pills. They also put him on a strict very low carb high protein diet and exercise program. He lost 80 lbs in 4 months. Way too much too quick. As soon as he stopped the diet program he put all the weight right back on. The key is watch what you eat. Load up on fruits and veggies. They are nutrient dense and low calories...and of course exercise. Calories in/calories out. So my answer is a definite NO! Don't waste your money and potentially jeopardize your health taking meds. you never know what damage they may cause to another system down the road. Do it the old fashioned way. And the moment you go off them you may fall into the same pattern of overeating and gain it right back.

It it bad that after I read the first sentence all I could wonder was why your soon to be ex, is a soon to be ex?

As for the pills, I thought of seeing a doctor for some help too, just got health insurance, but hadn't yet. Now I am second guessing. I figured anything prescribed would be better for you than just regular diet pills. Guess maybe not?

Xingy01 · May 2014

I take wellbutrin for depression and one of its side effects is suppressed appetite. It definitely helps. Even if I didn't need it for depression, I wouldn't be opposed to taking an appetite suppressant if the risk was small enough.

Just like bariatric surgery, appetite suppressants are a tool. You still have to work to keep the weight off...it just makes it a little easier to lose the weight.

bkjk997 · May 2014

I would not use medication until I was 100% sure that I had done my absolute best to lose weight by exercising and eating healthier for an extended period, and probably not unless I was obesely overweight.

You probably will not be able to maintain the weight loss once you stop the meds, so I don't see this as a healthy choice. I would also even consider switching doctors to one who is not handing out scripts like candy.

velvet_violence · May 2014

For my body, I am rather med phobic. Mostly because I always react to pills and usually pretty severely. For example, the last time I took cold pills for a virus I ended up with a sinus infection. When I take something for digestive distress I usually end up with the opposite problem for a matter of days. However, I am involved in the mental health field and deal with medication on a daily basis. Not only are my folks taking pills for their psychiatric difficulties, most are or recently have taken other pills with the sole purpose to address side effects.

I will say that there are very often pills which are generally given for a purpose which they are not known for, but work through whatever suppression of brain chemicals or chemistry I don't fully understand. Personally I don't think that makes the script any less legitimate. In fact, when they find that a drug addresses a set of symptoms they didn't originally plan on, in my mind that's less prone to bias and proof of the value of medical studies. I just wish there was more research done on most drugs before docs started actually prescribing them.

bridgie101 · May 2014

Yesterday I had my annual physical. While I am about 40 lbs overweight, I am not in the "obese" category - just overweight, with a BMI of about 29. I expressed to my doctor that I have been struggling with losing weight - I am 63 yrs old, and I lose weight very slowly, and tend to get discouraged. I exercise a lot, but I also know that part of this is because I do have days where I do eat too much. I try to write everything down, but somedays I don't, And, on those days, I do not measure of weigh my food. So I know, deep down, the fault is probably my own!!

But - he wrote me a prescript, told me the pills do not cost that much, and unlike "diet" pills, they will not raise my blood pressure, or have the bad effects that "Diet" pills do. So -- I picked up the pills, thinking, gee, why not! ( The doctor told me I would have those 40 lbs off in no time - the pills would make me just not hungry). So I'm thinking, this is a no-brainer. Why not get the extra help, get those lbs off, and then work hard to keep them off.

Well, I picked up the pills, and saw that they are actually pills to give someone to prevent them from having seizures! One of the side effects, is loss of appetite. The pills did only cost me $11.00, but now, I do not want to take them. I am scared of taking anything like this, much less for something it is not really intended for

I am a person that takes NO medications at all, and scared to take something where its intended use is to prevent seizures. He did tell me I might feel "spaced out" until I get used to them, but after a week I would be fine.

Am I being over cautious, especially since the doctor told me to take them.? I know I could get the weight off faster, but is this what I want or should do?

So today, the pills are unopened. I measured everything, stayed within my calories, and feel good. I drank a lot of water. Yes, I am very hungry, but won't I get used to being hungry, and eventually, the hunger, or what I think is hunger, will go away?

Any words of encouragement, and suggestions? I know so many of you have been so successful. I have a very hard time eating something considered "good", and not feeling like I am off my diet. I know I need to work on this as well.

Oh - the pills are "Topiramate - 25 mg". A very low dose, according to my doc. I trust my doct, been going to him for over 20 yrs, but just scared to take them.

Just wiki'd it.

How does one put this. If there were some vegetable being touted out there as a cure for all these things, some foul legume or root tuber you'd be scoffing it back like a mofo.

amirite?

Go for it. If you don't like it, stop taking it. What's the worst that can happen? you don't get any convulsions?

(PS if you don't want them let me know, I'll pm you and you can post them to me. nudge nudge wink wink saynomore, saynomore. a nod's as good as a wink to a blind man.)

Would you take a appetite supressant from doc?

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