Obesity Support Group

I did some googling and found this:

http://epilepsy.emedtv.com/topamax...

Topamax and Weight Loss: An Overview
Topamax® (topiramate) is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy and to prevent migraine headaches. There are a number of possible side effects of Topamax. Weight loss appears to be one of the most common. For some people, this may be a good thing. Healthcare providers do, on occasion, prescribe Topamax as a weight loss medicine. For a lot of people though, unintended weight loss can be a problem. For example, weight loss can be a problem in growing children.

How Common Is Topamax Weight Loss?
Weight loss is a common side effect of Topamax. In clinical studies, weight loss was reported as a Topamax side effect in up to 16 percent of adults and up to 21 percent of children. Although weight loss may be a desirable side effect for some children and teens, too much weight loss can be a problem for growing bodies.

Using Topamax for Weight Loss
Topamax is not approved as a weight loss medication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, your healthcare provider may prescribe it for weight loss in certain situations. When used for weight loss, the use of the drug is considered "off-label." Off-label is when a prescription medicine is used to treat a disease or condition for which the drug has not been approved by the FDA. Although the FDA regulates how a medication can be advertised or promoted by the manufacturer, these regulations do not restrict a doctor's ability to prescribe the medication for different conditions, in different doses, or for different lengths of time. The practice of prescribing medications for periods of time or for conditions not FDA-approved is known as "off-label" use. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine for off-label use when he or she feels that the medicine is appropriate for your situation.

While off-label uses are very common, you should feel comfortable about asking your doctor if he or she is using a medication or combination of medications in a manner that is not approved by the FDA.

In general, Topamax is not considered a good choice for weight loss treatment due to common side effects, such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating. These side effects can make it difficult to tolerate Topamax. A few studies have shown that the medication is effective for treating obesity (especially in people with type 2 diabetes), but these studies generally concluded that the side effects were not necessarily worth the benefits.
Weight loss is a common side effect of Topamax. In fact, it is such a common side effect that Topamax is sometimes used off-label for this purpose. While Topamax is not approved for this use, there may be a few situations where using the drug for weight loss may be acceptable.

PS to my earlier post: please check on the side effects of Topamax - they include:
In these studies, the most common Topamax side effects in adults included:

Unusual sensations, such as burning or tingling (paresthesias) -- in up to 51 percent of people
Dizziness -- up to 32 percent
Fatigue -- up to 30 percent
Drowsiness -- up to 29 percent
Mental and physical slowing or delays -- up to 21 percent
Nervousness -- up to 19 percent
Upper respiratory infection (such as the common cold) -- up to 18 percent
Coordination problems -- up to 16 percent
Weight loss -- up to 16 percent (see Topamax Weight Loss)
Loss of appetite -- up to 15 percent
Taste changes -- up to 15 percent
Confusion -- up to 14 percent
Difficulty with concentration or attention -- up to 14 percent
Nausea -- up to 14 percent.

Some other common side effects, occurring in 5 to 13 percent of adults, including:

Diarrhea
Memory loss
Anxiety
Language or speech problems
Changes in gait (walking pattern)
Sinus infection or irritation
Injury
Insomnia
Mood problems
Decreased sense of touch
Viral infections
Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
Joint pain
Weakness
Sore throat
Dry mouth
Indigestion
Mood problems
Back pain

I took topamax for awhile to lessen Migraines. It didn't work for that, but I lost about 15 pounds. But with me, it was making me terribly depressed, so I went off of it. I have heard some other people have problems with it, in the depression area. If you decide to try it, monitor your moods, and stay in touch with your doctor.

hi there, I have been on topamax......It was the only time i lost weight.the side effects are most commonly the metallic taste in your mouth. So you drink loads of water and Juice. But give it ago! The metallic taste is worth the weight loss.

I was on topamax once, but I couldn't take it because of the side effects. I really didn't lose any weight but I wasn't on it but a couple of weeks so I don't know how long you have tobe on it to see any results. I wouldn't go on it just to lose weight though because if you ever wanted to get off it, you'd probably gain the weight back. The best way to lose weight is slowly, eat healthy, smaller portions and exercise. I know this is hard as I am having trouble myself but in the long run I know this is the only way.